Air Force advances space vehicle development

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Air Force is developing an Orbital Test Vehicle, based on the design of a NASA X-37 technology demonstrator, to continue full-scale development and on-orbit testing of an unmanned long-duration, reusable space vehicle. The new OTV effort takes advantage of industry and government investments by Air Force, NASA, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office will lead the initiative with continued participation of NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Boeing is the prime contractor for the OTV program.

Following transfer from NASA to DARPA in October 2004, the X-37 technology demonstrator, the Approach and Landing Test Vehicle, recently completed a series of captive carry and free flight tests from a commercial aircraft. The ALTV validated the X-37 program flight dynamics and extended the flight envelope beyond the earlier low speed/low altitude tests conducted by NASA. The ALTV, in its current configuration, is not capable of space flight.

The OTV program will focus on risk reduction, experimentation, and operational concept development for reusable space vehicle technologies, in support of long term developmental space objectives. The first orbital test flight of the OTV is planned for FY08, with a launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on an Atlas V launch vehicle. Key objectives of the first flight include demonstration and validation of guidance, navigation and control systems to include fault tolerant, autonomous reentry and landing as well as lightweight high temperature structures and landing gear. Either Vandenberg Air Force Base or Edwards AFB will conduct reentry and recovery activities.

More HF Mil from Down Under

And here is some more military frequencies from our Aussie reporter Eddy Waters:

Royal Australian AF (USB)
3700.0 4535.0 5878.0 9040.0 10212.0 12172.0 15712.0 20632.0 22868.0

CANFORCE (USB)
6754.0 Trenton Military

Australian Military Mode: Mil-Std-110A
4223.5 4248.5 4304.0 4310.0 5194.5 5788.0 6434.0 6453.0 6936.0 7546.5 7681.0 7693.0 8469.0 8676.5 9056.0 9159.0 9412.0 10368.0 10825.010921.0 12693.5 12766.5 12812.0 12876.0 12942.0 13965.0 14874.0 15857.5 16270.0 16913.0 17472.0 18365.0 18551.0 18581.5 20109.5 20547.020931.0

Mode: RTTY
6995.5 8558.4 11166.5 12801.5 16923.5 18442.3 20969.3 23198.5

Link 11
4312.5 6708.0 9007.0 18400.0

Stanag 4285 Portocol Frequencies from Down Under

Mr. Eddy Waters of Collinswood, South Australia, has kindly forward the following Stanag 4285 protocol frequencies he has monitored from his down under monitoring post. I will have more on this in my January MT Help Column. There will be more HF frequencies from Eddy here on the MT Milcom blog and the non-mil stuff on my Btown Monitoring Post blog at http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/

