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I heard that in the USAF Officers can serve in Space Command. Just curious what this command is responsible for exactly in space and what they routinely do over time. Also, does it also include Army and Navy?
http://www.afspc.af.mil/
http://www.afspc.af.mil/
Space
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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AFSPACE is actually a subset of US Strategic Command. The overarching USSTRATCOM mission has components from each of the service branches. They are responsible for the MILCOM, GPS, and various sensor space craft orbiting the Earth. They also track foreign space craft so as to not conflict with orbit areas during new lauch activity. There is a great link posted by SN Greg Wright. It should answer many of your questions.
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Maj (Join to see)
Small clarification on a good post: AFSPC is not technically a subset of US Strategic Command, but as a Major Command is a force provider, as is, for example Air Force Global Strike Command for a different mission. Under USSTRATCOM is Joint Forces Component Command (JFCC) for Space, which is manned by AFSPC airmen, as well as Army and Navy space professionals.
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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
Maj (Join to see) - You are right, sir. I stand corrected. I was looking at the component aspect instead of the MAJCOM designation. Thanks for catching my typo! You're description is more accurate than mine.
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Air Force Space Command - Wikipedia
Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) is a major command of the United States Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations. Operationally, AFSPC is an Air Force component command subordinate to U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), a unified combatant command.
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There are some good responses here concerning what AFSPC is, so I will answer the latter part of your question. An Air Force officer assigned to Air Force Space Command can have many duties over time.
First of all, there was a time when nuclear and missile operations officers belonged to AF Space Command, but this if no longer the case. I have to point this out because older folks, the media, as well as Wikipedia may still include nuclear and missile operations under AFSPC when those jobs now belong to AF Global Strike Command. There are some old missileers in AFSPC wearing the "pocket rocket", but space guys no longer perform that mission.
Space Launch. Some space officers lead launch campaigns and are responsible for getting billion dollar satellites launched on quarter billion dollar rockets.
Space Surveillance and Missile Warning. Some space officers lead space surveillance operations. Generally speaking this means watching for debris that may hit the space stations, using "conjunction assessments" and conjunction warnings. Space officers also catalog every rocket launch. This may not seem important, but for the first several minutes of any rocket launch, United States Strategic Command (which includes AF Space Command and AF Global Strike Command), has to verify that the rocket is going into space and is not an ICBM. Nowadays they also track satellites that "fly" around other satellites.
Satellite Command and Control. Some officers lead the collection of telemetry from satellites that give the health and status of the satellite constellations. These officers also are responsible for using commands for satellites to fire orbit keeping thrusters, change crypto keys, or execute anomaly recovery.
Other Duties As Assigned. Some AFSPC officers work in Building 1 operating the PowerPoint Weapons System at the headquarters building in Colorado Springs. Some AFSPC officers do research, development, test and engineering at the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. Some AFSPC officers are actually cyberspace operators at various bases.
In summary: AF Space Command officers have a lot of different missions and many daily duties. The answer gets more complicated when including space officers assigned outside of AF Space Command, such as US Strategic Command (which includes AF missileers, Army space and missiles, Navy space, cyberspace and intelligence), National Reconnaissance Office, and NASA liaisons.
First of all, there was a time when nuclear and missile operations officers belonged to AF Space Command, but this if no longer the case. I have to point this out because older folks, the media, as well as Wikipedia may still include nuclear and missile operations under AFSPC when those jobs now belong to AF Global Strike Command. There are some old missileers in AFSPC wearing the "pocket rocket", but space guys no longer perform that mission.
Space Launch. Some space officers lead launch campaigns and are responsible for getting billion dollar satellites launched on quarter billion dollar rockets.
Space Surveillance and Missile Warning. Some space officers lead space surveillance operations. Generally speaking this means watching for debris that may hit the space stations, using "conjunction assessments" and conjunction warnings. Space officers also catalog every rocket launch. This may not seem important, but for the first several minutes of any rocket launch, United States Strategic Command (which includes AF Space Command and AF Global Strike Command), has to verify that the rocket is going into space and is not an ICBM. Nowadays they also track satellites that "fly" around other satellites.
