The Deep STARE system is able to track multiple satellites in the field of view. As the satellites cross the sky, the telescopes take rapid electronic snapshots, showing up on the operator’s console as tiny streaks.
Computers then measure these streaks and use the data to figure the current position of a satellite in its orbit. Star images, which remain fixed, are used as a reference or calibration points for each of the three telescopes.
They are focused on performing their role for the safety and security of the United States.
“Space is the ultimate high ground giving us the ability to communicate over long distances and determining exact locations through the global positioning satellite system,” said Maj. Jay Fulmer, Det. 2 GEODSS commander.
“Many of our servicemen and women serving on the front lines use technology that is greatly enhanced through the use of space. Det. 2, which is a part of a global space surveillance network, ensures the U.S. and our allies the ability to operate unencumbered in the medium of space, allowing our troops direct access to space derived force enhancements,” he said.
Thinking “big” is what these guys do.
“As mankind continues to explore and exploit the realm of space there needs to be some accounting and understanding of the medium,” Bookout said. “Space is a new realm to the human experience.”
We’ve learned much during the last 50 years, but we still have much more to learn,” he noted. “Space surveillance provides critical information on the location of every man-made object in space ensuring our space base assets are protected from potential on-orbit collisions or from adversaries who might try to take away our abilities to operate in space – this guarantees the war fighter access to space derived tools they need to execute their mission.”