Stanag 4285 NATO
4041.5 4055.2 4112.6 4152.0 4169.0 4225.5 4228.0 4236.2 4237.2 4244.6 4253.2 4255.0 4263.2 4278.2 4280.6 4299.2 4305.2 4306.0 4307.2 4310.2 4317.2 4345.0 4346.0 4347.5 4372.0 4376.2 4401.8 4509.7 4532.7 4572.5 4576.2 4588.6 4590.0 4603.2 4643.0 4680.1 4686.0 4687.2 4781.7 4808.2 4810.2 4901.0 5048.0 5085.2 5101.0 5102.2 5148.2 5235.7 5246.2 5266.6 5278.0 5278.2 5278.6 5279.7 5282.0 5309.7 5332.0 5336.5 5348.2 5361.7 5362.2 5379.0 5427.7 5700.0 5732.7 5784.7 5786.5 5789.7 5848.2 6227.6 6249.2 6251.0 6253.2 6258.2 6259.2 6286.7 6335.2 6343.2 6360.6 6382.2 6388.7 6393.2 6398.7 6403.2 6405.2 6408.5 6408.7 6419.2 6423.2 6424.0 6428.2 6429.2 6442.2 6443.2 6465.0 6472.2 6490.5 6492.7 6493.2 6500.7 6711.2 6765.0 6780.7 6781.2 6787.7 6793.2 6794.5 6805.2 6842.6 6843.2 6881.0 6889.6 6892.0 6893.2 6903.2 6903.2 6968.0 7405.2 7406.2 7420.7 7467.2 7467.7 7601.2 7723.0 7776.7 7800.0 7843.2 7853.2 7982.0 8005.0 8008.2 8022.2 8027.2 8049.7 8073.7 8082.0 8098.2 8106.7 8108.5 8109.7 8138.0 8138.2 8156.2 8170.2 8170.5 8172.0 8178.2 8248.0 8271.2 8300.2 8340.0 8355.0 8456.2 8463.2 8468.2 8470.0 8474.2 8488.2 8508.0 8511.0 8524.2 8540.2 8541.0 8542.0 8552.6 8573.6 8612.2 8612.2 8618.2 8632.6 8661.0 8672.2 8695.2 8697.4 8698.2 8708.2 8793.6 9005.0 9028.6 9052.7 9095.0 9098.6 9100.5 9132.0 9270.0 9910.7 9956.2 10012.0 10111.5 10170.2 10186.1 10233.2 10264.2 10274.2 10352.2 10352.2 10353.2 10371.2 10408.2 10439.6 10449.7 10478.0 10499.7 10522.0 10555.5 10559.2 10561.0 10568.2 10568.7 10568.7 10569.2 10599.0 10658.2 10669.2 10740.0 10741.7 10742.0 10751.6 10758.2 10778.2 10807.2 10807.7 10836.7 10948.2 10948.7 10967.2 11000.0 11006.2 11015.0 11016.7 11021.2 11042.7 11072.7 11105.2 11200.0 11228.0 11405.5 11414.0 11455.2 11457.0 11538.2 11540.0 12144.6 12154.2 12193.0 12203.2 12221.0 12275.0 12305.7 12368.2 12386.0 12396.0 12406.0 12416.2 12568.0 12570.0 12661.2 12685.2 12691.2 12692.0 12704.5 12715.2 12724.0 12749.2 12771.0 12784.2 12804.2 12829.2 12847.2 12860.5 12873.6 12883.6 12883.7 12913.0 12915.0 12930.7 12932.2 12958.0 12958.2 12982.0 13057.6 13072.2 13091.5 13410.0 13410.7 13411.6 13413.7 13415.5 13445.0 13495.0 13588.2 13917.2 13919.0 14320.0 14371.5 14376.2 14385.2 14388.2 14442.2 14616.0 14638.2 14723.7 14749.2 14870.0 14901.0 15000.0 15851.0 16000.0 16028.2 16030.0 16158.2 16205.0 16225.0 16250.0 16270.2 16333.2 16356.7 16456.5 16574.2 16589.2 16611.6 16656.0 16748.2 16790.0 16905.0 16916.2 16921.8 16924.2 16925.0 16931.0 17060.6 17082.2 17097.6 17106.6 17125.7 17130.0 17135.6 17179.6 17192.6 17197.5 17200.2 17202.2 17218.7 17219.0 17237.7 17378.2 17799.2 17930.2 18045.0 18259.2 18366.0 18367.5 18375.2 18493.5 18507.2 18532.7 18538.0 18555.0 18598.4 18853.2 18855.0 19714.2 19729.2 19730.2 19737.7 19800.0 19830.2 19898.2 20000.0 20010.2 20151.0 20160.2 20192.0 20290.0 20975.2 22178.5 22188.2 22413.0 22544.6 26130.2

Stanag 4285 French Navy
FUE 6348.0
FUF 8479.5 13031.2 16961.5
FUJ 4271.0 8646.0 12664.5 16957.8 22461.0
FUM 8625.0 12666.5
FUO 8451.0
FUV 8568.0 13042.5

Stanag 4285 US Navy
8326.6

Reagan/CVW-14 Underway for JTFEX 07-1 Training

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 departed San Diego Nov. 9 for quarterly sustainment training under the Navy’s Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP) during Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet’s Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 07-1.

