OS 512 - Space Operations And Applications

LESSON OBJECTIVES

512.1 Comprehend the capabilities and limitations of US military forces [I.1(a)].

512.11 Describe the roles and missions of USSPACECOM and its service components.

United States Space Command:

• Consolidates all military space efforts under one CINC
• Directly responsible to the President through the chairman of the Joint Staff & Secretary of Defense.
• USSPACECOM HQ @ Peterson AFB, Colorado.
  • AFMC - Acquisition
  • AFSPL - C2, Spacelift
• USSPACECOM is not part of a theater
• CC is solely responsible for space operations. Space is his AOR.
• USSPACECOM (864 people, $17M) oversees three component commands:
  • U.S. Army Space Command (USARSPACE)
    • HQ @Crystal City near Washington DC. (651 people, $52M)
  • U.S. Naval Space Command (NAVSPACECOM)
    • HQ @ Dahlgren, Virginia. (442 people, $54M)
  • Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)
    • Provides bulk of forces & resources to accomplish warfighting missions of USSPACECOM.
    • AFSPC HQ @ Peterson AFB, Colorado. (38,318, $1.7B)

Space Support Teams (SST)

• Have to deploy to theaters because theater staffs don't have enough people
• Integrate a full range of space applications through all phases of conflict
• AF SST = AOC support, deploys 24 hours
• Army SST = Ground Component Commander support, deploys 48 hrs
• Navy SST = Maritime Component Commander support, deploys 48 hrs
• Joint SST = Theater level support to combatant commanders & JTFs, deploys 48 hours
• National Intel Support Teams = All source theater Intel support, unified commander or JTF commander
• National Exercise Support = NRO OSO exercise support, does not deploy

Other Important Info

• General Howell Estes, Commander AFSC said that "space enables us to provide America global reach, power, and presence--omnipresence."
• In today's uncertain world climate, you need assured space support wherever you go.
• Observation without enemy knowledge -- or make them take extraordinary concealment efforts
• Continuous coverage: relatively long lived (years vs hours or days)
• Space systems confer a decisive advantage upon U.S. and friendly forces in terms of combat timing, battlespace awareness, operational tempo, synchronization, maneuver, and the integrated application of firepower.
• Space forces help to provide unprecedented global situational awareness to identify and respond to regional threats anywhere in the world.
• Space forces thus help ensure that hostile actions will be discovered by the United States and may introduce an element of uncertainty into the minds of potential adversaries.

DoD space force structure (Would expect to see this on test either in reference to Joint Space Doctrine or USSPACECOM missions)

- Comprised of space systems and capabilities in four mission areas:

1. Space support mission area includes capabilities for launching and deploying space vehicles, maintaining and sustaining spacecraft on-orbit, and deorbiting and recovering space vehicles as required.
2. Force enhancement mission area includes capabilities for reconnaissance and surveillance, targeting, tactical warning and attack assessment, communications, navigation, and environmental monitoring. Space-based reconnaissance and surveillance systems support virtually all DoD activities.
3. Space control mission area includes capabilities for surveillance of space, space systems protection, prevention, and negation.
4. Force Application mission area would include capabilities for space-based ballistic missile defense capabilities and power projection. ABM Treaty compliant research in this area is aimed at developing advanced follow-on technologies offering promise for improved performance in both tactical and strategic defenses as insurance against possible future threats. The DoD space force structure does not include any capabilities for power projection.

Satellite Orbits (Not an objective but FYI)

Satellites in various orbits depending on their planned missions.

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  • Detailed weather information, recon, or imaging
  • Generally 100-600 NM (period about 100 minutes).
  • Field of view is small
  • Easiest to put in orbit but have a short life (drag)
• Medium earth orbits range - Least Desirable
  • About 3,000 to 11,000 NM.
  • Semi-synchronous orbit (11,000NM, 12 hour period).
  • Few satellites because the Van Allen radiation belts make it dangerous
  • Navigation and mapping satellites
• Highly elliptical orbits (HEO)
  • Traverse from low altitude at perigee to high altitude at apogee
  • Comm and future warning
• Geosynchronous or geostationary orbit
  • Circular orbit over the equator at a distance of 19,600 NM (22,300 miles)
  • 24-hour period -- moving @ 7,000 mph but appears stationary from earth.
  • Communication and warning satellites.

Most Satellites are in LEO, although many are in GEO.

512.12 Explain the capabilities and functions of space assets, such as DSP, DMSP, DSCS, GPS, Milstar, etc, and give examples of space applications.

DSP ( Defense Support Program)

Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites are a fully operational, space-based early warning system capable of detecting infrared signatures of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and other classes of shorter range missiles

Multiple satellites provide ballistic missile launch detection with dissemination to ground users in near real-time. developed during the Cold War period primarily for the detection of strategic ICBM attack - majority of the earth covered with three satellites. Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm pushed the technology envelope of DSP processing now possible to process data from two or more satellites together (stereo processing) - constellation capability has grown drastically. Stereo processing is separate from its strategic processing consolidated into the Theater Event System (TES) primary mission is the detection of tactical ballistic missiles.

