Coast Guard Launches Polar Scout CubeSats

The Coast Guard Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), [Dec. 3] launched two 6U CubeSats from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

The launch is part of the Polar Scout project to evaluate the effectiveness of space-based sensors in support of Arctic search and rescue missions. Knowledge gained from this demonstration will be used to inform satellite technology recommendations for many potential applications within the Coast Guard and across DHS.

Jim Knight, the Coast Guard deputy assistant commandant for acquisition, said in ceremonies leading up to the launch, “The Polar Scout project presents an opportunity to evaluate the most efficient way to ensure that the United States can project surface presence in the Arctic when and where it is needed while filling an immediate Search and Rescue capability gap in these remote areas.”

The CubeSats, dubbed Yukon and Kodiak, were launched into a low-earth polar orbit on a rideshare with other spacecraft from 17 different countries. This economical alternative to a costly single-mission launch ensured dozens of spacecraft from various organizations reached orbit. Success of the mission was due to public and private sector collaboration throughout the process, from developing the CubeSats to propelling them into space.

“In order to demonstrate, test and evaluate the viability and utility of CubeSats for Coast Guard missions, the Coast Guard RDT&E Program has partnered with DHS S&T to conduct on-orbit testing of CubeSats using the Mobile CubeSat Command and Control (MC3) ground network,” said Holly Wendelin, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance domain lead.

Developed as a potential capability bridge between the current 20-year-old international search-and-rescue architecture and its future successor, “CubeSats serve as a much smaller, more cost-efficient solution that can be easily implemented over a short period of time. Each are only about the size of a shoebox,” said John McEntee, director of Border Immigration and Maritime at S&T.

In the 18 months leading up to the launch, DHS S&T handled the fabrication of Yukon and Kodiak, which are tailored specifically to detect 406 MHz emergency distress beacons. At the same time, the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) deployed two ground stations – one at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut and one at University of Alaska Fairbanks – using the MC3 architecture and network. The ground stations will receive all of the signals from the CubeSats during the demonstration.

HS will begin testing and demonstrations using emergency distress beacons in the Arctic beginning in early 2019 and continuing through the summer. “The demonstrations will include downlinking 406 MHz emergency distress beacon data from the CubeSats using the deployed MC3 ground stations,” Wendelin said. “We will set the beacons off, the satellite should detect it and send signals back to the ground station.” The testing period is expected to provide critical knowledge on how CubeSat technology can be used to enhance Coast Guard and DHS mission performance.  

The Polar Scout project is providing valuable insight on the process, cost and feasibility of acquiring and using organic satellites. The Coast Guard and DHS will use the knowledge gained from Polar Scout and the MC3 installs, market research and space mission design and assessments to develop satellite technology recommendations.

As Coast Guard missions become more challenging and complex, the use of small and inexpensive satellites has the potential for great impact. Potential uses for satellites include improving communication in the arctic environment, monitoring large areas for illegal activity and helping to locate persons lost at sea. Additionally, the use of satellites has the potential to reduce the time and resources spent on intensive aircraft searches as well as the risks associated with placing personnel in hazardous situations that only need sensors and communications on scene. 

“Undoubtedly, the results and knowledge gained by the Polar Scout Satellite Project will lead to force-multiplying solutions for the Department, which is a big priority in this age of complex threat cycles,” said Bill Bryan, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Undersecretary for the Science and Technology Directorate.

Through Polar Scout’s robust search-and-rescue satellite solution, the Coast Guard may be empowered to respond to maritime disasters with unprecedented speed, preserving lives and even cargo, along trade routes in the Arctic Circle.

Minuteman III test missile launches from Vandenberg

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 3:01 a.m. (PDT) today from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, included members from the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D., and 90 Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

"The test launch is the culmination of months of hard work and preparation." said Col. Lance Kawane, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. "The invaluable data we collect helps us to validate the functionality and performance of system components."

The ICBM test launch program supports U.S. strategic deterrence policy as outlined in the 2010 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review, by demonstrating the operational credibility of the Minuteman III.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. The United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.