Ronald Reagan is participating in the FRTP as part of the Navy’s continuing effort to ensure ships maintain a heightened state of readiness for short-notice deployments in the event they are needed to support the global war on terrorism.
“This sustainment training will keep the Ronald Reagan and CVW-14 at the same level of performance we demonstrated during our combat deployment,” said Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Our goal during this underway period is to refresh the skills we utilized earlier this year.”

During the underway period, Ronald Reagan and CVW-14 will be conducting various drills and mission-specific scenarios designed to improve both watch team and air crew proficiency. Some of the scenarios are scheduled to include exercises in strike warfare, air defense, close air support, and general quarters.

“We will stress every facet of our skills this underway,” said Kraft. “In today’s climate, it’s important that we maintain our combat state of readiness so that we remain ready to deploy without a lengthy training cycle.”

Since Ronald Reagan is one of the two aircraft carriers participating in JTFEX 07-1, Kraft said the ship and embarked air wing will play a significant role in supporting the training of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group that is preparing for an upcoming deployment.

Ronald Reagan is the Navy’s newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and returned to San Diego July 6 following its maiden combat deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

What is in the December MT Milcom Column?

We have some really neat stuff in our December 2006 Monitoring Times Milcom column.

Titled, The Navy MARISAT Satellite System - we cover the MARISAT UHF milsat birds, including their entire frequency bandplan and current operational status. We have all the details on this and the AFSATCOM systems in this column. We also cover US Army Aviation frequencies in the VHF/UHF bands, new information on the Tri-Service MARS ALE Net, and more on the removal of DoD FLIP Pub from the public domain.

So as I have said before, "miss one issue of MT and you miss a lot."

Monitoring Times - Helping You to Master the World of Radio.

Air Force Declassifies Elite Aggressor Program

Courtesy of the American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2006 – After decades of secrecy, the Air Force today acknowledged that it flew Communist-built fighters at the Tonopah Test Range northwest of Las Vegas. From 1977 through 1988, the program, known as Constant Peg, saw U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine aircrews flying against Soviet-designed MiG fighters as part of a training program where American pilots could better learn how to defeat or evade the communist bloc's fighters of the day.

Brig. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is a former member of the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron who remembers the valuable training the unit provided.

"Constant Peg afforded pilots an opportunity to learn how to fight enemy aircraft in a controlled, safe environment, without having to endure the risks of actual air combat," Carlisle said. "Typically a pilot would start with a basic familiarization flight to observe the enemy airplane and study its characteristics, practicing one-on-one defensive and offensive maneuvers against it, and finally, experience multi-bogey engagements high over the desert scrubland of the Nellis Air Force Base ranges.”

As a result of marginal performance of American fighter forces in the skies over North Vietnam, Constant Peg complemented other revolutionary training programs such as Red Flag, Top Gun and the Air Force and Navy-Marine aggressor squadrons. The program also was intended to eliminate the "buck fever" or nervous excitement many pilots experience on their first few combat missions. Historical experience indicated that pilots who survived their first 10 missions were much more likely to survive a complete combat tour, and Constant Peg was intended to teach them the right "moves" to enable them to come out on top of any engagement.

The end of Constant Peg nearly coincided with the end of the Cold War, by which time some of its "graduates" had already proven themselves in actual air combat.

Threat aircraft flown by the Red Eagles spanned several decades and technical generations of capability. There was the MiG-17 Fresco, a small, agile single-seat transonic fighter placed in service just after the Korean War and used extensively over Vietnam and the Middle East; the MiG-21 Fishbed, a high supersonic fighter used worldwide in large numbers; and the swing-wing MiG-23 Flogger, likewise in global service, an attempt by the Soviets to match the sophisticated capabilities of the F-4 Phantom.

"Although it came too late to influence Vietnam, Constant Peg training greatly influenced the success of American airmen in Operation Desert Storm, who shot down 40 Iraqi fighters, many of which were Fishbeds and Floggers," Carlisle said.