Application: Warning System (theater ballistic missile launch, near global coverage, in near real-time warning dissemination)

Limitations: Solar effects can impact sensor performance, Scan rate (geosynchronous orbit and thus "sees" over a third of the earth per satellite).

DMSP (Defense Meteorological Support Program) - DOD Only

Primary military weather support system in low earth orbit & collects the most comprehensive & highest resolution weather data of any of the weather satellites.

Primary mission of DMSP: gather weather data from around the world & transmit it to various ground stations to support worldwide military ops. Collect and disseminate global weather data: visible and infrared cloud data & other meteorological, oceanographic and solar geophysical data. Most important data: cloud imagery in the visible and IR bands by the primary sensor - the Operational Linescan System (OLS)

Application: Weather data - crucial role in planning & conducting military ops e.g. locating cloud gaps for aerial refueling, determining site visibility for recon flights. data is assembled into a coherent picture of the current and future states of the atmospheric and space environments. Turns weather data into environmental Intel. DMSP - imagery was the most valuable source of weather data in the Persian Gulf.

Mission Planning - current and forecast weather in the operating area for weapons & target selection. e.g. laser guided weapons to avoid collateral damage; need to see the target; mission plan when good weather expected. Severe Weather Warning - in, or forecast for, the operating area; helps route/attack strategy re-planing, or "go/no-go" decisions. BDA

Limitations: Timeliness (2 satellites, coverage only good in early to mid-morning--filled by commercial satellites), dissemination (not everyone has terminals).

DSCS ( Defense Satellite Communications System) -Common system for DOD, used daily

DSCS provides high-volume, secure communications (message, data, voice and images) in the SHF segment of the spectrum. DSCS provides the primary SATCOM connectivity to fixed US Government facilities located worldwide. SHF SATCOM services include unprotected and protected voice and data communications. DSCS also supports transportable terminal users such as the President of the United States when he is traveling.

Application: Provides secure communications worldwide.

Limitations: Expensive, frequency spectrum limited, orbital position available, jamming, limited capacity.

GPS (Global Positioning System).

NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) provides all-weather, day/night, three dimensional, precise navigation, positioning, timing, and velocity data to land-based, seaborne, and airborne U.S. and allied forces, as well as other national security, civil, and commercial users. GPS, is a satellite-based navigation system. GPS gained fame in Desert Storm and the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) experience associated with the June 1995 shootdown in Bosnia. The Bosnia incident provided the impetus for GPS receivers with survival radios to provide near-real-time location, status, and identification for recovery of isolated personnel. The civil community has embraced GPS as a dual-use system and is creatively using it not only for many applications. The heart of the GPS system is its space and control segments. The constellation is now fully operational with 24 satellites and will be sustained with replenishment satellites through 2001. The development and procurement of the follow-on satellite block to replace the replenishment satellites began in 1996 for launches in 2001.

Applications: GPS enhances force coordination, command and control, target mapping, the probability of target acquisition, flexible routing, and weapons delivery accuracy, especially at night and in adverse weather. Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs)/Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) (Include Tomahawk Blk III, JDAM, AGM-130, ATACMS, Tomahawk Blk IV, JSOW, GBU-15, SLAM Ver 2.42)

Limitations: Many aircraft not equipped with receivers (although mandated to be fitted by FY00), Some receivers are not equipped with GPS precise positioning service, & jammable (fairly easily)

Milstar - Specifically for DOD

Milstar, operating in the EHF range, provides secure, survivable, and flexible communications. DoD restructured the Milstar program four years ago to reduce costs and account for changes in the national security environment.

Application: CINCs are apportioned & direct their users: USAF--Command Post Use, Navy--Shore, ship, & submarine use, Army--Mobile capability & SOF applications

Limitations: Not listed but suspect same as DSCS

MSI (Multispectral Image)

Remote sensing satellites: MSI systems used most by the U.S. and other countries. U.S. system is LANDSAT & French Consortium system is SPOT. Mission - Multispectral imaging for earth analysis (used to id aspects of the earth's surface or ocean features). Multi-spectral imagery of the earth's surface is acquired at various wavelengths (both visible and infrared) -- Satellites are non-intrusive Added spectral information. Can assign and display colors of choice for spectral patterns and unique signatures. Can manipulate data - facilitates detection, identification, & analysis. identify aspects of the earth's surface -- terrain and oceanic features, etc.

LANDSAT collects up to seven (7) bands of visible light and infrared simultaneously wide area with a resolution of about 30 meters (about 100 feet).

SPOT is black and white with 10 meter resolution (20 meters in color- 3 bands only).

