US Space Force to Operate New Ground Moving Target Indicator Constellation

Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt, deputy chief of space operations, has revealed that the U.S. Space Force will serve as the lead operator of a fleet of ground object-tracking satellites intended to provide the leadership with persistent video-like surveillance capabilities.

Speaking at an Air & Space Forces Association event on Tuesday, she explained that Space Force guardians will direct the Ground Moving Target Indicator network’s sensors based on combatant commander requests, SpaceNews reported.

Burt noted that the military chain of command will oversee GMTI to ensure it meets Joint Chiefs of Staff-approved priorities.

The Space Force’s five-year spending plan through 2028 is seeking roughly $1.2 billion for the constellation. DOD budget documents argue that GMTI is essential to the Department of the Air Force’s operational imperative of engaging moving targets at scale in highly contested environments.

The service branch is partnering with the National Reconnaissance Office to develop GMTI, which is expected to provide capabilities similar to the U.S. Air Force’s Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. The Air Force discontinued JSTARS after deeming it as vulnerable in modern warfare scenarios.

According to Burt, space sensors could take the place of aircraft in surveillance missions due to anti-aircraft threats.