The next test launch of the Minuteman III from Vandenberg is scheduled for Sept. 26.

NRO pathfinder satellite scheduled to launch Saturday

The Minotaur rocket's lower assembly, composed of retired Minuteman missile stages, is stacked on the launch pad. Credit: U.S. Air Force

The U.S. military plans to launch a Minotaur rocket Saturday with a secret technology research mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, the government agency that oversees the country's spy satellites.

The solid-fueled Orbital Sciences Corp. Minotaur 1 launcher is scheduled to lift off some time Saturday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The launch window is a secret for now, but the Air Force plans to announce a time for the blastoff sometime this evening.

The NRO is keeping quiet on the mission's specifics, but the agency says it is part of a science and technology development effort to lay the groundwork for future systems.

The satellite is known as RPP, which stands for the Rapid Pathfinder Program. The launch is codenamed NROL-66 in the spy agency's rocket acquisition naming system.

The Minotaur rocket will travel south from the California coast, according to a notice to pilots released Wednesday. Launches flying south from Vandenberg usually deploy payloads in polar orbits used by Earth observation satellites.

The 62-foot-tall rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 8 in the southern part of Vandenberg.

Full article on this launch on the Spaceflight website at
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/minotaur/nrol66/110202launchpreps/

For my west coast readers try monitoring the following UHF aero freqs during the launch:

225.0750 225.6500 229.5500 231.4000 239.1250 251.9000 256.0000 266.0000 281.8000 284.1000 308.9000 319.6000 324.6500 325.1000 327.4000 336.0000 337.6000 349.1000 349.3000 351.3000 354.3000 375.4000 375.5000 378.0500 384.8500 386.6000 386.6000 MHz (AM mode)

On the LMR side of things the following repeater outputs (NFM mode): 386.2875 (reportedly used for count down net) 386.3000 386.5000 MHz

Of course there are many more freqs including the Vandenberg Trunk Radio System, but these are some new freqs I have uncovered and could use some feedback on these freqs.

Delta IV Heavy NROL-49 Launch Highlights

And the latest from Ted Molzcan and the SEESAT-L:

Bob Christy has just reported two more radio observations, that are in excellent agreement with the elset I posted a short time ago.

Here is an update taking into account the new data:

USA 224 239 X 1005 km
1 72001U 11020.92423333 .00010870 00000-0 70000-4 0 03
2 72001 97.9000 135.1542 0547001 257.2536 95.0499 14.81439185 05
Arc 201101210-0122.57 WRMS resid 0.367 totl 0.133 xtrk

This should still be considered approximate, but I am beginning to be more confident of the argument of perigee.

When I am more certain of the solution, I will use the official designations: 11002A / 37348. Years ago, I used the official designations for my initial estimates, which often proved to be seriously incorrect, but they still ended up in various archives, creating potential confusion for later analysts, not familiar with the history. Using non-descript IDs like 72001 reduces the risk of that problem, at the expense of being a temporary nuisance for most users.

Final comment: if the latest elements are correct, then our Southern Hemisphere colleagues probably will not be able to make visual observations, due to the passes entering eclipse soon after they rise above the horizon.

First Delta IV Heavy launches from Vandenberg AFB

Blog Ed Note: According to a tweet fom Bob Christie NROL-49's official name on orbit is USA 224, carries and International Designator 2011-002A and Satellite/NORAD Catalog No. 37348.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- A Delta IV Heavy Launch Vehicle was launched from here Jan. 20.

It was the first Delta IV HLV to be launched from the West Coast of the U.S., and it carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.

"The teamwork between the 30th Space Wing, the National Reconnaissance Office, United Launch Alliance and numerous other agencies was outstanding for our first-ever Delta IV HLV from Vandenberg Air Force Base," said Col. Keith Balts, the 30th Space Wing vice commander and launch decision authority. "I'm very proud to be part of the team who worked so hard to make this mission a success."

The Delta IV HLV launched from here is 235 feet tall and produced 2 million pounds of thrust.

