Space Tracks - 2001 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: April 2001
Publisher: NAVAL SPACE COMMAND
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SPACE TRACKS, dated April 2001, focuses on naval space issues and initiatives, with a strong emphasis on satellite technology, naval operations, and space surveillance. The cover prominently features the GEOSAT Follow-On satellite, announcing its acceptance by the Navy, and highlights other key articles including "GEOSAT Follow-On: Navy Accepts New Oceanographic Satellite," "Achilles Heel: Resolving interference to satellite communications is a critical issue," and "Sharpening Our Eye On Space: A program is underway to enable the U.S. to detect smaller objects in space with greater accuracy."

Key Articles and Features

GEOSAT Follow-On: Navy Accepts New Oceanographic Satellite

The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) formally accepted the GeoSat Follow-On (GFO) satellite from Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation on November 29. The GFO is a meteorological and oceanographic satellite designed to transmit data directly to ships at sea and Navy shore facilities. It operates in a low-Earth orbit with a 17-day repeat orbit. The satellite's radar altimeter and water vapor radiometer measure sea-surface height and provide information on wave height, wind speed, and glacier ice. Data from GFO is processed by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) to improve oceanographic and weather models. The satellite has been operated by the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) since its launch in February 1998. Acceptance of GFO was delayed due to a computer reset problem and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver issue, which were resolved through complex software uploads and system adjustments. The successful completion of a calibration and validation period led to SPAWAR's formal acceptance.

Improving Counter-Drug Operations: Conference Addresses ROTHR Operations & Enhancements

Fleet Surveillance Support Command (FSSC) hosted a two-day Relocatable Over-the-Horizon Radar (ROTHR) User's Conference on January 30-31. Over 70 participants from counter-drug commands and the research and development community attended. The conference theme was "Expanding ROTHR capabilities in the source region: Colombia and Beyond." The objective was to improve understanding of current air surveillance issues and revise ROTHR research and development requirements. Air Force Major General James N. Soligan, Southern Command's director of strategy, policy and plans, was the guest speaker at an awards banquet. During the banquet, awards were presented to civilian employees and contractors for their contributions to ROTHR operations, program management, and R&D, including the installation of a facility in Puerto Rico. Major General Soligan also presented the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award to Mr. Bob Williams upon his retirement. The conference focused on operations, intelligence, and technology, with Cmdr. Patricia Cole providing a ROTHR operations update. Presentations covered support for air interdiction operations in the source and transit zones and improving the common operation picture. Users and operators from SOUTHCOM, the Joint Inter-agency Task Force East, U.S. Southern Command Air Forces, the Joint Southern Surveillance Reconnaissance Operations Center, and FSSC shared their perspectives. The second day focused on R&D efforts for the ROTHR system, including its advantages and limitations compared to microwave radars. Future developments to enhance the ROTHR system were also discussed.

Achilles Heel: Resolving Interference to Satellite Communications is a Critical Issue

This article by CWO4 Todd D. Conley discusses the pervasive problem of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) affecting military electronic equipment and systems. The Department of Defense (DoD) is criticized for its shortcomings in detecting, characterizing, and reporting EMI. EMI is defined broadly as any interference that can disrupt, degrade, or interfere with authorized electronic emissions, including both intentional jamming and inadvertent interference from extraneous sources, as well as static causes like geographical obstructions. The author highlights that a significant number of UHF satellite channels are degraded or unusable worldwide due to EMI. The article points out a weakness in the current EMI mitigation posture, noting fragmented, autonomous, and narrowly focused efforts with a lack of centralized oversight. Despite valiant attempts by individuals, the overall battle against EMI is described as frustrating with rare, short-term successes. The article emphasizes the need for effective means to combat EMI, including detection, characterization, reporting, tracking, geographical location, identification of sources, and resolution. It also notes that growing competition for frequency spectrum and equipment limitations exacerbate the problem.

