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MASINT

Measurement & Signature Intelligence
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A surface level look into a misunderstood intelligence discipline

MASINT

What is MASINT?

MASINT, or Measurement and Signature Intelligence, is an intelligence discipline built on

capturing and measuring the intrinsic characteristics and components of an object or activity.

These characteristics allow the object or activity to be detected, identified, or characterized

every time it is encountered. If the ‘target’ vibrates, makes a sound, leaves a trace, or gets hot

or cold, it could have an exploitable signature. MASINT measures the way things are and how

they actually perform. Due to the highly technical and scientific means used to develop

MASINT signatures, it became known as the “INT’ of science.

Why is MASINT important?

MASINT information advances our understanding of the object or activity and allows us to

assess the uses and capabilities that the object or activity provides to a potential adversary.

This vital information allows us to develop or adapt our abilities to defend against, defeat, or

otherwise overcome any use of the object or activity that is harmful to the interests of our

nation, allies, and partners.

What are MASINT strengths?

MASINT’s focus on scientific measurement of the quantitative and qualitative information

inherent to the object or activity makes MASINT difficult to deceive. MASINT processing

methods often can enhance data collected through other disciplines providing additional

insights and understanding.
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Vs

Signature:

A unique set of characteristics that differentiate

one item or event from another.

Street Bike V. Beach Cruiser

If these objects are new to you, how would you tell them apart?

Simple observation might indicate they are the same thing... both have

a frame and two wheels forming a mode of conveyance. But when

their intrinsic characteristics (noise, weight, speed, heat) are measured,

they start to become different with potentially different uses!

- Cruising vs Racing/commuting

- Rough terrain vs. smooth streets

What's Unique?

2. Speed: - The large build of the beach cruiser is designed to “cruise”

around, making their design slower than street bikes

- The gears and light weight of the street bike give the bike

an ability to move more quickly

1. Noise: - The beach cruiser has wider wheels & no gears, resulting

in more contact on the pavement while moving, this

makes a “humming” noise when passing by.

- The street bike has thin wheels and many gears giving off a

clicking noise when passing by.

3. Weight: - Beach cruisers are designed to ride on sand, requiring wider

wheels and an overall bigger design, thus weighing more.

- Street bikes were designed to be ergonomically efficient; fitting

in tighter spaces and light enough to carry around, usually making

them lighter than beach cruisers.

4. Heat: - The wheels of each bike have different diameters, and therefore

have different revolutions per minute and exert different

amounts of heat while going the same speed.

Some factors to

“Measure” a signature

Example: Although all DNA is composed of the same

nitrogen-based molecules, each organism’s

DNA is unique – producing an exceedingly

exclusive signature that allows identification

between organisms (a human or animal).

In MASINT, a measurement measures the intrinsic

characteristics of the object or activity to better

describe it using features such as an object’s

motion, speed, direction, and location.

infrared

Measurement:
A structure to organize the broad range of MASINT capabilities

that stretch across the full range of scientific disciplines.

What are MASINT Sub-Disciplines?

The collection of physical phenomena

of the Earth; energy and disturbances

that affect the ionosphere, atmosphere,

oceans, solid surface, crust and even

regions deep beneath the Earth’s crust.

The active or passive collection of

electromagnetic energy reflected

from a target. Radar data

collection provides information

on radar cross sections- tracking,

precise measurements of

components’ size, shape, & motion

characteristics for targets & objects.

The measuring of electromagnetic

radiation across frequencies

(not including infrared). These

targets are usually unintentional

byproducts of an event such as

unintentional radiation from

engines, weapon systems, &

electronics.

Geophysical

Radar

Radio Frequency

Electro-Optical (EO)

The collection of reflected or emitted

energy across the optical portion

(ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared,

and infrared) of the electromagnetic

spectrum.

Materials

The collection of air, water, or solid

material from or near a target

location. The samples are analyzed

for isotopic, chemical, or biological

Signatures.

Nuclear Radiation

The detection, identification, &

characterization of nuclear sources

and events. Space-based nuclear

sensors monitor X-rays, gamma rays,

& neutrons. Ground-based nuclear

sensors monitor the movement of

materials by tracing the radiation

emissions.