More details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-224

Air Force's X-37B historical landing advances space vehicle technologies

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle sits on the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 3, 2010, during post-landing operations. Personnel in self-contained atmospheric protective ensemble suits are conducting initial checks on the vehicle and ensuring the area is safe. The X-37B launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., allowing teams to conduct on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during this first mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Michael Stonecypher)

by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- After 244 days in space since its launch April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., the X-37B orbital test vehicle landing marks the Air Force's latest step in experimental test missions to improve the service's space capabilities, officials said here Dec. 6.

The 11,000-pound OTV made an autonomous landing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 3 at 1:16 a.m., allowing the Air Force to begin evaluation of its functions as a satellite communications, weather and material technology asset, said Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for Space Programs Richard McKinney.

"We're in a very serious and important business of providing national security space capabilities for our nation," Mr. McKinney said. "Some of those capabilities are state-of-the-art, highly complex and very technical, ... and for its first flight, we're extremely pleased with the outcome of the X-37B."

Mr. McKinney said the ability to examine such high-tech technologies as space situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and satellite development before they're made operational is a long-sought-after capability that the X-37B provides.

"Now we can test those capabilities long in advance of putting them in operational space," he said.

He added that the X-37B functions like other satellites with operators on Earth monitoring its travels -- with one fundamental difference.

"The vehicle was commanded to re-enter, and there's a pre-determined routine to fold up the solar array and then do its re-entry burn to reorient to the right position to survive the heat during re-entry," said Lt. Col. Troy Giese, the X-37B program manager for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.

Lt. Col. Giese explained that there is no way to "take over" the vehicle upon landing, but 30th Space Wing range controllers at Vandenberg AFB could terminate the end of the flight had the X-37B broken any of the pre-determined safety boundaries.

"The ability to bring a small vehicle that's able to launch, operate and land autonomously is really quite an achievement," Mr. McKinney said. "Hopefully we'll be able to provide a new way for us to develop experiments and technologies for our national security."

Slated to launch in spring 2011, the X-37B OTV-2 orbit will incorporate lessons learned from OTV-1, Mr. McKinney said.

"The vehicle performed everything it was asked to do this particular flight, so now we need to see how the materials operated in this long duration and examine the vehicle, since it was designed to operate for long periods of time," he added.

X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle lands at Vandenberg AFB

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle sits on the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 3, 2010, during post-landing operations. Personnel in self-contained atmospheric protective ensemble suits are conducting initial checks on the vehicle and ensuring the area is safe. The X-37B launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., allowing teams to conduct on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during this first mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Michael Stonecypher)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force's first unmanned re-entry spacecraft landed here Dec. 3 at 1:16 a.m.

The X-37B, named Orbital Test Vehicle 1, which launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., conducted on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during its maiden voyage. It fired its orbital maneuver engine in low-earth orbit to perform an autonomous reentry before landing.

The X-37B is the newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft. Managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the X-37B program performs risk reduction, experimentation and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies.

"Today's landing culminates a successful mission based on close teamwork between the 30th Space Wing, Boeing and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office," said Lt. Col. Troy Giese, the X-37B program manager from the AFRCO. "We are very pleased that the program completed all the on-orbit objectives for the first mission."

OTV-1's de-orbit and landing mark the transition from the on-orbit demonstration phase to a refurbishment phase for the program.

An Air Force launch team is preparing to launch the next X-37B, OTV-2, in Spring 2011 aboard an Atlas V booster.

Canadian forces contribute to space mission

by Senior Airman Steve Bauer, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- When servicemembers here perform a mission, whether it is space surveillance or launching a payload into space, it is not solely an American effort, but rather a joint effort.

One such example is the partnership here between Americans and Canadians.

Stemming out of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, a joint organization that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty and defense for the U.S. and Canada, Air Force Space Command was created in 1982 with a focus on space surveillance, missile warning, and command and control for national leadership.

Canadians have been a part of this organization from the beginning, and seven Canadians currently fill various positions at Vandenberg Air Force Base. This group is part of the OUTCAN Space Operations Unit. OUTCAN refers to Canadian military units stationed outside the Canadian borders.

