AN/MPS-39 support of U.S. space launch activities

Abstract

Until 1991 all precision radar tracking at the two major U.S. space launch ranges (Cape Canaveral, FL and Vandenberg AFB, CA) was performed by dish antenna single target trackers. The introduction of the AN/MPS-39 multiple object tracking radar (MOTR) at these launch facilities has expanded the tracking and mission characterization capabilities at these facilities. MOTR is a phased array instrumentation radar that can simultaneously track up to ten objects within a 60 degree cone. The paper describes some of the MOTR data products and applications employed in support of U.S. space launches, including those used to support investigation of two space launch mishaps that occurred in 1993, a Titan IV exploding in flight and Landsat 6 failing to achieve orbit.