Military Space Operations: Shuttle and Satellite Computer Systems Do Not Meet Performance Objectives

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Abstract:

Military space operations currently depend on numerous computer and communication systems to maintain satellites in their proper orbits and control the space shuttle. Since 1980 the Department of Defense has been developing a facility, the Consolidated Space Operations Center, that is intended to command and control military space shuttle and satellite operations. In order to reduce reliance on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Defense in 1979 began developing a control facility for its military shuttle flights. In 1980 Defense decided to also perform satellite control at the same facility. Since 1987, after the shuttle portion was cancelled, the Centers development has focused on satellite control. The Air Forces satellite control network currently tracks about 55 satellites, which provide critical communication, navigation, surveillance, and weather services. Since 1981, Defense has spent about 1.4 billion to develop a new Consolidated Space Operations Center near Colorado Springs, Colorado, including its computer and communication capabilities, and to upgrade the capabilities of the existing satellite control facility located at Sunnyvale, California.

Author(s):
No Author(s) Identified
Author Organization(s):
GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY DIV
Supplementary Note:
Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Defense, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives.
Pagination:
0046

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
GAO/IMTEC-88-7
Monitor Series:
XD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_5.3.1_Analyze Problem; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_4.5.1_Contract Support Integration; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.1.1_Global Force Management; JCA_1.1_Force Management
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY OPERATIONS, *COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, *MILITARY SATELLITES, COMPUTERS, SPACE SHUTTLES, COMMUNICATION AND RADIO SYSTEMS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Command, Control and Communications Systems
Keyword(s):
GAO REPORTS, BMDO COLLECTION
Report Date:
1988 Aug 01
Creation Date:
1998 Jun 03