West Coast JTFEX Frequencies

The following frequencies have been reported so far during the USS John C. Stennis JTFEX being conducted in the SoCal Opareas:

3040.5 CWC Link 11 Coordination Net "Foxtrot Whiskey"
4603.5 CWC Link 11 Coordination Net "Foxtrot Foxtrot"
339.70 Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone (PIRAZ) aka Red Crown

Many thanks to my MT colleague Hugh Stegman for passing along these frequencies.

Andrews AFB 380-400 MHz TRS OTA

I have received several reports that Andrews AFB has put a new 380-400 MHz LMR trunk radio system on the air. The following frequencies have been identified so far:

385.2125/395.2125c
385.3125/395.3125c
385.9000/395.9000
385.9125/395.9125
386.0375/396.0375
386.2000/396.2000
386.3375/396.3375
386.5000/396.5000
386.6375/396.6375
386.8000/396.8000

We still do not have any talkgroup information yet associated with this trunk system. We have also not received any information on this new system impact on the old 400 MHz UHF trunk system. Those frequencies include:

406.3500c
406.9500c
407.1500c
407.4250c
408.0250
408.2000
408.7500
408.9500
409.3500
409.7250

Any field reports on either of these two systems would be appreciated.

NORAD Plans Exercise Over D.C.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has planned some training flights that will take place above the nation's capital to test its rapid response capability.
The flights, known as Exercise Falcon Virgo 07-02, are scheduled to take place from Tuesday, Nov 14 through Thursday, Nov 16.

You can read more about this exercise at http://www.nbc4.com/news/10307019/detail.html.

Look for Guard Dog CAP activity on the following frequencies:

228.800 228.900 234.600 254.200 255.800 260.900 262.150 271.000 277.600 288.350 293.600 318.400 320.600 320.900 324.00o 360.700 362.300 364.200

As always I would appreciate any and all reports of frequencies and calls used during this exercise. You can reach me at the email address in the masthead.

Eye on the Fleet Photo of the Day

Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 1st Class Ray Kassow, left, and Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 3rd Class Chris Eichas test a satellite communication system aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is currently participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of southern California. JTFEX is the third at-sea phase of John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group's pre-deployment training cycle. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heidi Giacalone

USS Stennis Departs for JTFEX

USS John C. Stennis Departs San Diego for Joint Task Force Exercise From USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

ABOARD USS JOHN C. STENNIS, Pacific Ocean (NNS) -- The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Strike Group (JCSSG) departed Naval Air Station North Island Nov. 8 to conduct its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California.

According to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, JTFEX is advanced level training designed to prepare JCSSG to deploy at the highest level of combat readiness.
“JTFEX is a great training opportunity,” said Quinn. “Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet staff and Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific staff are embarked to assess our combat readiness as we progress from ready to surge, to ready to deploy.”

JTFEX marks the first time the JCSSG will conduct large-scale joint operations with the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Strike Group (RRSG). Together, they will provide a forceful military presence working to provide a secure and stable maritime environment while maintaining combat proficiencies across the spectrum of naval warfare.

JTFEX will test JCSSG’s ability to operate as a member of an international coalition to conduct major combat operations with a second carrier strike group. JTFEX will demonstrate JCSSG’s ability to plan and conduct various air warfare and maritime operations that it might face during its scheduled 2007 deployment.

As the West Coast surge-ready strike group, JCSSG would be the first to respond to any crisis.
John C. Stennis Strike Group is composed of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, John C. Stennis, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, VFA-146, VFA-147, Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323,Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 138, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron(HS) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Chicago (SSN 721), USS Antietam (CG 54), and USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10),

For the exercise, JCSSG will operate with the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 7, embarked aboard Ronald Reagan. The RRSG will include CVW-14, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Momsen (DDG 92), and USS Russell (DDG 59).

HSL-49 Completes Counter-Narcotics Deployment

From the Navy Newstand:

HSL-49 Completes Counter-Narcotics Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel A. Barker, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 returned to Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Oct. 27 from a successful six-month counter-narco terrorism (CNT) deployment aboard USS Curts (FFG 38).

Suppporting U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) on the deployment, HSL-49, Curts and Coast Guardsmen worked together to interrupt the drug supply as close to its source as feasible.

“Our primary mission was to detect and monitor drug smuggling vessels,” said Lt. Cmdr. Pete Collins, officer-in-charge of HSL-49, Det. 2. “We integrated with Curts and the U.S. Coast Guard to locate, identify and query these boats for boarding and search by our Coast Guard law enforcement team.”

“Our goal is to interdict the flow of drugs on the high seas as far from the U.S. borders as possible,” said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Greg Rogers.

The most successful counter drug operation of this deployment resulted in the capture and transfer of personnel and 8.5 metric tons of cocaine, which has an estimated street value of $850 million.

HSL-49, Det. 2 also flew two injured detainees ashore for medical treatment, conducted a search for 10 fishermen whose boat had capsized, and transported a Sailor ashore for emergency leave.

“None of us had gone on a counter-narcotics or terrorism deployment before,” said Collins. "But we set out with three goals: make sure we all come back safely, with all digits attached. We accomplished that. Do the operations; we accomplished that. Also, meet our personal goals for training and excellence... we accomplished that as well.”For more information on HSL 49, go to www.hsl49.navy.mil.

Milair Nationwide Frequencies Part 9

This is part 9 of our exclusive nationwide milair assignment list.

Here is a list of previous parts and the dates they appeared on this blog:
Part 1 Monday May 29, 2006
Part 2 Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Part 3 Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Part 4 Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Part 5 Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Part 6 Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Part 7 Thursday, August 24, 2006
Part 8 Thursday, September 14, 2006

270.100 Air Traffic Control -- ATIS
270.250 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
270.275 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
270.300 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
270.325 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
270.350 Air Traffic Control -- Approach/Departure Control
270.400 USAF AWACS Tadil Link
270.800 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
271.000 NORAD Combat Air Patrols
271.100 JStars Operations
271.300 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
271.800 USAF ATIS
271.825 AMC Special Operations Air-to-Ground
271.950 Have Quick frequency
273.450 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
273.500 Air Traffic Control -- ATIS
273.525 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
273.550 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
273.575 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
273.600 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
273.950 USMC HMX-1 Air-to-Air
274.100 USN Carrier Air Wings Common Air-to-Air
274.400 NORAD
274.750 USAF Metro
275.100 USCG SAR Datum Marker Beacons
275.200 Civilian Contractors/Flight Test Support
275.350 USN Blue Angels Flight Demo Team
275.675 USAF F-15 Flight Demo Team Air-to-Air
275.800 Mil/Civilian Ground Control/Clearance Delivery
275.950 Aerial Refueling ACC Random Tracks CONUS
276.075 USAF JStars-AWACS Operations
276.100 Aerial Refueling ACC Random Tracks CONUS
276.300 USN ATIS
276.400 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
276.500 Aerial Refueling Established Tracks
276.800 USAF JStars Operations
276.900 UHF Wideband
277.400 Air Traffic Control -- ARTCC
277.600 NORAD
277.800 USN Fleet Common-Tactical/Warning (Worldwide assignment)
278.000 US/Russian Military Voice Coordination
278.300 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
278.500 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
278.800 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.000 NASA Nationwide/Space Shuttle EVA
279.400 DoD Combat Scene of Action
279.500 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.525 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.550 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.575 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.600 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.625 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.650 Air Traffic Control -- Various functions
279.750 Have Quick frequency
279.800 Aerial Refueling Established Tracks/Anchors
279.850 AMC Airlift CCT Comms

Military Satellite Launch Manifest Link/2006 Schedule

For those who are interested in US military satellite launches you might want to bookmark Steven S. Pietrobon's military launch manifest at http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/usmil-man.txt.

This is a great resource for the milsat junkie. For Steve's list here are the rest of the 2006 mil launches.

