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 contains funds for the development and acquisition of this integrated national satellite telemetry, tracking, commanding, and data relay capability to meet the requirements of the growing inventory of operational and developmental satellite systems. 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 focused on Range Upgrades, Network Operations Upgrades, and associated studies. RANGE UPGRADES: This effort will upgrade the current RTSs. Several integrated efforts are grouped into the RTS Block Change (RBC) effort, which will standardize, automate and make interoperable the remote tracking stations through the replacement of outdated government-unique equipment with commercial off-the-shelf, standardized equipment and technology in order to reduce failures, correct operational deficiencies, and reduce operating and sustainment costs. Additionally, interoperability efforts to address standards and protocols and external user connectivity are included in this segment. FY11 funds continue development of an S-band high power amplifier and provide system engineering, integration and test support for the Colorado, Guam, Oakhanger, Hawaii, New Boston, and Thule Tracking Station RBC efforts as well as for the Transportable RBC #1 asset. NETWORK OPERATIONS UPGRADES: These critical upgrades improve AFSCN resource management capabilities. No FY11 activities are budgeted. This effort is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because it supports a fielded system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 673276_0305110F_7_3600_PB_2011
Related Documents
- Root: Satellite Control Network
- Child Accomplishment: Major Thrust: Range Upgrades to continue development of interoperability and RTS Block Change (RBC) efforts. These include high power amplifier development for S-band capability and predeployment ...
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