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Electro-Optical (EO)

MASINt

These sensors collect data derived

from reflected or emitted energy

across the optical portion (ultraviolet,

visible, near-infrared, and infrared) of

the electromagnetic spectrum. Data is

collected by a variety of optically

sensitive devices, such as

radiometers, spectrometers, nonimaging systems, lasers, and fiber

optics.

Three main categories of EO Sensors:

Spectral, Infrared (IR), and Laser.

Spectral sensors measure the frequency/

wavelengths of radiation associated with

specific targets or events. This collection is

based upon interactions of radiant energy

through processes of scattering, absorption,

reflection and emission.

IR sensors measure the changes in light waves

and convert them into electromagnetic signals.

These sensors can be used to track and

characterize reentry vehicles flown on ballistic

missile flight tests and Nuclear Detonations

(NUDETs).

Laser collection is a form of technical

intelligence defined as the interception,

processing and analysis of optical radiation to

evaluate the technical characteristics and

performance of the laser and its associated

systems.

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Materials MASINT

Collection

Collected samples include air, water,

or solid material from a

target location. These samples

are analyzed for isotopic, chemical

or biological signatures.

Although nuclear materials are difficult to obtain, chemical and biological materials are inexpensive

to produce and easy to hide and disseminate. Both state and non-state entities pose a threat.

A single attack could cause heavy physical, psychological, and economic damage to

the United States and its interests.

Materials MASINTcollection and analysisisessential.

Processing analysis

Samples are processed to determine

isotopic, chemical or biological signatures.

For advanced materials, this sub-discipline

explores ceramics, composites, organics,

metallic materials, smart materials,

and special materials for armor,

weapon, and vehicle applications.

Samples are analyzed for potential

energy, clinical or biomedical

applications. Material agents pose unique

challenges for confirmatory analysis and

conclusive attribution to their point of origin

when found in the environment.

The physical collection, processing, & scientific analysis of

gas, liquid, or solid samples

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Nuclear MASINT

The active or passive detection, collection, and measurement of gamma

rays, neutrons, x-rays, or other radiation phenomena from nuclear sources.

Sensors that detect nuclear radiation include

devices onboard overhead satellites, hand-held

radiation sensors used by customs agents at

our borders, and the emplaced sensors

attempting to detect and identify the transfer of

nuclear materials or weapons.

The detonation of the Soviet Union’s first atomic

bomb in 1949 highlighted the need for the

United States to develop a method to detect

nuclear weapons tests worldwide.

Target materials for collection include uranium and

plutonium isotopes used in nuclear weapons.

Additionally, radioactive material such as gamma rays

are emitted and can be measured. Some targeted

materials have industrial or medical applications.

Nuclear weapons are developed to cause massive

destruction with overpressure and radiation.

Although lethal and destructive, the main effects of

these weapons are panic, and the economic impact

of quarantine and clean-up.

The closest near-real-time method of detection,

location, and characterization depends on where the

event took place, and what medium the event occurs

in. Detection of the optical flash associated with a

nuclear detonation can also be accomplished from

space.
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How can you tell the difference

Between natural vibrations & events?

Geophysics! It is able to distinguish targets

of interest that are buried in the background

broadcast of the Earth.

Thisform ofMASINT

helpsusunderstand vitalinformation

And detailed signaturesofthreatsubmarine

platforms,signaturesfromoperation

ofsubmarine-launched ballisticmissile

systems, and other sea-launchedweapons.

when used operationallyGeophysicalMASINT

aidsthe detection,classification, and surveillance

ofmissiles,submarines,surfaceships,ground vehicles,

And aircraft.Geophysicscan also beusefulIn the

assessmentofthreats. For example, geophysical

Sensors can provide indications and warning of

Troop and vehicle movements or nuclear explosions.

MASINTLooksfor... Which could be an...

GEOPHYSICAL MASINT

thecollection,processing, and exploitation of

disturbancesthat affecttheionosphere,oceans

and firmamentoftheEarth.

-pressure waves

-vibrations

-magnetic fields

-electric fields

-ionospheric disturbances

-gravitational perturbations

-earthquake

-explosion

-vehicle

-ship

-submarine

-aircraft

-underground facilities

construction activity
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Radar MASINT

Direct-

(Line of Sight)

Indirect-

(Bistatic)

1. 2. 3.

