MDA Says Space Sensor Prototypes Have Demonstrated Hypersonic Track Capability; Space Force to Operationalize HBTSS
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Summary
Missile Defense Agency director Lieutenant General Collins told the Senate subcommittee that HBTSS/ABTSS prototype satellites have proven timeliness and sensitivity for hypersonic tracking in tests and that Space Force/Space Development Agency tranches will build an operational layer.
WASHINGTON — Lieutenant General Collins, director of the Missile Defense Agency, told a Senate subcommittee that prototype hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensors launched in February of the prior year have demonstrated the track quality and latency needed to close a hypersonic fire‑control loop.
“We have proven out the timeliness latency of the fire control loop with those systems as well as the sensitivity of those systems to close the loop,” Collins said, describing successful prototype tests and planned algorithm updates to improve track quality.
Collins said MDA has worked in parallel with the Space Force and the Space Development Agency and that HBTSS‑like requirements are being incorporated into the proliferated warfighting space architecture. He said follow‑on tranches will build up an operational hypersonic‑tracking layer in the years ahead.
Senators and witnesses agreed that a resilient, proliferated space sensing layer is foundational to future missile defense efforts, especially against maneuverable hypersonic threats. Collins said MDA will continue to prototype discriminating space sensors for ballistic missile defense while the Space Force operationalizes the capability.
The subcommittee did not take formal action on space sensor programs during the hearing.