Space Tracks - 1999 03 - ADA361415

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: March/April 1999
Publisher: Naval Space Command
Theme: Naval Space Issues and Initiatives

This issue of SPACE TRACKS, published by the Naval Space Command, delves into various aspects of naval space operations, technology, and strategy. The cover prominently features a striking NASA photograph of the space shuttle Endeavour with an astronaut during a spacewalk, accompanied by the headline "Space Is An Ocean." The magazine explores the evolving role of space in naval warfare and operations, highlighting key developments in satellite technology, missile defense, and space-based intelligence.

Perspective: Space Is An Ocean

Cmdr. Sam J. Tangredi presents a compelling argument for viewing space as a new frontier for naval operations, akin to the ocean. He posits that just as the ocean has historically been central to naval power and exploration, space will become the next domain for the nation's strategic interests. Tangredi advocates for a naval philosophy toward spacefaring and defense, emphasizing the integration of land, sea, and air forces into a cohesive space strategy. He suggests that this approach, characterized by a team-oriented concept and voyages rather than isolated missions, is essential for exploiting space for exploration, exploitation, and defense in the coming millennium. The article draws parallels between early maritime exploration guided by the stars and the future of space exploration and utilization.

Navy Lt. Wakefield Assumes Command of JTAGS Detachment

This article by Ed White reports on the change of command for the Joint Tactical Ground Station-Pacific (JTAGS-PAC) detachment. Lt. Sandra Jamshidi hands over command to Lt. Tonya Wakefield. The JTAGS-PAC detachment, located at Osan Air Force Base in Korea, is crucial for providing early warning of missile launches to CINCPAC. The unit, composed of 19 soldiers and sailors, operates 24/7 and plays a vital role in Theater Missile Defense (TMD). Lt. Wakefield, with a background in TMD studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, is well-equipped to lead the detachment and ensure timely and accurate TMD warnings.

Vice Admiral Browne New Deputy CINC for U.S. Space Command

Vice Admiral Herbert A. Browne has assumed the role of deputy commander in chief for U.S. Space Command, headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs. His responsibilities include leading the unified command for space control and support operations, including missile defense. Vice Admiral Browne, a career naval aviator, has a distinguished service record, including prior command of Naval Space Command and tours in various operational and command positions.

DOD Speeds Navy Theater Missile Defense Project

Douglas J. Gillert reports on the Department of Defense's accelerated development of a sea-based theater missile defense system. Driven by the threat of medium-range missiles and past test failures of the Army's ground-based THAAD system, the Navy's upper-tier defense system is being fast-tracked for deployment by 2007, ahead of its original 2010 schedule. The Pentagon will compare the Navy Theater Wide system with the Army's THAAD to determine the lead program. The article also mentions the continued development of lower-tier defenses like PAC-3 and Navy Area, and the integration of space-based sensors for surveillance and early warning. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen emphasizes the urgency of fielding these capabilities to counter growing threats.

SPACE BILLETS

This section lists officer and enlisted billets with space missions that are scheduled for transfer between June 1999 and January 2000. It provides details on subspecialty codes (XX75 for General Space Systems, XX76 for Operations, and XX77 for Engineering) and contact information for those seeking more details or interested in receiving orders to Naval Space Command.

Proposals for Future SATCOM System To Be Solicited

Al Sapp writes about the ongoing efforts to define operational requirements for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), a future satellite communications (SATCOM) system for all services. Naval Space Command hosted a joint meeting in January to determine these requirements. Navy is designated as the lead service to develop MUOS, intended to replace the UHF Follow-On (UFO) system and be fielded by 2007. The article also announces that the Program Executive Office (PEO) Space Communications and Sensors will release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for concept studies in July, with findings to be incorporated into the ORD for a JROC review in October 2000.

Sea Launch readied for March test

IS2 Darin Kroft details the upcoming demonstration of the Sea Launch system, a novel approach to launching satellites from a mobile, floating platform in international waters. The system aims to overcome land-based launch restrictions and capitalize on the Earth's rotation for improved booster performance. The first launch, scheduled for mid-March, will carry a simulated satellite from a position in the Pacific Ocean. The Sea Launch system comprises two vessels: the Odyssey launch platform and the Sea Launch Commander, which serves as the mission control center. The partners in this international consortium include Boeing, Kvaerner Maritime, RSC-Energia, and KB Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash.

Second Global Broadcast Payload Operational Aboard Navy's UHF Follow-On Spacecraft

This article reports on the successful launch of the U.S. Navy's ninth UHF Follow-On communications satellite, UHF F-9, on October 20. This satellite, built by Hughes Space and Communications Company, is equipped with ultra-high-frequency, extremely-high-frequency, and Global Broadcast Service (GBS) wideband payloads. UHF F-9 is one of ten such satellites in the program and is designed to replace the aging Fleet Satellite Communications (FLTSATCOM) spacecraft. The GBS payload, utilizing Ka-band transponders, will provide high-speed, high-quality, wideband broadcast signals for military operations.

