Date of Award

3-2-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Space Systems

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alan R. Heminger, PhD

Abstract

Information systems (IS) have evolved over the last 50 plus years from individual components with single functionality to grand architectures that integrate multiple individual business functions into global organizational enterprises. Similarly several military systems with the single mission of missile defense have evolved in service stovepipes, and are now being integrated into a national and global missile defense architecture. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is currently tasked with developing an integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) capable of defending against all ranges of ballistic missiles in all phases of flight in defense of the homeland, our deployed forces, and our allies. While this initiative has been proceeding since before Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, the full momentum has only recently been achieved through the withdrawal of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and demonstrated threats from North Korea and Iran. This study draws parallels between the evolution of IS and the BMDS. Further it compiles information management (IM) principles, investigates if they apply to the BMDS, and investigates if they can be used to achieve a better integrated system. Initial indications are that IM principles do apply, but it is questionable if they are being applied.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSS-ENV-07-M2

DTIC Accession Number

ADA467407

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