AFOTEC's Space Test Initiative: Transforming Operational Testing and Evaluation of Space System Capabilities

Abstract

Historically, the value of the operational test and evaluation (OT&E) data has been limited during the acquisition and deployment of space systems because OT&E occurs late in the process, after the satellite is orbiting in space and the ground stations are fielded, well after key acquisition decisions, investments, and critical launch decisions have already been made. This article presents the U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center's Space Test Initiative. The Space Test Initiative delivers an OT&E model that better fits the National Security Space system's acquisition model outlined in NSS 03-01 and delivers better value to both the acquisition and operational decision makers by moving OT&E well before launch.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA513859

Entities

People

  • Stephen T. Sargeant
  • Suzanne M. Beers

Organizations

  • Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Department Of Defense
  • Deployment
  • Ground Stations
  • Information Systems
  • Life Cycles
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Operational Effectiveness
  • Space Systems
  • System Of Systems
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States Strategic Command

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites