The GBR-P tracked the satellite for 350 seconds, demonstrating the ability of the system to gather data for radar calibration and providing initial verification of the system's critical electro-mechanical scan technology. Tracking of the satellite was deliberately terminated after reaching range safety limits. The radar uses technology and hardware developed by Raytheon Systems Company on the Ground Based Radar program.

The Raytheon GBR-P will provide precision track of threats as well as discrimination and classification of exo-atmospheric objects. The GBR-P program, which has been underway since 1995, is managed by the US Army GBR Program Office in Huntsville, Ala. Initial testing is scheduled for completion in 1999.

Raytheon Systems Company, part of the Boeing Lead System Integrator Team for National Missile Defense (NMD), plans to use the GBR-P as a building block in the development of the radar required for NMD. The ground-based radar will be integrated with space-based sensors to provide a total sensor solution for the NMD system. The NMD Program is currently in a three-year development phase, with a deployment decision possible in 2000. If deployed, based upon the potential ballistic missile threat to the United States, Raytheon, potentially, could receive contracts worth several hundred million dollars.

Next year the GBR-P will serve as a key test asset in the NMD Integrated System Tests, which will also include Command and Control, booster, and Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle elements.