spaced based infra red system
...s scrapped and replaced by a more effective program (Space History Division, 1999). The project that replaced the MIDAS is the current system, DSP – Defence Support Program. This project was first launched in 1970 and is still in use today by the military. There is a classified number of satellites at an altitude of over 22 000 miles that detect any heat producing missile or booster plume (Air Force Association, 2000). This system is much more advanced than the previous MIDAS program. However, the DSP is currently being replaced by a new system. The new system is called Space Based Infrared System or SBIRS. This is a much more advanced system than the previous systems. It is composed of 27 low orbit (LEO) and 6 high orbit (4 GEO and 2 HEO) satellites and three spares (Air Force Association, 2000). This system is termed a system of systems that will integrate not only the low and high satellites, but also many ground and air technologies. The satellites’ orbits are spaced evenly enough to cover the entire earth’s surface for fast detection of missiles or jet engines. This system can also map terrain, map weather systems, and detect troops -- it can even detect non jet-engine heat. The greatest advantage of the low flying satellites is greater accuracy in tracking missiles and planes (Gilbert, 2001). This technology is so effective because it can sense heat the instant it is launched and track its movement and speed. This information can then be used to determine whether or not the heat source is a threat. This technology can also be used to “scope out” a battlefield. The best part of the system is that it is relatively safe, meaning that human life is not put at risk by air recognisance. Even the satellites are relatively untouchable by conventional methods. The uses of this technology for fighting terrorism are endless. Some of the main uses of this technology are the detection of missile or fighter jet launches which can be tracked and then terminated. Infrared can also detect the base camps, camouflaged troops/installations, or large movements of ground machinery such as tanks. This technology can produce up-to-date weather and surface recognisance for safer travel of U.S. ground troops before attacks. The use of satellite technology is ...