Naval Space Leadership Assesses Space Commission Report

Senior Navy and Marine Corps leadership met on February 13 to discuss the Space Commission report and its potential ramifications. The department's response to the report was delivered to the Secretary of Defense on March 2. The meeting was sponsored by Vice Admiral Richard W. Mayo and hosted by Rear Admiral J. J. Quinn. Fifteen flag-level officers and civilians participated, representing various naval commands and intelligence agencies. The participants generally concurred with the report's recommendations and expressed a desire to play an active role in implementing them to enhance joint land, air, and maritime warfighting using space assets. However, concerns were raised about the implementation of these recommendations, particularly regarding the need to balance and fulfill naval warfighting requirements within any new National Security space organization. Key areas for implementation include maintaining an effective joint space cadre, fostering strong space science and technology, educating warfighters on space systems, and developing strategic partnerships.

Navy Space Expertise, Acquisition Programs Will Contribute to An Affordable Solution

Naval Space Command hosted an Integrated Space Command and Control (ISC2) Conference on February 6-7, attended by over 50 people in Dahlgren, Va. The conference aimed to familiarize the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems (LMMS) team with NAVSPACECOM operations and systems to support future system integration and interoperability of command and control nodes. The ISC2 contract, awarded in late 2000, involves integrating U.S. Space Command legacy systems into the North American Aerospace Defense Command/U.S. Space Command Warfighting Support System (N/UWSS). ISC2 is described as a collaborative, distributed command and control system for battle management, providing tighter coordination and information support. The article notes that improved interoperability among air, missile, and space defense systems can enhance capabilities. The ISC2 contract could be extended up to 15 years. The Lockheed Martin team includes industry leaders like Boeing, Aerojet, General Dynamics, DynCorp, and Wang Government Services. The conference also identified technical areas where Navy and Air Force acquisition programs could leverage each other's efforts to lower costs and improve interoperability. Discussions included target processing, orbit determination, EMI, maneuver detection, and collision avoidance. Naval Space Command's role as the Alternate Space Control Center (ASCC) and its upcoming Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for its space surveillance sensor and mission processing system were also discussed.

Sharpening Our Eye On Space

This article by Gary R. Wagner details a program to rebuild Naval Space Command's space surveillance network, initiated the previous year, to enable the U.S. to detect much smaller objects with greater accuracy. The Naval Space Surveillance System, known as the "Fence," has been operational since 1961 and scans the heavens to detect satellites and predict orbits. Upgrades have allowed it to keep pace with the growing population of spacecraft and debris. The Fence is sensitive enough to detect objects as small as 30 centimeters (basketball-sized) at altitudes up to 15,000 nautical miles. However, due to growing concerns over space asset protection, especially for manned space flights, U.S. Space Command has established a more stringent requirement to track objects as small as 5 centimeters (billiard ball-sized). This initiative is expected to expand the space object catalog to over 100,000 items. The Navy is undertaking a comprehensive Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for NAVSPACECOM's space surveillance system. The SLEP is a three-phase technology refresh program, with Phase I (analysis of alternatives) completed in November 2000. Phase II, a six-year, $150 million effort, will focus on radar operating frequency, radar system modeling, and generating the Phase III request for proposal. Phase III will involve design, development, manufacturing, and installation.

"Space Tracking" the Space Station and Space Shuttle

This section provides information on how to visually observe the International Space Station (ISS) Alpha and Space Shuttle from the ground, given their high inclination orbits. It notes that the ISS, with its new solar arrays, is the third brightest object in the night sky. NASA offers websites and an email subscription service to help identify sighting opportunities. The provided URLs are http://spaceflight.nasa.gov for general information on human space flight and http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov for tracking opportunities and educational materials.

Hang In There: Help Is On the Way for Tactical Wideband Users

This article by Ray Gajan discusses the growing need for wideband satellite communications (SATCOM) to enhance military operations, aligning with Joint Vision 2020. The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) approved the Wideband Gapfiller System (WGS) Operational Requirements Document (ORD). The WGS is intended to fill the gap between current wideband capacity and user requirements, allowing for delayed decisions on an Advanced Wideband System. The WGS will provide high-capacity X-band service, compatible with DSCS and GBS, and include a new military Ka-band capability. It will be the largest part of the Interim Wideband System (IWS), which also includes DSCS III satellites and GBS on UHF F/O satellites. The WGS aims to increase SATCOM capacity for deployed military forces, including Navy ships and Marine combat elements. The Navy expects to have over 75 shipboard terminals operating with WGS by 2007, and the Marine Corps plans to employ various terminals. The ORD was drafted by a group representing various services and DOD agencies, with Naval Space Command providing the principal Navy representative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE TRACKS revolve around the critical role of space in modern military operations, the advancement of satellite technology, and the importance of robust command and control systems. The magazine consistently highlights the Navy's involvement in space-related initiatives, from satellite development and operations to space surveillance and communications. There is a clear emphasis on enhancing capabilities to meet evolving threats and operational requirements, particularly in areas like counter-drug operations and combating electromagnetic interference. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for increased investment and focus on space as a national security priority, underscoring the need for technological advancement, interoperability, and effective management of space assets. The magazine also promotes awareness of space-related events, training opportunities, and the contributions of personnel within the naval space community.

