"Military operational testers recently conducted the first operational test in 20 years of the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) that communicates with the Air Force's space-based infrared satellites (SBIRS)," the release stated on Thursday. "The system that underwent the recent testing was a new version of the system."
The new JTAGS system provides real time alert information to forces on the ground to facilitate force protection efforts, defense, and attack operations, the release explained.
SBIRS, is an orbiting network of satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), payloads in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), and flexible ground processing and control systems that provide a continuous view of the Earth’s surface.
Five JTAGS are deployed worldwide as part of the US Strategic Command’s Tactical Event System. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Soldiers operate JTAGS to provide 24/7 support to theater operations.