Satellite Command and Control. Some officers lead the collection of telemetry from satellites that give the health and status of the satellite constellations. These officers also are responsible for using commands for satellites to fire orbit keeping thrusters, change crypto keys, or execute anomaly recovery.
Other Duties As Assigned. Some AFSPC officers work in Building 1 operating the PowerPoint Weapons System at the headquarters building in Colorado Springs. Some AFSPC officers do research, development, test and engineering at the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. Some AFSPC officers are actually cyberspace operators at various bases.
In summary: AF Space Command officers have a lot of different missions and many daily duties. The answer gets more complicated when including space officers assigned outside of AF Space Command, such as US Strategic Command (which includes AF missileers, Army space and missiles, Navy space, cyberspace and intelligence), National Reconnaissance Office, and NASA liaisons.
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MSgt Walter Thomason
I wasn't aware, Missiles went to Global Strike Command. Heck, when I retired, AFGSC didn't even exist. I know AFSPC was toying around with 2-man missile warning, and space track crews (enlisted). Do you know if they ever made that happen? I also heard several years back the Pave Paws software and hardware was being upgraded. It would be nice to go back to a site to see what has changed.
Of course, no misinformation was intended, I realize now that I'm showing my age. Time has moved on and being out of the game for so long, I am out of the loop. I know one thing that hasn't changed. Officer's may command the crew, but it is the Crew Chief that runs it. :) Having to have the knowledge to work the Crew Commanders position and Space Console Operators position, how could you guys live without us? I miss the long nights telling "war" stories, and when I worked mids with Capt. R, seeing her bang her head against the console falling asleep. I was fortune enough to have worked with some great officers and been part of what I believe was the best crew at Robins AFB before they shut the site down. We accomplished a lot from first tracks to breakups. From system anomalies to system test and everything in between. I'm getting nostalgic here. And before you know it, I'll be telling stories so I'll end it here. Thanks for the update!
Of course, no misinformation was intended, I realize now that I'm showing my age. Time has moved on and being out of the game for so long, I am out of the loop. I know one thing that hasn't changed. Officer's may command the crew, but it is the Crew Chief that runs it. :) Having to have the knowledge to work the Crew Commanders position and Space Console Operators position, how could you guys live without us? I miss the long nights telling "war" stories, and when I worked mids with Capt. R, seeing her bang her head against the console falling asleep. I was fortune enough to have worked with some great officers and been part of what I believe was the best crew at Robins AFB before they shut the site down. We accomplished a lot from first tracks to breakups. From system anomalies to system test and everything in between. I'm getting nostalgic here. And before you know it, I'll be telling stories so I'll end it here. Thanks for the update!
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Maj Walter Kilar
MSgt Walter Thomason - My comment on misinformation was meant for someone else. For you, yes, a lot of changing rather quickly. Also, I am prior enlisted, so I will clarify my statements. The original question asked what the officers do, so I gave the textbook answer. In reality, the enlisted do the hard work. For some systems, it is actually the contractor.
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MSgt Walter Thomason
Believe me, I wasn't insulted, upset, embarrassed or any other emotion. Also, there was no need to clarify your statement, at least not to me. I understood where you were coming from. What I said about Crew Chiefs was just a friendly jibe at Officers (hence the smiley face). The point is that we are a team, the Crew Chief is the linchpin. I took pride in that and apologize if anything more was read into it. Like I said before, I worked with a lot of good Officers that I'd go to war with any day in any decade.
