Maj John Tieken

1
Launch and Test Range Activities Update
October 2006
Maj John Tieken HQ AFSPC/A5FG
2
Overview

• GPS Metric Tracking Policy
• Responsive Launch Traffic Control

3
GPS Metric Tracking Policy

• USECAF has directed that all DoD, Civil, and
  commercial launches from Vandenberg AFB and Cape
  Canaveral AFS use GPS Metric Tracking by 1
  January 2011
• A step toward predominately space-based range
  architecture directed by US Space Transportation
  Policy
• Using COMSTAC and RUCB as forums to notify range
  user communities
• Minor work needed to allow capability on ranges
• Wings have established procedures for user
  notification
• Wing XP representatives work with new users to 30
  SW and 45 SW using the Universal Documentation
  System (UDS) process
• Wing Program Support Managers (PSMs) will notify
  existing users about changed interfaces via the
  formal UDS process

4
GPS MT Clarification

• SAF/USA clarification (14 Jul 2006 coordination
  SSS for USECAF GPS Metric Tracking policy memo)
• Background The concept of GPS MT originated as
  a means to replace tracking radars and reduce
  their significant operations and maintenance
  costs.
• Discussion. Implementation of GPS MT is no
  longer viewed as essential to shutting down
  radars, but as an important operational
  enhancement. Recent studies recognize GPS MT as
  a key to operationally responsive ranges, given
  its wider coverage, expanded capacity, and
  greater accuracy and responsiveness. Meanwhile,
  upgrades to eleven mission-essential radars will
  enable shutdown of six redundant radars now being
  retained to overcome reliability,
  maintainability, and availability problems. As
  the same time, GPS MT will add operational
  flexibility as a third source to complement radar
  tracking and inertial guidance data.

5
Responsive Launch Traffic Control (RLTC)

• Currently on hold allows more time
• Leadership working to establish strategic
  framework and mature the CONOPS
• Significant Congressional interest OSD, AF, and
  AFSPC working together to determine appropriate
  structure of Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)
  joint program office
• Discussing proper focus of ORS
• HQ AFSPC continues push toward responsive range
• Advocating launch vehicle autonomy compatibility
  for responsive capability in the mid-term

6
Summary

• GPS Metric Tracking Policy
• Responsive Launch Traffic Control