Satellite Control Network
Abstract
The Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) mission is to command and control space systems and to distribute space system information in support of DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), and Civil operational and RDT&E missions, and other designated users. The AFSCN is a fielded, globally-distributed infrastructure of control centers, Remote Tracking Stations (RTSs), and communications links that provides unique capability for designated users to deploy and operate their satellites. AFSCN provides the highly reliable command and control, communications, and range systems required to support the nation's surveillance, navigation, communications, warning, and weather satellite operations. Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) performs operations, maintenance, modernization, and sustainment of the system to provide operational capabilities validated by a US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Initial Capabilities Document and a Headquarters USAF-approved Operational Requirements Document (ORD). This program element funds the development and acquisition of AFSCN Improvement and Modernization (I&M), an ongoing program of replacements and upgrades which will meet validated USSTRATCOM and AFSPC operational requirements to replace non-standard, unsupportable equipment with more reliable, maintainable, interoperable, and standardized hardware and software. This new equipment is intended to enable AFSPC satellite operations to be performed with reduced hardware/software maintenance costs. The principal efforts within this program are currently focused on Range Upgrades, Network Operations Upgrades, training tools, and associated studies. RANGE UPGRADES include the RTS Block Change (RBC), which will standardize, automate and make interoperable the remote tracking stations through the replacement of outdated government-unique equipment with standardized equipment and technology in order to reduce failures, correct operational deficiencies, and reduce operating and sustainment costs; the Unified S-band (USB) high power amplifier development for the RTS to enable dual frequency band uplink commanding of satellites; and systems engineering to ensure integrated upgrade efforts. FY13 funds include, but are not limited to systems engineering, integration, and test support for the Transportable RBC and continued USB high power amplifier development. NETWORK OPERATIONS UPGRADES improve AFSCN resource management capabilities. The focus of these efforts is on the upgrade of the Electronic Scheduling and Dissemination (ESD) system, which enables satellite operators at over 40 geographically separated locations to request “contact time” with their satellites via the shared AFSCN antennas, and allows AFSCN schedulers to de-conflict overlapping requests to create and publish a schedule. FY13 funds continue development of ESD 3.0 software builds and testing. This effort is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because it supports a fielded system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 0305110F_7_3600_PB_2013
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY11: -$0.111M Congressional General Reductions (CGRs). Increase of +$4.096 due to higher Department priorities FY12: -$0.194M reduction for CGRs FY13: Program funding net increase $18.981M due to higher Department priorities
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
Related Documents
- Child Project: Satellite Control Network
- Child Accomplishment: RTS Block Change (RBC)
- Child Accomplishment: USB High Power Amplifier
- Child Accomplishment: Systems Engineering
- Child Accomplishment: ESD 3.0
- Child Accomplishment: Program Support / Management Services