Here's an example. We were on crew and we had a missile warning alert go off at 3-something A.M. It so happened that a lightpen spray designated a satellite as a missile. This was an old method to test the system that wasn't even trained anymore. We ran our checklist and when we asked the maintenance console operator system status, he said the system was stable and no malfunctions (it was his job to check for that). I knew something had to be wrong so I asked twice more and his response was the same so we made the determination of valid. Well, the ORB determined we weren't liable for something we weren't taught but a certain Capt, that I used to laugh at for falling asleep and banging her head on the console took it upon herself to call the Wing and lobby until they decided to change the ORB determination. The kicker was during the ORB, I'm trying to protect my CC and trying to give her side glances so we both don't come out looking like liars all the while she is trying to protect me! I wanted to yell, "WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP!", so bad. A crit looks worse on her record than it does mine. But, she didn't want me to go down alone. Oh, and that Capt. that got us the crit, I kept my mouth shut on a blatant crit she committed during a missile launch we were on crew together for. Had I known that was how she would have returned the favor. When she was on crew, her crew sucked! We used to follow her crew. Duties left undone, missed passes, etc. We used to cover for them. She was Delta Crew, we used to call them Danger Crew. The following Delta Crew CC was even worse!
Here's an example. We were on crew and we had a missile warning alert go off at 3-something A.M. It so happened that a lightpen spray designated a satellite as a missile. This was an old method to test the system that wasn't even trained anymore. We ran our checklist and when we asked the maintenance console operator system status, he said the system was stable and no malfunctions (it was his job to check for that). I knew something had to be wrong so I asked twice more and his response was the same so we made the determination of valid. Well, the ORB determined we weren't liable for something we weren't taught but a certain Capt, that I used to laugh at for falling asleep and banging her head on the console took it upon herself to call the Wing and lobby until they decided to change the ORB determination. The kicker was during the ORB, I'm trying to protect my CC and trying to give her side glances so we both don't come out looking like liars all the while she is trying to protect me! I wanted to yell, "WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP!", so bad. A crit looks worse on her record than it does mine. But, she didn't want me to go down alone. Oh, and that Capt. that got us the crit, I kept my mouth shut on a blatant crit she committed during a missile launch we were on crew together for. Had I known that was how she would have returned the favor. When she was on crew, her crew sucked! We used to follow her crew. Duties left undone, missed passes, etc. We used to cover for them. She was Delta Crew, we used to call them Danger Crew. The following Delta Crew CC was even worse!
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Air Force Space Command primary responsibility is anything that flies into or above the upper atmosphere. AFSPACE is responsible for the following: Space Launch, Space Surveillance, Missile Warning, Satellite Command & Control and ICBM Launch. Someone has already done a good job on the cyberspace mission.
1. Space Launch - AFSPACE is responsible for the launch of various Satellite payloads that are of interest to the nation's needs.
2. Space Surveillance - The Space surveillance network is responsible for tracking near-earth and geosynchronous (far out there)objects as small as a basketball that has been launch either domestically or by foreign nations. This is done through a variety of Radar, optical and passive systems. Not only that, all objects tracked are identified and cataloged. These pieces can be anything from satellites, rocket bodies, and other debris that are remnants from satellite launches, breakups, and collisions.
3. Missile Warning - It is the responsibility of AFSPACE to detect and report on all submarine and land-based ICBM launches. This accomplished through both land and space-based sensors.
4. Satellite Command & Control - AFSPACE has the responsibility to maintain the satellites once in orbit from initial checkout to the end of life. This includes status-of-health collection, in orbit problem resolution, payload programming, orbit maintenance and anything else to ensure the successful mission of the satellite.
5. ICBM Launch - AFSPACE officers are responsible, when directed, to launch our nation's Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile in time of crisis.
The Navy and the Army both have Space components, however, the Air Force mission is more robust than her sister services. The mission is stressful but fulfilling. It takes a lot of training (monthly by requirement but a sharp crew trains often on shift), certification, and annual recertifications. That includes an encyclopedia of regulations and instructions in conjunction to knowing the system. Crews have to be disciplined and capable of handling a variety of situations. There are times of pure boredom and times of constant action. And yes, for the most part, shift work.
This is much abbreviated but gives a good overview of what Space Command does.
1. Space Launch - AFSPACE is responsible for the launch of various Satellite payloads that are of interest to the nation's needs.
2. Space Surveillance - The Space surveillance network is responsible for tracking near-earth and geosynchronous (far out there)objects as small as a basketball that has been launch either domestically or by foreign nations. This is done through a variety of Radar, optical and passive systems. Not only that, all objects tracked are identified and cataloged. These pieces can be anything from satellites, rocket bodies, and other debris that are remnants from satellite launches, breakups, and collisions.
