The Missile Defense Agency announced Monday that it is transferring operational control of a small experimental satellite known as STSS ATRR to Air Force Space Command. The latter will utilize the satellite for space surveillance, according to MDA’s release. MDA placed this satellite into orbit in May 2009 to evaluate prototype missile tracking technology. The agency said the satellite has been successful in this regard. STSS ATRR stands for Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction. In addition to it, MDA launched two larger STSS satellites into space in September 2009. The agency is using them to track ballistic missiles in tests in order to refine concepts for space-based missile tracking.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
