US urged to consider more than just inexpensive low-earth satellites for missile warning, new report finds

A new report from CSIS suggests that the U.S. should broaden its missile-defense strategy by adding a variety of sensors, including drones, aircraft, and higher-orbit satellites. Despite the launch of several constellations, hypersonic weapons remain difficult to track, especially across large bodies of water such as the South China Sea. The challenge lies in the fact that hypersonic weapons are smaller than the pixels used to image them. Additionally, putting too many satellites in low-earth orbit means an increased risk of space debris. The Space Development Agency is working on overcoming coverage gaps. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes $225 million to accelerate the Glide Phase Interceptor program to shoot down hypersonic missiles. There is growing congressional interest in new tactics and tools to counter hypersonic threats.