Pentagon advances space-based missile defence with discriminating space sensor

The Pentagon is progressing towards deploying a new generation of space-based sensors aimed at enhancing the United States' missile defence capabilities.

These sensors, known as Discriminating Space Sensors (DSS), are being developed as part of the broader "Golden Dome" missile defence initiative, with the goal of distinguishing between actual missile threats and decoys or debris in space.

Lieutenant General Heath Collins, head of the Missile Defence Agency, confirmed the development of DSS during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on May 13, 2025.

He stated, "We’re working on prototyping space sensor capabilities, in particular, Discriminating Space Sensor (DSS), to help improve ballistic missile defence in the future." The DSS is expected to complement existing systems like the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS), which has already been launched and is operational.

The DSS aims to address limitations of current systems, such as the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), which, while effective in detecting missile launches, sometimes struggles to differentiate between real warheads and countermeasures. By providing more precise tracking and identification, DSS will enable more effective interception of missile threats.

The Missile Defence Agency plans to prototype the DSS and anticipates launching the first operational satellites by 2029.

By Tamilla Hasanova