14 Nov 06 Delta II (7925) NAVSTAR/GPS IIRM-3/IIR-16M
7 Dec 06 Delta II NROL-21
8 Dec 06 Atlas V401 (AV-013) STP 1, Orbital Express (NEXTSat-CSC, ASTRO), NPSat1, CFESat, Falconsat 3, MidSTAR 1, MEPSI 4A, MEPSI 4B
9 Dec 06 Falcon I TacSat 1, [Celestis 05]
11 Dec 06 Minotaur 1 TacSat 2 (Roadrunner,JWS-D1), [GeneSat 1]#
14 Dec 06 Falcon I DemoSat

?? 06 Delta II (732X) SBIRS I

More on these satellites and launches in future here on the MT Milcom blogspot.

DoD DMSP F17 Satellite Launched

DoD has launched a new DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) weather satellite - DMSP 5D-3 F17.

Particulars on this satellite and launch:
Intl Designator: 2006-050A
SSC#: 29522
Launch Date: 11/4/2006 at 1353 UTC
Launch Site: SLC6, Western Test Range, Vandenberg AFB, CA
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta 4M
Orbital parameters: 850 x 846-km, 98.8 deg inclination

This satellite is in a sun synchronous orbit and will be a morning imaging satellite. It will replace DMSP 5D-2 F13 (USA 109) launched 3/24/1995 at 1405 UTC (1995-015A/23533). That bird will now become the in-orbit backup for F17 once it becomes operational.

The Block 5D-3 series accommodates larger sensor payloads than earlier generations. They also feature a larger capability power subsystem; a more powerful on-board computer with increased memory -- allowing greater spacecraft autonomy -- and increased battery capacity that extends the mean mission duration. Starting with F-17, the attitude control subsystem has also been enhanced with the integration of a second inertial measurement unit using ring laser, versus mechanical, gyros to provide greater precision pointing flexibility.

DMSP is used for strategic and tactical weather prediction to aid the U.S. military in planning operations at sea, on land and in the air. Equipped with a sophisticated sensor suite that can image visible and infrared cloud cover and measure precipitation, surface temperature, and soil moisture, the satellite collects specialized global meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical information in all weather conditions. The DMSP constellation comprises two spacecraft in near-polar orbits, C3 (command, control and communications), user terminals and weather centers. The most recent launch of a DMSP spacecraft took place on October 18, 2003 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, on the final Titan II booster flown.

Including DMSP F-17, four satellites remain to be launched and are maintained at Space Systems' operations in Sunnyvale, Calif. for storage, functional testing, and upgrading. The spacecraft are shipped to Vandenberg for launch when requested by the Air Force. Since 1965, 43 Lockheed Martin DMSP satellites have been launched successfully by the U.S. Air Force. Now in its fourth decade of service, the DMSP has proven itself to be a valuable tool in scheduling and protecting military operations on land, at sea and in the air. The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. manages the DMSP program. This satellite is operated for DoD by NOAA who is also responsible for the NOAA polar orbiters.

The next Delta launch will be of a GPS navigation satellite aboard a Delta II from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., in mid-November.

More Spectrum Holes Reported and Active

Josh, another frequent reporter on the SoCalMilcom group, has monitored unid air-to-air activity on another one of my spectrum hole frequencies, 233.650 MHz in Southern California. More monitoring will be need to determine which agency/unit is using this former spectrum hole.

He uncovered the user of spectrum hole 268.050 MHz. That is a VMFA (AW)-225 air-to-air frequency. They are based out of MCAS Miramar.

And he has also uncovered an apparent Navy warship working aircraft on another spectrum hole, 376.250 MHz.

Nice to see four spectrum holes solved in one day.

New Saline MOA Discrete Discovered

Bryan Herbert, reporting on the SoCalMilcom group Monday (11-5-2006), passed along a new air-to-air discrete frequency for the Saline MOA (R-2508) of 360.425 MHz. This is another one of my spectrum hole frequencies, so another one has been taken off the list. Callsign Joshua passed this freq along to aircraft callsigns Coso, Hammer, Banger and unid tanker for operations inside the MOA boundary.

