Space Tracks - 1999 05 - ADA364242

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: May/June 1999
Publisher: Naval Space Command
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SPACE TRACKS, a bulletin on naval space issues and initiatives, focuses on the evolving role of space in naval operations and preparedness for the future.

Y2K Demonstration Successful

The lead article reports on Naval Space Command's successful completion of an operational evaluation in March, demonstrating its end-to-end mission capability in a Y2K environment. This "end-to-end test" was coordinated with U.S. Space Command and directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure all critical components are ready for the Year 2000 rollover. Cmdr. Roger Wells, Y2K Operational Evaluation lead officer, highlighted the importance of coordination among all players. Diane Jacobs, the Y2K coordinator, noted that "Less than 300 days remain" to ensure all potential trouble areas are tested and that the command plans to "roll into Year 2000 smoothly" thanks to widespread support.

Navy Colorado Detachment Augmented

Naval Space Command has augmented its staff at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The detachment, established in 1987, serves as a liaison between U.S. Space Command and NAVSPACECOM headquarters. Prompted by growing responsibilities, the detachment will expand from three to eight members in fiscal year 1999. Key positions, including the deputy commander and technical director, are being relocated to Colorado. This expansion aims to support CINCSPACE's long-range planning and crisis response activities.

Space Billets

This section lists officer and enlisted billets with space missions, scheduled for transfer between January and October 2000. It provides details on subspecialty codes (XX75 for General, XX76 for Operations, XX77 for Engineering) and specific positions within various commands like OPNAV, USSPACECOM, and NAVSPACECOM. It also includes information about duty stations at Naval Space Command in Dahlgren, Virginia, detailing the location's amenities and contact information for those interested in receiving orders.

Intelligence Branch Facilitates Responsive Space Support

The Intelligence Branch of Naval Space Command is described as a small but unique group responsible for producing space intelligence products, providing home page support for Fleet and Fleet Marine Forces, issuing intelligence briefs, and supporting space control for U.S. Space Command. Key products include threat messages, satellite launch updates, and guides to space systems. The branch also contributes to the Naval Space Operations Center (NAVSPOC) by monitoring the space order of battle and alerting operational forces to potential threats. Furthermore, it plays a role in the Crisis Response Cell (CRC) during world crises, providing on-call intelligence. Lt. Cmdr. Cole Evans emphasizes the branch's vital role in providing tailored and responsive support to the naval warfighter.

The Evolution of Navy Wideband SATCOM

This article by Robert T. Patterson discusses the growing demand for bandwidth within the Department of Defense, which current government systems cannot meet. It highlights the mandate for DoD to utilize commercial SATCOM services, particularly for the maritime warfighter where SATCOM is the only link when ships are at sea. The Navy's initiative, "Challenge Athena," began in 1990 with tests of super-high-frequency (SHF) capabilities and evolved to lease satellite transponders, providing access to imagery, SIPRNET, NIPRNET, and VTC. The Navy is now the leading DoD user of commercial SATCOM bandwidth. The article projects future bandwidth requirements and discusses the development of new military SATCOM systems like the Advanced EHF system and the Wideband Gapfiller System (WGS), as well as the concept of "Teleports" for flexible connectivity.

Exploiting X-Band, Ka-Band

This section details the Navy's efforts to expand its bandwidth and terminal requirements through the Information Technology for the 21st Century (IT-21) initiative. This includes procuring over 100 AN/WSC-6 terminals for DSCS X-band capability and relying on enhanced DSCS satellites. The Navy is also involved in developing new military SATCOM systems like the Advanced EHF system, MUOS, and WGS. The article mentions the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) operating on the UHF Follow-On system, providing high data-rate service via Ka-Band satellites. DoD is planning to develop a system of "Teleports" to provide seamless, interoperable DISN connectivity. The Navy is actively participating in this development to ensure fleet needs are met.

A Naval Concepts-Based Vision for Space

This article by Cmdr. Randall G. Bowdish and Cmdr. Bruce Woodyard argues that the Navy must exploit space as another medium in the warfighting continuum, similar to how it uses the sea. It emphasizes the Navy's reliance on space-based assets for operations, from early warning to tactical communications. The authors stress the need for space-based capabilities to be rugged and well-defended, as adversaries recognize space as a critical vulnerability. The article outlines three key concepts for the Navy's vision for space in the 21st century: Warfighter support, Space control, and Force on demand. It discusses the importance of network-centric warfare and ensuring freedom of operations in space. The authors also touch upon the potential for space weaponization, advocating for deployment on demand rather than permanently based orbiting weapons to avoid a space weapons race.

