COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS (C³) FOR THE DEFENSE METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE PROGRAM

Abstract

This paper describes the architectural philosophy and the interaction between the DMSP C³ ground system and the strategic and tactical users of DMSP imagery data. Some of the ongoing activities relating to future enhancements and survivability are also explored. At the present time, the ground systems Satellite Operations Center (SOC) has been installed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and is supported by the two remote Command Readout Stations (CRS’s) at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, and Loring Air Force Base, Maine. All commanding, planning and telemetry processing is centralized at the SOC. Backup and redundant subsystems and communications services are provided for reliable operation plus there is an internet with the Air Force Satellite Control Facility (AFSCF) for early orbit and anomaly support.