"Our aim is to develop a professional Canadian forces space cadre that can contribute to both coalition and combined space operations," said Canadian air force Lt. Col. Steve Sarty, the OSO commander.

Approximately 35 OSO members are involved in joint space missions at various locations including Vandenberg AFB, Peterson AFB, Colo.; Buckley AFB, Colo.; Clear Air Force Station, Alaska; Thule Air Base, Greenland; Cape Cod AFS, Md.; Beale AFB, Calif.; and Cavalier AFS, N.D.

"Members of OSO units are involved in space surveillance, missile warning, day-to-day crew operations and anything that pertains to the space mission as a whole, whether it is tracking objects in space, launch support or space collision avoidance," said Canadian air force Maj. Cameron Lowdon. "Every Canadian that is connected with Vandenberg (AFB) is doing a space related job."

A small number of Canadians have been stationed at Vandenberg AFB since the late 1990s, teaching courses at the 533rd Training Squadron. In the past few years, the Canadian presence began to grow at Vandenberg AFB, and Canadians began filling more operational roles.

"Canadian forces personnel have worked hand-in-hand with U.S. personnel with NORAD since 1958," Colonel Sarty said. "Through the years as the joint command has evolved and the requirements have changed, Air Force Space Command has been an offshoot, and Canadian personnel have maintained a presence through all these years. In addition to having Canadian forces personnel at the various space warning squadrons throughout North America, we contribute through joint positions here in Vandenberg (AFB)."

Although they are a small group at Vandenberg AFB, the Canadians here are working side-by-side with Americans, solving the same problems and dealing with the same issues.

"We certainly gather something working in a joint environment, but we also feel that we bring something to the table that allows our American counterparts to perhaps see the other side of the coin in getting a challenge fixed," Major Lowdon said. "Not only are we learning, but we are adding to the solution at the end of the day. It is unique and challenging, but as a unit we are getting to where we want to be and we are certainly looking forward to the integrated success in this capacity."

One of OSOs recent in-house achievements is becoming an independent and self-sufficient unit as it recently stood up an orderly room for its geographically-dispersed unit's members. Now that OSO has solidified its place at Vandenberg AFB, the unit pursues another goal.

"With this developing Canadian space cadre, our goal is to establish the best way that our personnel, and Canada as a whole, can contribute to the space operations to achieve coalition and national objectives," Colonel Sarty said. "The eventual result would be full integration into Vandenberg (AFB's) Joint Space Operations Center."

First Minotaur IV Lite launches from Vandenberg

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Members from the 30th Space Wing here launched the first Minotaur IV Lite launch vehicle at 4 p.m. April 22 here.

The rocket carried the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2.

The Minotaur family of launch vehicles are provided by the Orbital/Suborbital Program 2 and managed by officials from the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Development and Test Wing's Launch Test Squadron located at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

Vandenberg Airmen launch missile successfully

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration test assembly launched at 1:01 a.m. April 1 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joe Davila)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration test assembly launched at 1:01 a.m. April 1 by Vandenberg Air Force Base officials.

The launch tested the weapon system's reliability and accuracy, and what makes this launch different is that it is also the certification flight for the new Developmental Joint Test Assembly on board the MK-21 re-entry vehicle.

"In order to comply with 30th Space Wing safety requirements, a component of the flight termination system on the missile had to be redesigned and certified," said Lt. Col. Lesa Toler, the 576th Flight Test Squadron commander and the mission director for this operational test launch. "Safety is our No. 1 concern when conducting test launches."

The missile's single unarmed re-entry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to its pre-determined target at the Reagan Test Site located in the Marshall Islands.

The data collected will be used by the entire ICBM community, including the U.S. Strategic Command planners and the Program Office at Hill AFB, Utah, and the National Nuclear Security Administration/Department of Energy laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and Sandia National Laboratories.

"Minuteman III flight testing is critical because it's the only way to obtain data on weapon system reliability, accuracy, and performance from first stage ignition to RV impact," Colonel Toler said.

Members of the 576th FLTS prepared the launch facility and launch control center, as well as the test missile to ensure a successful launch, she said.

