China launches 24 ballistic missile monitoring satellites?

At 10:58 pm on March 31, China successfully launched the "11-06 Reality" satellite with Changzheng-2C boosters from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the satellite flew into orbit. set a favorable way.

It is known that this is the sixth fruit of the satellite series "Reality-11" . The first fruit named '11-01 Reality' was launched into space on November 12, 2009.

Chinh-2C field is a type of rocket that is researched and developed by China rocket technology research institute, which belongs to China Space Science and Technology Group. This satellite launch is the 189th launch of the Truong Chinh rocket generation.

The 11-06 Practical Satellite is researched and manufactured by Dong Phuong Hong Satellite Limited Company of China Space Science and Technology Group, mainly used to implement scientific and technical experiments. art in space.

A launch of Truong Chinh rocket

According to foreign observers, the 'practical 11' satellite system was launched into orbit by Beijing to monitor global launches of satellites and ballistic missiles, via devices. Infrared sensor that it carries, similar to the US STSS infrared surveillance satellite line.

If this is correct, Beijing will continue to launch more satellites of the same type, forming a global 24-satellite constellation.

The US currently used DSP satellite was originally designed to detect and measure long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are not capable of monitoring short-range ballistic missiles. In addition, DSP can not penetrate through thick clouds, while the ability to filter noise and poor grip.

The ability to integrate, process and share information of the entire DSP system , especially the ground stations is very poor, far from meeting the early warning requirements and ballistic missile defense in the war. modern.

Graphic image of missile defense function of satellite STSS - USA

In order to improve early observation and warning capabilities, the US Department of Defense launched the "Space Infrared System" (SBIRS) program to replace the early warning of missile systems of DSP systems. Later, SBIRS's low orbit satellite system was transferred to the Missile Defense Department and renamed to STSS.

STSS is an infrared surveillance satellite system consisting of 24 small satellites, weighing about 1,000kg, STSS is able to monitor ballistic missiles in the middle section, distinguishing between rockets and decoys. .

Because the warheads, decoys or both of the parent compartments are observed by STSS in the form of points, it will analyze the information, such as spectral characteristics to identify objects and instructions for the system. Target interceptor missiles.