SBIRS: A Key to U.S. Space Security and Global Stability
The U.S. Space Force, the newest and smallest branch of the U.S. military, has a daunting mission: to protect and defend the nation’s interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. One of the most critical systems that the Space Force operates and maintains is the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), a constellation of satellites that can detect and track missile launches around the world. In this opinion piece, I will argue that SBIRS is a vital and complex system that provides multiple benefits to the U.S. and its allies, but also faces significant challenges from adversaries and requires constant modernization and coordination.
The Benefits of SBIRS
SBIRS is a system of six satellites in geosynchronous orbit and two in highly elliptical orbit, as well as ground stations and processing centers. The satellites have infrared sensors that can detect the heat signature of a missile plume, and send the data to the ground stations, where analysts can determine the type, location, trajectory and impact point of the missile. SBIRS can provide early warning and tactical support to U.S. and allied forces, as well as strategic deterrence and missile defense capabilities.
SBIRS has been credited with saving American lives at bases in the Middle East in the past, such as the Al Asad air base in Iraq, where Iranian forces launched a ballistic missile attack in 2020. SBIRS detected the launch and alerted the U.S. Central Command, which enabled the base to take protective measures and minimize casualties. SBIRS is also likely proving to be a critical technology today, as Iran-backed forces launch a barrage of attacks against American service members in the region, such as the Al Tanf base in Syria, where rockets were fired earlier this month.
SBIRS is part of the broader military space capabilities that are critical for U.S. troops in the Middle East and around the world, such as GPS, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. These capabilities enable the U.S. to maintain situational awareness, conduct precision strikes, coordinate operations, and support humanitarian missions. SBIRS also contributes to global stability by providing transparency and confidence-building measures, such as verifying arms control treaties and sharing data with international partners.
The Challenges of SBIRS
However, SBIRS is not without challenges. The system faces threats from adversaries such as Russia and China, who are developing anti-satellite weapons and counter-space capabilities that could threaten the U.S. space assets. These include kinetic and non-kinetic means, such as direct-ascent missiles, co-orbital satellites, lasers, jammers, and cyberattacks. SBIRS satellites are especially vulnerable, as they operate in predictable orbits and emit detectable signals. Moreover, SBIRS relies on a complex and aging ground infrastructure that could be disrupted or degraded by natural or man-made hazards.
To address these challenges, SBIRS is undergoing a modernization process, with a new generation of satellites called Next-Gen OPIR (Overhead Persistent Infrared) that will have improved performance, resilience and flexibility. The Next-Gen OPIR satellites will have more powerful sensors, faster processing, and greater survivability. They will also be able to communicate with other satellites and platforms, such as the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer, which will provide a secure and resilient network for data transmission and dissemination. The Next-Gen OPIR satellites are expected to be launched in the mid-2020s, and will complement and eventually replace the current SBIRS satellites.
The Coordination of SBIRS
Finally, SBIRS is a vital and complex system that requires coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders, such as the Space Force, the Air Force, the Missile Defense Agency, the intelligence community, the combatant commands, the allies and the industry partners. Each stakeholder has different roles and responsibilities, as well as different needs and expectations, for the SBIRS system. For example, the Space Force is responsible for operating and maintaining the SBIRS satellites and ground stations, the Air Force is responsible for acquiring and developing the SBIRS satellites and payloads, the Missile Defense Agency is responsible for integrating and testing the SBIRS data for missile defense purposes, the intelligence community is responsible for analyzing and disseminating the SBIRS data for intelligence purposes, the combatant commands are responsible for using the SBIRS data for operational purposes, the allies are responsible for sharing and receiving the SBIRS data for cooperative purposes, and the industry partners are responsible for designing and producing the SBIRS components and services.
Conclusion
SBIRS is a key to U.S. space security and global stability. It is a vital and complex system that provides multiple benefits to the U.S. and its allies, but also faces significant challenges from adversaries and requires constant modernization and coordination. The Space Force, as the newest and smallest branch of the U.S. military, has a daunting mission: to protect and defend the nation’s interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. SBIRS is one of the most critical systems that the Space Force operates and maintains, and one of the most challenging ones as well.