New MARS VHF Frequencies Posted

Dan Myers posted the following new MARS VHF frequencies on the Milcom newsgroup. He obtained the list from Charles Hargrove's website at http://www.n2nov.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=168

New Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) VHF assignments (courtesy of narrowbanding) (MHz):

138.9750 139.0500 139.6625 140.6250 141.1250 142.1500 142.2750 142.6625 143.3500 143.4000 143.4500 143.9500 143.9750 148.0250 148.0500 148.3500 148.3750 148.4000 148.6500 148.9500 148.9750 149.1875 150.1250 150.4000 150.6250

The complete realignment of the 138-144/148-150.8 MHz DoD LMR bands continues here in the states -New CAP/MARS frequencies. Even if you don't live near a military facility, you should be searching the frequency ranges above using 12.5 kHz spacing on a regular basis. You might be surprised what you will hear. Note: both AM and narrowband FM modes are used in this band. There are very interesting military aircraft comms in these bands.

As always, if you hear something drop me a line. I would like to post what you are hearing.

Milsat 262.125 Downlink Carrying SOAR 160 Comms

On the Hearsat newsgroup, Allen Woodruff and Barney Hamlin made post on 30/31 Oct about an intercept they made on milsat downlink 262.125 MHz. Since it has generated some wide discussion across more than one newsgroup, I thought I would share my reply to them about what they heard.

Original post from Allen: "I got a rare catch on satcom today. around 5pm local I had 262.125 tuned in and I had units up in the clear. callsigns were Dog-25 and Nightstalker OPS. Dog-25 was in comms with nightstalker ops saying that he could not hear him with the cypher that he had loaded and didn't know what the problem was. later it looked like they got it to work, after that I heard nothing but encrypted comms on this frequency. if anyone would like to hear the audio clip I have uploaded to my web site. http://milsatcom.bravehost.com/index.html"

And from Barney Hamlin: "Still active with clear comms. "Gogo-43" calling"Spear-77" several times. Ivan Artner pointed out to me that this had to be from a CONUS sat since the Atlantic birds don't have atransponder using that frequency. The gentleman calling sounds like one of the people I heard the other night."

And my reply:

"Yes, this is definitely a CONUS bird, I just don't know if it is UFO Quebec or FLTSAT Charlie (which has been at the 100 deg position since I started monitoring milsat comms in the early 80s). As for Allen's intercept, Nightstalker Ops belongs to the 3-160 SOAR out of Hunter AAF. I have several intercepts from monitors in the area who have actually monitored comms from Nightstalker Ops on the uplink for this one 295.725 MHz. Over the last decade this satellite pair has been associated with DIRJIATF East (Key West FL) operations, but I am not sure if this is the case or if any of the SOAR 3-160 ops are associated with DIRJIATF East operations these days."

The current operations being heard in the clear on 262.125 definitely belong to the 3-160 SOAR out of Hunter AAF, Georgia. They appear to be operating primarily in the afternoon and evening hours east coast time.

And the Dog and Raven callsigns are used by US Army MH-47 helicopters assigned to the 3-160 unit.

The Gogo and Spear callsigns might possibly be simulated assets. The Spear callsign has been associated with this function and JStars operations here in the southeast US over the last year or so. Not sure how this ties back with the 3-160 ops noted above, but this is the best info I have at this time.

INMARSAT Bird Retired Correction

On Oct 31, 2006, we reported this item from the SEESAT newsgroup, "Kevin Fetter reported on the SEESAT newsgroup that INMARSAT 2-F1 (20918) located at 143 deg east has been retired from service and moved into the geo graveyard."

This morning Chris Swan, Senior Satellite Controller, INMARSAT Ltd., dropped us some email that says that was in error. "We have in fact recently sent INMARSAT 2F3 to its graveyard orbit, 2F1 continues in geostationary orbit," writes Chris.

So there you have it straight from the horses mouth. Contrary to many reports, including information in The Satellite Encyclopedia, INMARSAT 2F3 (1991-084B/21814) is retired from service, and INMARSAT 2F1 (1990-093A/20918) is still operational.