Supporting Space Operations

This section elaborates on the implications of the "Vision for Space" for naval capabilities. It suggests that while the near-term focus is on supporting warriors on Earth, future developments might include naval assets with space-surveillance radar, antisatellite, or orbital launch capabilities. It reiterates that naval forces need a concepts-based vision for space that is clear, shared, and guides acquisition, training, and fielding of 21st-century naval forces.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing importance of space in naval operations, the need for robust and responsive space support, and the strategic integration of space capabilities into the Navy's future warfighting doctrine. The editorial stance emphasizes the critical role of space for naval success, the necessity of adapting to evolving technologies like SATCOM, and the importance of preparedness for future challenges, including Y2K and potential threats in the space domain. The publication advocates for a proactive and integrated approach to space utilization, aligning naval strategy with technological advancements and operational needs.

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: May/June 1999
Publisher: Naval Space Command
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SPACE TRACKS, published by the Naval Space Command, covers a range of topics relevant to military space operations, technology, and personnel. Key articles include updates on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and its Year 2000 (Y2K) compliance, details on training courses offered by Naval Space Command, a feature on a naval officer who is also a bagpiper, and recognition of a naval officer by AFCEA.

GPS Achieves Y2K Compliance

The primary news brief highlights that the Department of Defense Global Positioning System (GPS) Joint Program Office has verified that all GPS satellite and ground support systems are compliant with Y2K and End of Week (EOW) rollover requirements. The EOW rollover, occurring every 20 years, was set to happen on August 21-22, 1999, rolling over from week 1023 to 0000. This event could have caused issues for receivers not designed to meet GPS specifications. The article explains that the Y2K problem arises from computer programs using two-digit date fields that might misinterpret the year 2000 as 1900. However, systems manufactured according to GPS specifications should not face issues. Users are advised to verify the Y2K compliance of their own receivers and applications. The U.S. Air Force GPS Joint Program Office has conducted extensive testing, with results available on their website. The Department of Transportation is also involved in informing the public about Y2K and EOW issues through the Civil GPS Service Interface Committee.

NAVSPACECOM Hosts Space Intel/Ops Course

Naval Space Command (NAVSPACECOM) hosted the Interservice Space Intelligence Operations Course (ISIOC) from February 23 to March 4. This course is designed for military and civilian personnel involved in space operations, providing a basic knowledge of space and focusing on the joint application of space-related intelligence. It covers the theory of space environments, space and law policy, military space organizations, U.S. and international space systems, and tactical exploitation of national capabilities. The target audience is primarily officers O-4 and below, and civilian equivalents, with waivers available for O-5 and above. The article also lists dates for the ISIOC, the condensed Interservice Space Intelligence Operations Senior Course (ISIOSC) for senior officers, and the Interservice Space Fundamentals Course (ISFC) for personnel entering non-operator staff positions. All courses are conducted at the Air Education and Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with contact information provided for obtaining quotas.

Modern Satellite

This section details the operations of the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC), one of the nation's first space-related military commands, operating spacecraft for over 36 years from its headquarters at Point Mugu, California. NAVSOC, originally established in 1962 to operate the TRANSIT system, now supports various satellite constellations including FLTSAT, UFO, FEP, GFO, and Polar-EHF. The article describes NAVSOC's remote tracking, telemetry, and commanding (TT&C) facilities located across the U.S. and Guam. It highlights NAVSOC's role in modernizing operations and its collaboration with the Air Force Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC). NAVSOC has achieved significant efficiency gains, reducing manpower by 40 percent while increasing mission capability by 300 percent. The article also mentions the closure of the TRANSIT system at the end of 1996, replaced by the Global Positioning System (GPS).

The Piper

This feature article, written by Gary R. Wagner, profiles Lieutenant Commander Mark Sanford, a naval officer specializing in space support who also serves as a bagpiper for military ceremonies. Sanford, clad in a Scottish kilt, performs at events such as retirements and dinners. The article touches upon the ancient origins of bagpipes, their association with warriors, and their distinctive sound. Sanford began playing the bagpipe while stationed in Scotia, N.Y., and later studied under Donald Lindsay, learning the classical style known as piobaireachd. He describes the unique technique required to play the bagpipes, involving constant pressure on the bag and precise fingering. Sanford has been a member of various pipe bands, including the Adirondack Pipes and Drums and a band at Mary Washington College, performing at numerous events. He practices at least three hours a week and performs about once a month during the active season.