Ka-Band Demonstrated On Navy's Newest Communications Satellite

This piece highlights the Navy's first use of its Ka-band capabilities in December, demonstrated through a video link using the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) payload on the UHF F-9 satellite. Capt. Jim Loiselle, the UHF Follow-On program manager, participated in the demonstration. The GBS payload, adapted from commercial direct-to-home television technology, aims to deliver high-capacity data, including video, mapping, and imagery, to warfighters. The UHF F-9 satellite, along with F-8 and F-10, carries the GBS package, enhancing the Navy's global communications network.

Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) developed a suite of instruments for the ARGOS satellite, launched on February 23. These instruments include ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray remote sensing instruments, a dual-frequency radio beacon for ionospheric tomography, and a superconductivity experiment. The data collected will be used to study 'space weather,' map the ionosphere dynamically, and explore concepts in monitoring space weather and improving high-frequency communications. The ARGOS spacecraft carries nine primary experiments, with NRL's Space Science Division developing three key ones: High Resolution Airglow/Aurora Spectroscopy (HIRAAS), Global Imaging Monitor of the Ionosphere (GIMI), and Unconventional Stellar Aspect (USA). The Coherent Electromagnetic Radio Tomography (CERTO) instrumentation and the High Temperature Superconducting in Space Experiment II (HTSSE II) are also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the strategic importance of space for naval operations, the advancement of satellite technology for communication and intelligence, and the development of missile defense systems. The magazine consistently emphasizes the integration of space capabilities into the broader naval and joint force structure. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting awareness and understanding of naval space issues, advocating for robust space support for the warfighter, and highlighting the Navy's role in leading critical space-related initiatives. There is a clear focus on technological advancement, operational readiness, and strategic foresight in the domain of space.

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: March/April 1999
Volume: 11
Date: March/April 1999

This issue of SPACE TRACKS focuses on various aspects of naval space operations, technology, and personnel achievements. It includes a spotlight on a key naval facility, advancements in information technology, a personal account of Peace Corps service, and recognition of outstanding military and civilian personnel.

NAVSOC Detachment ALFA: Maine Tracking Site

The lead article, "Spotlight on NAVSOC's Detachment ALFA," details the operations of the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) Detachment ALFA, located in Prospect Harbor, Maine. This facility, situated on an eight-acre station with a picturesque view, is staffed by an 18-member crew responsible for operating and maintaining a satellite telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) facility for the Navy. Detachment ALFA provides 24-hour TT&C for EHF communications packages on UHF Follow-On (UFO) satellites and monitors S-band telemetry for FLTSAT and UFO spacecraft. It also operates ground stations for the FLTSAT EHF Package (FEP) satellites and manages the Navy's Terminal Data Node (NTDN) for distributing ephemeris data. Secondary missions include supporting other Navy EHF satellite communications platforms and performing power balancing calibration and fault isolation. The detachment has also been tasked with primary TT&C for the new POLAR EHF satellite and GEOSAT Follow On (GFO). Lt. Cmdr. David H. Atchison is the officer in charge.

Naval Space Command Satellite Communications Course

Naval Space Command (NAVSPACECOM) sponsored a three-day course on naval satellite communications held May 18-20. The course, targeted at Fleet and Fleet Marine Force operations officers, communicators, and C4I planners at the E7 level and above, aimed to expand knowledge of naval satellite communications capabilities, requirements, and future architectures. It covered UHF, SHF, EHF, and commercial satellite communications, JCS Instruction 6250.01, and information warfare. Classified portions were presented at the secret level. The article emphasizes the critical role of satellite communication in modern naval operations and its exponential expansion.

USSPACECOM Hosts Graduate Students

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) visited U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Colorado Springs, Colo., as part of an information exchange program. A group of 36 faculty and students toured facilities at Shriever Air Force Base, Army Space Command (Forward), Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base, and USSPACECOM headquarters. They observed satellite operations and control theory at 1 SOPS, 2 SOPS, and 22 SOPS, gaining insight into the effort required to maintain satellites. The tour also included explanations of space surveillance and control, the history of Cheyenne Mountain, and the Army Space Command's sensor-to-shooter delivery system. NPS students presented research on high-speed radiation hard chip design and fabrication, and briefed USSPACECOM staff on their vision for a future Integrated Intelligence Overhead Architecture. The students developed a future requirements database and a preliminary design for a notional overhead architecture.

Navy's Hall Thruster Electric Propulsion System Goes Operational

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) successfully operated the Electric Propulsion Demonstration Module (EPDM) aboard an experimental spacecraft owned by the National Reconnaissance Office. This marked the first use of a Hall thruster electric propulsion system in space by the United States. The EPDM system, utilizing a Thruster with Anode Layer (TAL), provides orbit raising and long-term station keeping. It offers a fuel efficiency approximately five times greater than conventional chemical propulsion systems and produces thrust through electrostatic acceleration of an ionized propellant. The EPDM program is run by the Naval Center for Space Technology at NRL.

