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Working with NNSA and the US Air Force, a joint Sandia/Los Alamos team developed and launched several satellite payloads supporting the nation’s capability to monitor nuclear explosions from space. Included this year were the launches of the final Defense Support Program (DSP-23) payload (see photo at left) and two payloads on GPS IIR satellites, and the delivery of three payloads for GPS IIF. These programs have involved hundreds of Sandians since their inception more than three decades ago and further expand the global detection network serving the nations present and future defense needs. (5700, 5500, 5300, 2600, 1700) DS&A
Two new satellite ground data processing systems were delivered to the Air Force and began operations this year. The Radiation Detection Capability Data Processor receives sensor data from the constellation of Defense Support Program satellites. The Ground Nuclear Detonation Detection System Terminal is a mobile system that receives sensor data from GPS satellites. Both systems use the latest computer, algorithm, and software technology to generate nuclear detonation reports in near real-time. These systems were developed and delivered on time and within budget. (5700, 5500, 2600) DS&A
Sandia has taken delivery of the first flight mechanisms -- a filter wheel and secondary mirror actuator -- for a space telescope project in the Advanced Systems program area. This represents the first deliverable in an 18-month production effort between Sandia and Moog Inc. The filter wheel mechanisms are installed within the optics path and provide rotary actuation to insert optical filters into the path. The secondary mirror actuator is designed to linearly actuate a mirror for precision focal adjustments. (2600, 5500, 5700) DS&A
The Joint Chiefs of Staff has mandated that the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) be used in all military Global Positioning System (GPS) applications. Sandia has developed a single-chip version of the key data processor (KDP), the government-owned portion of SAASM that provides next-generation cryptography and enhanced security. The KDP-III hard macro cell is available in the IBM 130 nm Trusted Foundry process for integration into single-chip SAASMs. The secure, dual-processor KDP-III system can host a variety of encrypted application software packages and thus could benefit a number of security applications. (1700, 2600, 5600, 12300) DS&A
In December 2006 a Sandia team partnered with the New York Air National Guard (NYANG) to perform a number of successful tests using a Twin Otter aircraft. The tests clearly demonstrated the ability of Sandia’s miniSAR (mini synthetic aperture radar) to detect buried crevasses in Antarctica that make landing on the snow and ice difficult. In FY08 Sandia plans preproduction miniSAR testing on an LC130 aircraft scheduled to deploy by mid-October 2008. (5300) DS&A