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HomeProgram Executive OfficesSpace Sensing

SPACE SENSING

Space Sensing is the Space Systems Command Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on delivering missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities that are resilient to emerging threats of aggression, in an increasingly contested space environment. Space Sensing is also responsible for building resilience into environmental monitoring, as well as tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.



Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) technology, in development, will deliver resiliency in the face of emerging threats to missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities. It will eventually replace the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit.
 

Space-based missile warning is a foundational capability of the United States Space Force: It is our unblinking eye with the singular purpose of detecting and tracking missile activity across the globe


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Space Sensing was established to accelerate the pace of innovation, in response to emerging threats such as hypersonic weapons that put our missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities at risk. Areas of focus include disaggregating missile warning satellite systems for greater resiliency, advancing sensor-to-shooter capabilities through more sensitive infrared sensor technology, strengthening resiliency with next-generation overhead persistent infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) technology, modernizing missile warning ground systems, and integrating digital automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to assess and evaluate the ability of various sensor designs to meet missile tracking requirements.

Innovation in environmental monitoring and persistent tactical surveillance also falls under the Space Sensing PEO. Areas of focus include building resiliency by spreading capabilities across more satellites, advancing terrestrial weather monitoring capabilities to better inform warfighters of theater conditions, and enhancing space situational awareness and environmental monitoring capabilities to track the impact of space weather on communication, navigation, and monitoring systems.
For more information and to get involved, contact SSCFrontDoor@spaceforce.mil

PREVAIL AGAINST THE THREAT

The speed and determination of our adversaries compels us to fundamentally change how we deliver space power. Each of us should understand the threats (both the ones our systems target as well as the ones that target our systems) with sufficient depth to exploit them as part of our day-to-day jobs. 


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LEAD END-TO-END MISSION INTEGRATION

Success hinges on how well we deliver to a unified and resilient architecture in collaboration with interagency, industry, and international partners. Leading integration is a core competency that each and every one of us must be proficient in, across all levels and all functions, and both internal and external to our organization. 
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DRIVE RADICAL WARFIGHTER FOCUS

It is our responsibility to deliver world class systems that can be leveraged to their fullest. We must forge strong working level relationships with our operational counterparts to understand their needs and limitations and find realistic solutions to operational challenges by incorporating feedback early and often. 
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CULTIVATE A MODERN, DIGITAL, WORLD CLASS WORKFORCE

Mission success starts and ends with people. Each one of us must be dedicated to building a Space Sensing culture that celebrates personal and professional growth, diversity of thought, and technological-fluency. 



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