Which ground-based space system has missile warning as its primary mission?

• A. The Solid State Phased Array Radar System (SSPARS)
• B. The Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) system.
• C. The phased-array radar system at Eglin AFB, Florida.
• D. The Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS) site

Answer: (A)

Missile warning requires a ground-based system that can rapidly scan wide portions of the sky and track multiple objects with high refresh rates to detect launches as early as possible. The Solid State Phased Array Radar System is designed specifically for this role, using a fast, electronically steered radar that can cover large areas and provide timely detection and tracking data to warning centers. That focus on rapid, broad-area alerting is why it is the best fit for a primary missile-warning mission.

GeODSS relies on electro-optical telescopes for deep-space surveillance, which is about finding and tracking distant objects in space rather than providing immediate missile launch alerts. The Maui Space Surveillance System also concentrates on space surveillance and tracking of satellites and orbital debris, not on missile warning. The phased-array radar at Eglin AFB is used for other space surveillance and radar testing activities, not designated primarily for missile warning.