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: April 2001
Publisher: Naval Space Command
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SPACE TRACKS focuses on advancements in satellite communications, operational readiness, personnel achievements, and emerging technologies within the naval space domain.

Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) System

The lead article details the development and requirements for the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system, designed to support the growing needs of globally deployed users with small tactical terminals. The Operational Requirements Document (ORD) was developed to capture essential requirements within a fixed budget, ensuring the unique nature of naval operations was considered. The group successfully met the challenge without adding unnecessary features. Discussions with potential bidders during the Cost As an Independent Variable (CAIV) process confirmed the requirements were achievable within budget. Naval Space Command and SPAWAR participated in the CAIV process, with SPAWAR involved in the source selection. The ORD identifies a threshold requirement of 1.2 Gbps per satellite for user communications throughput, exceeding the combined capacity of current DSCS and GBS satellites. The objective requirement is 3.6 Gbps per satellite. Scenarios used to define these requirements, approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, include links to AN/WSC-6(V) shipboard terminals requiring over 3 Mbps and submarine links over 1 Mbps at threshold. The WGS payload is designed to be flexible, offering cross-banding between X-band and Ka-band, with variable coverage areas and gain contours. This flexibility will provide more support options than currently available. The AN/WSC-6(V) will enable direct connection with teleports and other terminals, and GBS uplinks can be downlinked to multiple coverage areas simultaneously. Ships can also receive cross-banded GBS broadcasts using the wider X-band coverage, though data rates may be reduced. The WGS contract was awarded to Boeing Space Systems, Inc. in January, with preliminary design review in mid-fiscal year 2001 and critical design review in early fiscal year 2002. The first satellite is planned for launch in November 2003. Naval Space Command has developed the Naval Wideband Gapfiller Concept of Operations, available to authorized DOD customers.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Mitigation

This section, continued from page 7, emphasizes the critical importance of EMI mitigation and resolution, equating it to the necessity of navigation, communication, and force protection. It argues that EMI mitigation should be a fundamental aspect of requirements advocacy, system planning, and development, rather than an afterthought. The author suggests establishing EMI resolution centers capable of near real-time geographical-location data analysis and correlation, accessible 24/7. This could involve enhancing existing facilities rather than creating entirely new organizations. Empowering a centralized organization with the authority to enforce the EMI program is also recommended. The article calls for realigning existing signal characterization and geographical-location capabilities to make them easily accessible to mainstream users. The Joint Spectrum Center is reworking the EMI Resolution Procedures (CJCSM 3320.02) to improve the program. The author, CWO4 Todd Conley, stresses that ignoring EMI's impact on operations can lead to "crippling possibilities" and invites readers to share their experiences.

Integrated Space Control (ISC2) and LMMS

Page 2 discusses the Naval Research Laboratory's work in distributed parallel processing, presented by Dr. Shannon Coffey. LMMS presented concepts for developing a common enterprise infrastructure using an enterprise database and workstations, envisioning an application architecture that distributes computing models, data access models, and object frameworks. The conference concluded with an overview of ISC2 operational, system, and technical architectures, which support decision-making, identify team relationships, and define future NAVSPACECOM architectures. The conference provided SPACECOM personnel an opportunity to understand ISC2's impact and introduce LMMS to NAVSPACECOM missions. The goal is to meet ISC2 interoperability requirements. A graphic illustrates the "Command Centers of the Future" concept, synchronizing warfighter information needs.