Sanford's traditional costume includes a wool kilt with the official U.S. Navy tartan and a sgian dubh (dagger) slipped into his stocking, a practice dating back to ancient Scotland to show peaceful intentions. His bagpipe is a combination of modern and traditional materials, featuring a gortex bag and plastic pipes, with cane reeds for tone production. A basic instrument costs between $700 and $1,000, while antique pipes can fetch over $5,000. Sanford discovered his family roots in Scotland, with ancestors from the Clan McLeod and Clan Campbell.

AFCEA Honors NAVSPACECOM Member

Captain Sheila McCoy, director of Naval Space Command's Information Systems Division, was named AFCEAN of the Month for February. The award recognizes dedicated service to AFCEA, a non-profit organization for professionals in communications, electronics, intelligence, and information systems. Capt. McCoy was instrumental in establishing a new AFCEA chapter at Dahlgren and has served in various leadership roles within AFCEA chapters. She was also an AFCEA Senior Navy Fellow. During her 23-year Navy career, she has held diverse assignments related to information technology, including work with the World Wide Military Command and Control System, site operations, and the Joint Staff. She also commanded Naval Facility Coos Head, where she implemented a project to transition an undersea surveillance system to new technology. Prior to her transfer to Naval Space Command, she served as program manager for personnel and pay systems.

Decorated Service

This section lists various military awards and recognitions:

• Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals: Awarded to OS2(SW) Nathan A. Williams, CTA2 Lisa A. Munro, and OS2 Joseph A. Wilson III for their service in various roles at Naval Space Command and aboard the USS Clark.
• U.S. Navy Expert Rifle Medals: Awarded to Capt. Andrew Straley, Lt.Cmdr. Michael G. Larios, and Lt. Gary L. McKenna.
• U.S. Navy Expert Pistol Medals: Awarded to Lt.Cmdr. Michael G. Larios, Maj. Mike McDonald, ISSN Keith R. Kappel, Lt. John C. Prohaska, Lt. Gary L. McKenna, and Capt. Andrew Straley.
• Good Conduct Medals: Awarded to IS2 John Fritz, OS2 William Bradshaw, OSC Timothy Carpenter, YN1 Mark Clancy, and RMC Bobby Lowery.
• Letters of Commendation: Awarded to RM2 Erich C. Spiers, Susan P. Wright, and Bobbi J. Andersen.
• Letters of Appreciation: Awarded to Lt. Cmdr. Michael Leonard, OS2 Jessie V. Woods, IS2 Walter J. Lloyd, YN2(AW) Joseph D. Parent, and CTO3 Tania E. Jones.

What Does "Y2K" Mean to You?

This article explains the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem, which stems from the inability of computer hardware and software to properly recognize 21st-century dates. Many systems use two-digit year fields, which could cause them to mistake dates in the year 2000 as 1900, leading to calculation errors or system failures. Diane Jacobs, Y2K coordinator for Naval Space Command, advises users to continually monitor commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) programs for compliance, as systems previously deemed compliant may no longer be. Free downloadable Y2K patches are available from vendor websites, but users must actively monitor these sites for updates. Jacobs recommends rechecking products in the fall and taking recommended precautionary measures.

Calendar

This section lists upcoming meetings, symposia, and courses:

• Meetings & Symposia: National Space Forum (Washington, D.C.), Surveillance & Reconnaissance Conference (Washington, D.C.), GovTechNet International 99 (Washington, D.C.), and Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference & Exhibit (Portland, Or.).
• Courses & Seminars: Sponsored by the Applied Technology Institute include "Satellite Industry Update" and "Small Remote Sensing Satellites" (College Park, Md.). Courses sponsored by the AFCEA Professional Development Center include "The U.S. Intelligence Community" (Fairfax, Va.). Courses sponsored by the Technology Training Corporation include "Tactical Battlefield Communications," "Multiple Sensor Fusion & Target Tracking," and "Theater Missile Defense" (all in Washington, D.C.).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE TRACKS revolve around the operational readiness and technological advancements within the U.S. military's space domain. The emphasis on Y2K compliance underscores the critical importance of system reliability in space operations. The coverage of training courses highlights the continuous professional development required for personnel in this specialized field. The feature on bagpipes, while seemingly unrelated, connects to the military culture and traditions, showcasing the diverse roles and backgrounds of service members. The AFCEA recognition and decorated service sections reinforce the importance of individual contributions and achievements within the naval space community. The editorial stance appears to be informative and supportive of military personnel and technological progress, aiming to keep readers updated on critical systems, training opportunities, and personnel achievements.