SUMMARY: SSC’s System Delta 810, Space-Based Sensing & Targeting, has completed a successful Critical Design Review for the Muon Space FireSat-S mission, advancing dual-use environmental monitoring capabilities.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) has completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the FireSat-S prototype demonstration supporting the System Delta 810 Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) program. The milestone confirms the design's maturity and clears the way for production of three satellites.
The review confirmed that the FireSat-S design remains on schedule to meet requirements for dual-use, space-based environmental monitoring capabilities. The mission supports two Department of War environmental monitoring priorities: cloud characterization and theater weather imagery both of which are important to operational planning and execution in contested environments.
"This successful CDR demonstrates the value of leveraging commercial capabilities to advance Space Force objectives with greater speed and affordability,” said USSF Lt. Col. Brian Pitman, system program manager. “Our industry partners continue to deliver on an accelerated schedule while meeting the government’s technical reviews standards.”
The CDR included a comprehensive review of the mission and satellite design and supporting analyses, including the spacecraft, its multispectral visible and infrared instrument, and the ground systems. The review confirmed the proposed design can be built, launched, and operated within schedule constraints while meeting performance requirements.
The SBEM program is a key element of SSC's strategy to build a hybrid space architecture that integrates commercial capabilities to expand operation capability and deliver mission relevant environmental monitoring.
“FireSat-S is an important example of the commercial market’s readiness to support the Department of War’s environmental monitoring missions,” Pitman said. “Enabling commercial providers to apply existing capabilities to mission needs helps pave the way for more innovative, cost-effective acquisition approaches at the speed and scale our warfighters require.”
SSC is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations. For more information, visit ssc.spaceforce.mil and follow @USSF-SSC on LinkedIn.
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