3. Missile Warning - It is the responsibility of AFSPACE to detect and report on all submarine and land-based ICBM launches. This accomplished through both land and space-based sensors.
4. Satellite Command & Control - AFSPACE has the responsibility to maintain the satellites once in orbit from initial checkout to the end of life. This includes status-of-health collection, in orbit problem resolution, payload programming, orbit maintenance and anything else to ensure the successful mission of the satellite.
5. ICBM Launch - AFSPACE officers are responsible, when directed, to launch our nation's Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile in time of crisis.
The Navy and the Army both have Space components, however, the Air Force mission is more robust than her sister services. The mission is stressful but fulfilling. It takes a lot of training (monthly by requirement but a sharp crew trains often on shift), certification, and annual recertifications. That includes an encyclopedia of regulations and instructions in conjunction to knowing the system. Crews have to be disciplined and capable of handling a variety of situations. There are times of pure boredom and times of constant action. And yes, for the most part, shift work.
This is much abbreviated but gives a good overview of what Space Command does.
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A lot of folks missed this, but AFSPC is also the Air Force's Major Command (MAJCOM) for Cyberspace Operations. The 24th Air Force is aligned under them which is the Numbered AF responsible for most of the Air Force's newest Cyber Operations Squadrons.
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Suspended Profile
They go to "Infinity and Beyond!"
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Lt Col Robert Canfield
I like it. Looks like a new a new Specialty code (MOS) is in the works. ...I also heard there is a new program afoot where the officers will start carrying light sabers as side arms instead of a 9mm.
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A little bit if misinformation going out. You only wear the rocket if you go on a Missilier assignment. Not every 13S (Space and Missile Officer) gets a pocket rocket. I have 16 yearsin Space Command without it.
We dont wear flight suits unless youre pulling operations. I believe however, 13S and 1C6 (enlisted Space Operators) no longer wear them however.
The rest is pretty close. You use GPS? 2 SOPS flies those. uS Navy get crypto rekeys at sea via MILSTAR satellites. 45th and 30 Space Wings launch satellites from the coasts. Only go into Space if You like Colorado Springs, CO as most of your assignments will be there. There are Joint biklets so you will see Army.
We dont wear flight suits unless youre pulling operations. I believe however, 13S and 1C6 (enlisted Space Operators) no longer wear them however.
The rest is pretty close. You use GPS? 2 SOPS flies those. uS Navy get crypto rekeys at sea via MILSTAR satellites. 45th and 30 Space Wings launch satellites from the coasts. Only go into Space if You like Colorado Springs, CO as most of your assignments will be there. There are Joint biklets so you will see Army.
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Thanks everyone for your responses. I was always curious what they do and sometimes you get a broader answer by asking via using Google.
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I was a member of the Space Command. It ranged from satellite intel to the ICBM fields (which is what I did as a Missile Cop). Pretty much, if it left the atmosphere, they were the ones calling the shots.
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Much more involvement than the US Air Force. FYSA (public source info), check out the link for some additional info on the US Army & US Navy missions:
USAF Space Command mission: "Provide resilient and affordable space and cyberspace capabilities for the Joint Force and the Nation."
US Army Space and Missile Defense Command: http://www.smdc.army.mil/factsheets/smdc.pdf
US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command: http://www.navy.mil/local/spawar/
USAF Space Command mission: "Provide resilient and affordable space and cyberspace capabilities for the Joint Force and the Nation."
US Army Space and Missile Defense Command: http://www.smdc.army.mil/factsheets/smdc.pdf
US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command: http://www.navy.mil/local/spawar/
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NASA Project ROVER NERVA Nuclear Rocket Engine testing @ Jackass Flats
NASA's nuclear rocket engine idea, shot down by concern of radioactive fallout. This was NASAs original idea for a engine to get to the moon. Project ROVER N...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmxPRCyR-Co
This was really built in the 1960s, a 1 gigawatt nuclear engine...I honestly think if I ever saw it actually used to power a starship for real, I'd truly faint, ya know? I mean, wouldn't that just a be a positively dandy idea?
