Number: RS21148
Title: Military Space Programs: Issues Concerning DOD's SBIRS and STSS Programs
Authors: Marcia S. Smith, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Department of Defense's (DOD's) programs to develop new satellites to alert U.S. military commanders to foreign missile launches, and to support missile defense objectives, are controversial because of cost growth and schedule slippage. SBIRSHigh, managed by the Air Force, would replace existing Defense Support Program "early warning" satellites. The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS, formerly SBIRS-Low), managed by the Missile Defense Agency, would perform missile tracking and target discrimination for missile defense objectives. For FY2004, DOD is requesting $617 million for SBIRS-HighRDT&E, $95 million for SBIRS-High procurement (of a backup control station), and $300 million for STSS RDT&E. The House approved the requested funding in the FY2004 DOD authorization bill, while the Senate cut STSS by $15.5 million (H.R. 15881s. 1050). The House approved full funding for both in the FY2004 DOD appropriations bill (H.R. 2658), while the Senate approved SBIRS-High, but cut STSS by $15.5 million.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated January 30, 2006