Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor including an optical fiber probe that transmits an optical pulse generated during impact with an object, a spectroscopic analyzer that receives the optical pulse and produces spectral information about the optical pulse, a connecting optical fiber configured to convey the optical pulse between the optical fiber probe and the spectroscopic analyzer, and at least one processor coupled to the spectroscopic analyzer and configured to receive and analyze the spectral information to determine at least one chemical element or compound contained in the object.

Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor including an optical fiber probe that transmits an optical pulse generated during impact with an object, a spectroscopic analyzer that receives the optical pulse and produces spectral information about the optical pulse, a connecting optical fiber configured to convey the optical pulse between the optical fiber probe and the spectroscopic analyzer, and at least one processor coupled to the spectroscopic analyzer and configured to receive and analyze the spectral information to determine at least one chemical element or compound contained in the object.

Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor is configured to probe a mass of material consumed upon impact with an object. The probe can extract density and thickness characteristics of the impacted object, which can be used to classify the object.

Abstract: Multiple LRSWs are launched to place at least one follower LRSW in a trailing position to at least one lead LRSW in a lead wave. Knowledge of the target space and particularly the primary target gained by the lead LRSWs is transmitted to the follower LRSWs (either directly or via another communication platform such as a satellite or UAV) and incorporated by the follower LRSWs to inform target selection. The follower LRSWs in the following wave trail the lead LRSWs in the lead wave with sufficient spacing in time and distance to inform target selection and with range remaining to maneuver to the selected target. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower LRSW (together with any data acquired the initial follower LRSW) and so forth in a “string” of LRSWs to inform target selection and maneuver the LRSWs to the primary target or an alternate target.

Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor is configured to probe a mass of material consumed upon impact with an object. The probe can extract density and thickness characteristics of the impacted object, which can be used to classify the object.

Abstract: A KV-based missile defense system and method of strategic engagement provides performance improvement for both singleton and raid scenarios by launching multiple interceptors that place a follower KV in a trailing position with respect to a lead KV. Knowledge of the target cloud gained by the lead KV is transmitted to the follower KV and incorporated to inform the target selection of the follower KV. The follower KV trails the lead KV with sufficient spacing in time and distance to select a target and maneuver to engage the target pre-acquisition. This also allows the follower KV to receive and incorporate knowledge of target impact by the lead KV. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower KV and so forth in a “string” of KVs to inform target selection and down to the ground to inform strategic engagement. Updated non-KV observational data can be uplinked and transmitted forward along the string to the lead KV.