Space Imagery: Bahrain Harbor

Page 3 features a "SPACE IMAGERY" section showcasing a four-meter Ikonos multi-spectral image of Bahrain harbor. Produced by Naval Space Command's Remote Earth Sensing Information Center (RESIC) for a DoD customer, the image is a true-color composite acquired on January 22, 2000.

Naval Space Command Selects Top Military, Civilian Personnel as 2000 People of the Year

Pages 4-7 detail the recognition of outstanding personnel from Naval Space Command for the year 2000. Awards include:

• Headquarters Sailor of the Year: CTA1(SW) James E. Lewis, recognized for streamlining reports, queries, and security clearance packages, and for his role in retrofitting the command's integrated access control and alarm system.
• Sea Sailor of the Year: OS2 Kevin L. Vavra, cited for his work at JTAGS Detachment ECHO, including running the physical fitness program and the general military training (GMT) program. He has experience on USS Lexington, USS Midway, and USS Independence.
• Headquarters Junior Sailor of the Year: CTASN Sarah C. Henry, commended for her initiative as a Special Security Office clerk, learning the access control system, assisting with briefs and debriefs, and managing security databases.
• Senior Civilian of the Year: Wendolyn S. Brown, recognized for her leadership in the Naval Space Control Center Analyst Operations Group, validating and integrating major system upgrades.
• Civilian of the Year: Gloria Deloach, an executive secretary praised for her significant contributions to operational efficiency and integrity, including flawlessly managing commander transitions and preparing fitness reports.
• Operations Watchstander of the Year: Eric M. Brown, selected for his performance as a sensor data analyst at the Naval Space Operations Center (NAVSPOC), monitoring space surveillance data and identifying anomalies, such as an extra object associated with a Space Shuttle mission.
• ADP Watchstander of the Year: Beverly Coleman Smith, commended for outstanding support in operating the command's computer systems and correcting hardware, software, and communication problems.
• Sailor of the Quarter (Oct-Dec 2000): Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph D. Parent, recognized for his role as sponsor program coordinator, awards board administrator, and educational services officer. He also reinstituted monthly career counselor meetings and volunteered for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.
• Junior Sailor of the Quarter: Seaman Apprentice Sarah C. Henry, for her work as assistant Special Security Officer clerk.
• Senior Civilian of the Quarter: Dawn M. Lowe, recognized for her work as an assistant program manager in the Information Systems Division, managing command and control systems.
• Other Personnel Recognitions: The issue also lists recipients of Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Awards, and Letters of Commendation, as well as NMCI Appreciation Awards.

SATCOM Officer Receives Copernicus Award

Chief Warrant Officer Todd Conley received the Copernicus Award, sponsored by AFCEA and the U.S. Naval Institute. The award recognizes contributions to naval warfare in C4I, information systems, and information warfare. Conley's nomination highlighted his work as an action officer for ultra-high-frequency (UHF) and extremely-high-frequency (EHF) satellite communications and electromagnetic interference (EMI). He is leading an initiative to modernize EHF communications management software and developed a standardized reporting template for interference events. He also co-authored the Joint UHF Military Satellite Communications EMI Concept of Operations and submitted a proposal for a single DoD entity for EMI oversight. Conley chaired a UHF satellite management meeting that improved tactical SATCOM support. He also coordinated refresher training for NCTAMS on various satellite communication systems.

Calendar of Events

The calendar section lists upcoming meetings, symposia, and courses & seminars for April 2001. Events include the Global Air & Space 2001 International Business Forum, the 4th National Space Forum, TechNet 2001, and various courses on topics such as Synthetic Aperture Radar, GPS Technology, and Satellite Communication Systems Engineering.

Department of the Navy - Naval Space Command

Contact information for Naval Space Command in Dahlgren, VA, is provided, along with an indication of "Official Business" and "Address Service Requested."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the continuous advancement and operationalization of space capabilities for naval forces, particularly in satellite communications (WGS, SATCOM). There is a strong emphasis on personnel excellence and recognition, highlighting the contributions of both military and civilian staff. The magazine also addresses critical operational challenges like EMI and the strategic importance of integrated space control (ISC2). The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting technological progress, operational readiness, and acknowledging the achievements of individuals and teams within the naval space community. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating information on new systems, ongoing initiatives, and personnel news, reinforcing the importance of space in modern naval warfare.