ICADS allows operators to quickly compare live satellite data with hundreds of event profiles in its event database. Certain atmospheric phenomena — lightning, solar storms, and even pings to a satellite by energetic micrometeorite particles — can cause energy disturbances that register on the satellites’ sensors.
“In some scenarios a nuclear proliferator or terrorist group might detonate a device in a way that makes it difficult to assign blame,” said John Williams, Sandia senior manager for USNDS. In that case, he said, U.S. policy makers would need accurate real-time information about the time, location, yield, and any other evidence available via USNDS in order to determine the appropriate response.
“USNDS may be more important than ever to strategic national security,” said Jerry McDowell, Vice President for Sandia’s Defense Systems and Assessments unit. “The threats are real, and USNDS provides critical global awareness,” he said. “We are proud to support our Air Force customer to address one of the nation’s most important national security problems.” (See DS&A.)
Sandia and other NNSA laboratories have supported USNDS since the early days of the Cold War. Optical, electromagnetic pulse, and Xray sensor payloads now in orbit aboard GPS and DSP satellites were developed and built at the national labs. And Sandia has long played the primary payload integration role for USNDS, ensuring newly developed satellite sensors fit seamlessly with the satellite’s hardware and software.