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Launch Detection Satellites detect an enemy missile launch by sensing the infrared heat signature from the missile plume, and relay this information to command and control to initiate a response. Satellites can only track an enemy missile before it uses up its fuel and its motor turns off.
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Launch Detection Satellites detect an enemy missile launch by sensing the infrared heat signature from the missile plume, and relay this information to command and control to initiate a response. Satellites can only track an enemy missile before it uses up its fuel and its motor turns off.
Missile Tracking Ground and sea-based radar systems continually search for enemy ballistic missiles, detect and track them in real time, and attempt to discriminate genuine warheads from decoys.
Interceptor The interceptor is the missile that carries the kill vehicle and attempts to intercept the missile in mid-flight to destroy it.
Enemy missile launched en route to its target.
Warheads and Decoys Interception is more challenging when the enemy missile deploys multiple warhead decoys, which will travel along the same trajectory as the warhead and appear to be genuine.
Kill Vehicle Employs sophisticated sensors, computing, and an onboard rocket motor to hone in on its target and destroy it using only the force of the collision, which carries a kinetic “punch” equivalent to a 10-ton truck travelling at 600 mph on impact.