USAF SATELLITE CONTROL FACILITY NETWORK DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper presents an architectural overview of the Air Force Satellite Control Facility (AFSCF) with emphasis on the on-going development effort of the AF Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The AFSCF originated twenty-seven years ago, and has evolved into a global satellite service network. This worldwide network is composed of twelve RTSs, located at seven geographically dispersed locations, and a Satellite Test Center (STC) at Sunnyvale, California. The AFSCF provides real-time telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C) service to Department of Defense (DoD) spacecraft and launch vehicles. To cope with the projected operational workload and to reduce life cycle costs, the AFSCF began a major effort several years ago to modernize the Network. The two programs, (Data Systems Modernization and Automated Remote Tracking Station) in this effort will bring about major changes in the Network’s current configuration and operations concept. Another program, the development of the Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC), also introduces major changes to the network architecture. Additionally the formation of the USAF Space Command has profound impacts on the AFSCN and its development effort. With these changes, brought about in response to changing DoD space support requirements, the AFSCF network has grown through expansion and modernization of its tracking, data processing, and communication capabilities. This paper discusses the past, the present, and the impending changes to the AFSCN as it continues to evolve in support of the DoD space programs.