Senior Officials Discuss Ongoing Demonstrations and Future Capabilities
The U.S. Space Force is actively partnering with the Air Force and U.S. Northern Command to explore the potential of space-based sensors for tracking airborne targets, including possible integration with existing Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) systems on crewed aircraft. A senior Space Force official indicated that several demonstration activities are underway, though specific details remain classified.
Demonstration Activities and Data Collection Underway
Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy for strategy and requirements at the Space Force, told the Mitchell Institute that current efforts are focused on collecting engineering data to assess how well satellite-based AMTI capabilities perform and how they might complement existing systems operated by the Navy and Air Force.
“There are some demonstration activities going on,” Bratton said, but he declined to disclose specifics. “We’re waiting to gather data and understand: ‘Hey, how good is this capability from space? How is it compatible with the existing AMTI capabilities that the Navy and the Air Force fly?’”
The vision is that satellites with onboard AMTI sensors could provide precise tracking of airborne objects, transmitting real-time targeting data to missile systems, ships, aircraft, and ground units—potentially revolutionizing battlefield awareness.
Current Developments and Satellite Testing
The existence of prototype satellites capable of testing space-based AMTI was first revealed by General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORTHCOM and NORAD, during a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing. Guillot mentioned these prototypes in response to questions about sensor systems that could support President Trump’s homeland missile defense concept, called Golden Dome.
While official sources declined to provide specifics about the satellites, officials confirmed ongoing research and exploration of commercial and government projects in this domain. “There are a number of companies exploring AMTI technology,” a NORTHCOM spokesperson stated, adding that no contracts or system selections have been finalized.
Strategic Context and Legislative Support
The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) empowers the Secretary of the Air Force to develop and deploy space-based ground and airborne moving target indicator systems. It also established a cross-service Moving Target Indication (MTI) Working Group to coordinate efforts.
Previously, senior Space Force leaders, including Gen. Michael Guetlein, have indicated that space-based AMTI capabilities could start to be operational in the early 2030s. However, given the current early-stage development, these timelines remain uncertain.
Existing Airborne Sensing Platforms and Their Future
The Air Force relies primarily on aging E-3 Sentry aircraft for AMTI and command-and-control operations but is transitioning to Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, with a recent $2.6 billion contract to acquire the new platform. Meanwhile, the Navy deploys E-2D Hawkeyes with advanced sensor suites for airborne early warning and command functions.
However, doubts are emerging about whether satellites will fully replace or supplement airborne systems. During a recent House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin emphasized the importance of retaining both sensing and command capabilities provided by platforms like the E-7.
Balancing Space and Airborne Capabilities
Gen. Saltzman of the Space Force noted that while space offers significant advantages, especially in contested environments, it cannot entirely supplant traditional aircraft in providing a full spectrum of military operations. “A mix of capabilities to cover full spectrum operations is the ideal,” he said, highlighting the necessity of integrated, multi-domain sensing solutions for future battlefield dominance.
Outlook and Implications
While the technology remains at an experimental stage, the push toward integrating space-based sensors with existing systems reflects the military’s broader strategy to enhance situational awareness and operational resilience. As the demonstrations continue and data accumulates, decision-makers will determine the role that space-based tracking will play in future combat scenarios.
