The two space vehicles were tested in their launch configuration, simulating the planned tandem launch on a Delta II launch vehicle that included the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during their launch into orbit. The testing was performed at Northrop Grumman's acoustic test facility in Redondo Beach, California. "This step marks a key milestone in the schedule as the space vehicles progress towards final checkouts in preparation for shipping to the launch site later this year," said Gabe Watson, vice president and STSS program manager for the company's Space Technology sector.
The STSS demonstration satellites will communicate with MDA's Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) via the Missile Defense Space Experimentation Center ground station. These STSS Demonstration satellites will support the BMDS test bed by detecting and tracking missiles in all phases of flight. The test bed will allow the assessment of the STSS system's capabilities and its ability to operate in concert with other parts of a multilayered missile defense architecture.