Over-the-Horizon Radar

provides a direct linear

view to the target

Separate Transmitter & Receiver

A system for detecting the direction, distance, and speed of an object by

sending out pulses of high frequency waves that are reflected off the object

and back to the source. RADAR systems can be used to determine missile

threats and protect our troops from attacks. RADAR measurements can be

made using direct, over the horizon, or indirect energy data reflections.

(Ionosphere)

(Transmit)
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Radiofrequency MASINT

RF MASINT sources include nuclear and simulated nuclear

electromagnetic pulse (EMP), intentionally radiated and collateral

signals from Radio Frequency Weapons (RFW), and Unintentionally

Radiated Emissions (URE) from diverse mechanical and electronic

sources.

Radio frequency weapons (RFW) systems use electromagnetic

energy to disable electronic systems. RFW produce short, intense,

directed pulses of electromagnetic energy that upset or damage

targeted electronics. RFW can target a wide variety of electronic

components, including those found in: aircraft, munitions satellites,

air defense systems, or command, control, communications,

computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR)

electronics.

RF MASINT can be used to detect, locate, identify, characterize, and

target threats. A primary objective of RF MASINT collection is to

diagnose the technical parameters of a target device for the purposes

of determining its power levels, operating characteristics, and

signatures. MASINT exploitation results of RF Weapon Systems can

enable development of countermeasures and provide assessments of

adversary developments in advanced weapon technologies.

The collection, processing, and exploitation of electromagnetic radiation at

frequencies from nearly zero up through TeraHertz (THz)
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energy&IntelligenceApplications

Processingfor Purpose

SIGINT & MASINT

GEOINT & MASINT

SIGINT, or Signals Intelligence, is intelligence derived from

energy such as Radio Frequency (RF) related to

communications systems. When processed through SIGINT

methods the energy is used to produce communications.

When this energy is processed through MASINT methods, it

is used to understand RF signatures related to weapons

systems. Again, energy sources are the same, but the

outcome is different.

GEOINT, or Geospatial Intelligence, is intelligence

derived from energy such as Synthetic Aperture Radar

(SAR). When processed through GEOINT methods, the

energy is used to create imagery intelligence. When

processed through MASINT methods, the energy is used

to produce signatures. Energy sources are the same, but

the outcome is different.

Energy is the most critical requirement for the body. So critical

that we won’t survive a minute without it.

When we eat, our body processes food into Adenosine

Triphosphate (ATP), commonly known as the “energy” molecule.

It is produced by biological oxidation of food in the presence

of oxygen. Once food is converted into ATP, our body delivers it to

the essential systems to be processed for their unique functions.

This process is very similar to how energy sources are used for

different intelligence disciplines.
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MASINT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE

MASINT provides information to a variety of customers to: support military

operations, provide decision makers with knowledge to make informed judgments,

verify treaties, defeat terrorism, prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction

(WMD), and counter threats worldwide. MASINT provides critical support to military,

national, and civil users.

The precise threat characteristics and performance information collected and

produced by MASINT are essential to policymakers, warfighters, and homeland

security analysts. MASINT supports the planning, development, and application of

weapons systems, countermeasures, tactics, targeting, and battle damage assessments.

Policy makers depend upon precise information to assess the impacts of proliferating

WMD technologies to confidently monitor treaties and arms control agreements,

to protect our homeland, and to thwart acts of terrorism.
MASINT systems provide the warfighter with unique information on objects or targets that are not available from other sources. All

objects inherently possess or produce observable, detectable and measurable characteristics; such as material composition, heat,

sound, vibration, radiation and radar reflective strength. These characteristics can be exploited to identify information about the

target. Some capabilities, like airborne and underwater acoustic systems, have been in operational use since before World War II.

Ground acoustic systems can locate enemy fire. Unattended acoustic, magnetic, and seismic ground sensors can identify enemy

vehicle movements. RF ground sensors can detect vehicle types. Biological and chemical sensors can detect the presence of

Biological Weapon(BW) and Chemical Weapon (CW) agents. Radar can provide information concerning missile launches. WMD

sensors provide the the warfighter the ability to respond to and prevent WMD related catastrophes.

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MASINT & THE WARFIGHTER