This was really built in the 1960s, a 1 gigawatt nuclear engine...I honestly think if I ever saw it actually used to power a starship for real, I'd truly faint, ya know? I mean, wouldn't that just a be a positively dandy idea?
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Capt Daniel Goodman
I mean, not that satellites, missiles, and being a starship gunner wouldn't be totally el neato, I'd suppose, it's just that I'd have hoped for the human race to come up with something a trifle less plebian by now, ya think?
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Capt Daniel Goodman
I think quite probably even God would probably faint at seeing one actually fly, honest....
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Below is the official web site. Having spent a few years with AF Space Command, I found that they do some interesting stuff: Missile warning, Satellite control, Spacelift operations, Cyberspace Ops, On-orbit tracking of satellites and space debris etc.
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104526/air-force-space-command.aspx
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104526/air-force-space-command.aspx
Air Force Space Command U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet Display
Air Force Space Command, activated Sept. 1, 1982, is a major command with headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC provides military focused space and cyberspace capabilities with a global perspective to the joint warfighting,
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Yes the space command does extend into the Army as well, I have a former squad sergeant that transferred to that side from a signal position in order to get his E6
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There are way too many things the Space Command is involved with to describe in a brief note. It’s a relatively new command having been established in the mid 80s, however, its predecessor was the old Aerospace Defense Command. SC has posts all over the world ranging from Thule and Sondrestrom AB in Greenland to outposts in the Australian outback, Scottish highlands and little rocks in the Alaska Aleutian Islands. Although the Army runs the posts on Kwajalein and Enowetok the SC has a very strong presence there. I’ve been TDY to Peterson AFB and have visited NORAD at Cheyenne Mountain. At both locations I noticed a very strong Navy presence. At Cheyenne I noticed a few Army officers and a lot of Canadian Forces personnel. Didn’t notice any Marines.
During my time as a missile guy in the AF I worked very closely with folks from the old SAMSO and BMO offices as well as NASA and DoD at Vandenberg AFB and LA Air Force Station. We also worked very closely with civilian contractors, Boeing, TRW, Lockheed, GE, Rockwell, etc. As part of the Western Test Range we coordinated closely with the Navy folks at Port Hueneme and various Coast Guard stations on the west coast.
There are a ton of things the Space Command is involved with and to try and cover everything would take a book. So, if you’re technically inclined I know they are always looking for good folks. I could tell you more but then I’d have to get one of my Marine friends to killya.
During my time as a missile guy in the AF I worked very closely with folks from the old SAMSO and BMO offices as well as NASA and DoD at Vandenberg AFB and LA Air Force Station. We also worked very closely with civilian contractors, Boeing, TRW, Lockheed, GE, Rockwell, etc. As part of the Western Test Range we coordinated closely with the Navy folks at Port Hueneme and various Coast Guard stations on the west coast.
There are a ton of things the Space Command is involved with and to try and cover everything would take a book. So, if you’re technically inclined I know they are always looking for good folks. I could tell you more but then I’d have to get one of my Marine friends to killya.
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SPC Erich Guenther
BNSF Boeing 737 Fuselage train at Edmonds
A nice surprise after the Empire Builder passed. This train is nearly done with its run from Wichita, Kansas.
Cool picture, BTW, you know they ship Boeing 737 fuselages by train between Washington State and Kansas.........kind of unbelieveable they would survive that trip without damage but they do.......check it out, got it on video....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TyyIjdB_oo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TyyIjdB_oo
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Lt Col Robert Canfield
Sometimes they don't make the trip intact. This train accident occurred in Montana in 2014. I wonder what the "damage claim" was on that shipment.
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/07/nobody-knows-how-to-rescue-these-poor-stranded-boeing-737s/
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/07/nobody-knows-how-to-rescue-these-poor-stranded-boeing-737s/
Nobody Knows How To Rescue These Poor Stranded Boeing 737s
On Thursday, a freight train derailment near Superior, Montana sent three Boeing 737 fuselages tumbling into the Clark Ford River. Today, the cracked and...
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