"We met our test objectives but ultimately proved our nation's nuclear ICBM force is reliable and will continue to play a vital role in deterrence and security of the United States," Colonel Toler said.

"An outstanding display of teamwork ensured 100 percent mission success," said Col. Michael Fortney, the 30th SW vice commander and the spacelift commander for the test launch.

76th HS deactivates: 49-year "Huey" legacy concludes

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A ceremony here deactivated the 76th Helicopter Squadron Aug. 2, and recognized the unit's historical contributions to Vandenberg's mission.

The 30th Operations Group Commander Col. Andre Lovett officiated over the ceremony, giving thanks to the Airmen and civilians of the squadron for their outstanding support and dedicated service.

As an iconic unit representing the epitome of flexibility in its service to the 30th Space Wing and the local community, Colonel Lovett said the men and women of the 76th HS "will always have a special place in the hearts of those who live and serve on the Western Range."

Before an audience of 76th HS fliers and staff, families, and friends, Maj. Timothy Anderson stepped down as the final commander of the 76th HS, praising his team for their contributions and encouraging them to still bring laughter and joy to their work.

"Use the skills you learned and the love of what you do to enrich the Air Force," he said, with best wishes for his team in the future.

With that, he furled the guidon along with Colonel Lovett and retired Master Sgt. Bob Strong, who came to Vandenberg in 1982 and retired in 1989 when the unit was Detachment 8, 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recover Squadron. The black and red sleeve slipped over the blue flag, and the 76th Helicopter Squadron became a part of Air Force history.

The 76th HS Airmen will go their separate ways, as will the four helicopters. On the day of deactivation, only two helicopters remained. They sat inside the hangar and flanked the audience. At the end of the ceremony they became officially assigned to the 37th Helicopter Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., said Capt. Kevin Weaver, 37th HS.

Since the 76th HS was renamed in 1993 from a detachment of the 37th ARSS, the assignment to F.E. Warren sends the last two birds home to roost.

"That brings them full circle," said Capt. Abbe Shafer. She said she was very sad to leave the people she worked with and the camaraderie of the 76th. But she'll have a memento when she takes on her new assignment with the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont. The third helicopter was also assigned to the 40th HS.

Similarly, the fourth helicopter will be assigned to Minot AFB, N.D., with Master Sgt. Wes Simpson, a flight engineer and the last person to carry the 76th HS guidon before the unit was deactivated.

The squadron retired after a 34-year history, in which the unit logged more than 35,000 hours of accident-free flying hours. Although the helicopter squadron has historically supported high-profile rescue and fire suppression missions, including humanitarian relief in the Gulf States in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the accomplishment of one mission at Vandenberg has been unique to only the 76th Helicopter Squadron - providing airborne surveillance and security in support of the space launch and the test range.

The technology used by the 76th HS for airborne surveillance, including standard and infrared cameras, will be used in a similar fashion by the unmanned aerial vehicles of the 30th Security Forces Squadron. But the machines will never replace the men and women who made Vandenberg their home.

"The bottom line is they love what they do, they know how much it matters and they know how to have fun," Colonel Lovett said. "It's been an honor and a privilege, and we say goodbye with a heavy heart."

SIDEBAR: What's in the name?
The origin of the 76th HS is rooted in the 76th Aerospace Rescue and Recover Squadron, activated in 1952 at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The 76th didn't become a part of Vandenberg until 21 years later.

Vandenberg's flightline officially opened in February 1959, and two H-13 helicopters were assigned, according to Jeffrey Geiger, the 30th Space Wing historian.

Then, in 1973, the Strategic Air Command's helicopter support was transferred to the Military Airlift Command's Detachment 8, 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recover Squadron. Its helicopters, including one VC-118A, one C-118A, and three UH-1F, were replaced with the UH-1N models by 1975.

The 76th ARRS, which had been deactivated at Hickam in 1975, was reborn at Vandenberg when Det. 8 was renamed the 76th Rescue Flight. After being renamed the 76th Helicopter Flight in 1998, it became the final iteration in 2005, when it was re-designated as the 76th Helicopter Squadron.