Information Technology Improving Sailors' Lives

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jay L. Johnson stated that Navy investments in information technology (IT-21) have significantly improved Sailors' quality of life and warfighting capability. He highlighted examples such as extensive email usage aboard the USS Enterprise and graduate-level college courses taken via video teleconferencing by crew members of the USS Carl Vinson. Adm. Johnson emphasized that IT-21 advances are crucial for maintaining Fleet effectiveness in a modern, network-centric warfare environment, even with fewer ships than during the Cold War.

Navy Satellite Measures Record Ozone Hole

Measurements from the Naval Research Laboratory's space-based Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM III) instrument indicated unusually extensive polar stratospheric clouds over Antarctica during the 1998 winter, contributing to the near-record size of the Antarctic ozone hole. The POAM III measurements also showed a pronounced decrease in stratospheric water vapor, which is thought to be important in ozone hole formation. POAM III provides continuous coverage of ozone and PSCs in the polar stratosphere.

Half A World Away: Peace Corps in Nepal

This personal narrative recounts the experience of Charlie McCollum, a physicist at Naval Space Command, who volunteered for the Peace Corps in Nepal from 1995 to 1997. McCollum describes his assignment as a teacher trainer in a remote area, the challenges of living without electricity or running water, and his efforts to adapt to the local culture and language. He taught math and English to students in crowded classrooms with limited materials. McCollum also engaged in secondary projects, such as building improved smokeless cooking stoves, and found humor in everyday situations. He expresses a newfound appreciation for the Nepalese lifestyle and reflects on the potential negative side effects of rapid technological advancement.

CDO Qualified... FSSC Empowers Junior Sailors

This article discusses changes at Fleet Surveillance Support Command (FSSC) where second-class petty officers are now being qualified to stand watch as Command Duty Officers (CDOs). This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Storekeeper Dennis Reddy, aims to empower junior sailors, improve watchbill rotation, and provide opportunities for second-class petty officers to prove their merit. Radioman 1st Class Todd Traffanstedt and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Lackey express support for this change, noting that it fosters a higher team standard and better prepares sailors for the modern Navy.

Teaching Core Values: Lessons From A Cave

Lt. Michael Scott, assistant operations officer for Fleet Surveillance Support Command, shares his involvement with his son's Boy Scout troop, emphasizing the natural extension of his work to volunteer with the Scouts. He highlights how the Navy instills honor, courage, and commitment, while the Boy Scouts focus on core values from day one, likening the experience to "being a light in a pitch-dark cave."

People of the Year: Top Sailors and Junior Sailors Honored

This section recognizes outstanding military personnel. IS1 Charles J. Taylor, Jr. is named Headquarters Sailor of the Year and Shore Sailor of the Year. YN1 Mary R. Beres is Sea Sailor of the Year. JO2 Kathleen D. Trammell is Junior Shore Sailor of the Year, and RM2 Theresa M. Gatlin is Junior Sea Sailor of the Year. CTR2 Lisa A. Munro is recognized as NAVSPACE Headquarters Junior Sailor of the Year. The article details their specific achievements and contributions.

People of the Year: Civilians Recognized

This section honors civilian employees. Bobbi J. Andersen is named Civilian of the Year for her diligent work as a mail and files assistant. Francis S. Cage is recognized as Ops Watchstander of the Year for his efforts in assisting with space object orbit building and providing critical information to USSPACECOM. Eric W. Newsome is named ADP Watchstander of the Year for ensuring the availability of NAVSPACECOM's computer systems and troubleshooting malfunctions.

Quarterly Awards Presented

This section lists quarterly award recipients for October through December 1998. Petty Officer 1st Class Charles J. Taylor, Jr. is Sailor of the Quarter. Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Dickinson is Junior Sailor of the Quarter. Susan P. Wright is Civilian of the Quarter. Francis S. Cage is Operations Watchstander of the Quarter. Robert E. Taylor is ADP Watchstander of the Quarter.

Decorated Service

This section details military decorations. Lt. Cmdr. Bruce Reese received the Meritorious Service Medal. Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence A. Pemberton, Lt. Cmdr. Martin Beaulieu, and Lt. Jacqueline Butler received Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals. EW2 Erice Laursen, EW2 Jeremy Crow, and OS2 Nathan Williams received Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals. YN2 Joseph Parent received the U.S. Navy Expert Pistol Medal. Several personnel received Good Conduct Medals.

Calendar

The calendar section lists upcoming meetings, symposia, courses, and seminars related to aerospace, intelligence, and communications, sponsored by organizations such as the Navy League and AFCEA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical role of space technology and satellite communications in modern naval operations, the importance of information technology in enhancing military effectiveness and personnel quality of life, and the recognition of individual achievements within the naval and civilian workforce. The magazine consistently highlights the advancements and challenges in naval space command and control, as well as the dedication and expertise of its personnel. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for technological advancement, professional development, and the recognition of service members and civilians who contribute to the mission. There is also an emphasis on the human element, as seen in the personal stories and award features.