Application: Digital imagery format - can be downlinked to tactical users enables images to be electronically combined and manipulated. Imagery is UNCLASSIFIED and can be obtained through DoD sources. Broad Area Coverage (Snapshot of battlefield), Tip offs (identify potential targets), Perspective scene generation (Mission rehearsal), Map updates, Change detection (land use, road networks), terrain and vegetation analysis (amphibious or parachute landing areas), Hydrography (rivers), Bathymetry (coastal analysis for landing operations), etc.

Limitations: Resolution - ground truth (refraction), Not real Time - extensive ground processing required to produce MSI imagery products -- currently not suited to meet real-time needs. Atmosphere - clouds, haze, moisture (rain, snow).

512.13 Describe how the application of space assets can aid a commander and enhance force capability.
See application in OS SOB 512.12 for more information

DSP - Ballistic missile detection system providing first warning of global or theater missile attack to the national command authority (NCA) and warfighting commander in chiefs (CINCS). Ground based processor of DSP and other data (mapping, weather, radar, etc.). To enhance support to theater CINCS and theater missile defense.

DMSP - Operational commanders require timely, quality weather information to effectively employ weapons systems, determine troop and heavy equipment movement routes, and select air routes and sea lanes. DMSP provides day/night cloud cover, cloud moisture, wind vectors, soil moisture, ocean current, and sea state data vital to military operations and national programs.

DSCS - generally operate in the 3 higher frequency bands (UHF/SHF/EHF) that require small antennas on satellites and aircraft. SATCOMs are capable of passing all types of messages, including command and control information, threat information, route changes, etc. Fleet Satellite Communications, or FLTSATCOM, supports Navy units worldwide and carries AF transponders on board as well. Communications satellites provided the command and control backbone for deployed forces.

GPS - navigation satellites provided accurate positioning information for sea and air missions and for ground troops in the desert. Environmental sensing systems enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of our fighter and bomber forces by providing timely weather information for target planning.

512.2 Comprehend the relationship between Service Doctrine and joint doctrine [I.2(d)].

• 512.21 Describe the doctrine for joint space operations.
  
• National Space Policy Directive - (NSD - 30) 1989- Primary directive for DoD
• Gulf War, 1990-91- first use of space systems to provide direct support to combat operations in a theater war -- a great learning experience.
• Space doctrine began to be developed -- in the last four years has expanded to include changes to Air Force manuals, (AF Doctrine Documents).
  • Specific space doctrine -- in AFDD-2.
  • Operational space doctrine being included in a new directive, AFDD-4 (not listed).
• Joint Publication 3-14 ensures the warfighter thinks about tactics and procedures for space operations.
• Army publication: FM 100-18 discusses space support for Army operations.
• Information dominance is primary goal of joint space warfare doctrine (introduced during DESERT STORM).
  • Information dominance, namely, the ability to optimize surveillance, reconnaissance, and data correlation to determine illegal or belligerent intent on the part of an international actor, is an appropriate application of near-term space assets.
• Joint doctrine is authoritative, not directive. If joint doctrine conflicts with service doctrine, joint doctrine takes precedence unless the Chairman provides more current or specific guidance.
• Joint Pub 3-14 addresses the functions of military space capabilities: force enhancement, force application, space control, and space support. Each function is given equal time in the publication in order to explain its purpose but all are directed toward supporting the terrestrial warfighting community.
• Limitations of Space Doctrine:
  • Joint space doctrine is still being developed.
  • Currently more focused on the present rather than the future.
  • More consideration must be given to what if any limitations are imposed on space doctrine.
    • Such limitations are primarily technical and legal. How much one can do in space technically will be limited by access? Legally the United States cannot limit access to space by any nation, much as it cannot keep another country's ships off the seas or planes out of the air. In times of war such limitations succumb to national security imperatives; but in peace they are a real consideration. The exploration of technology to support space based weapons is prudent and necessary.
• Joint space doctrine should emphasize space power.
  • Concept of power requires that joint doctrine go beyond force enhancement and space support to advocate doctrinal tenets that not only identify basic thoughts and operational concepts with respect to terrestrial and space warfare but support multi-use military, commercial, scientific, and environmental research activities in space in the absence of conflict.
  • Joint doctrine should avoid service roles & missions and establish doctrinal goals for future space forces.

Bottom line : "Approved Space Doctrine is practically non-existent" -- we are still learning how best to apply space systems. Space doctrine is at the same stage that airpower was in World War I. Operators need to be involved in developing space doctrine and policy.

512.22 Explain the impact of economics on the development of joint space doctrine.

The cost of space launch requires a large share of annual military operating budgets.

Multi-mission spacecraft optimize employment of today's expendable launch vehicles. Spacecraft size and weight limitations, and thus multi-functionality, are often determined by launch limitations. As one Air Force officer stated, "The shuttle program spends $5 billion a year to launch 8 times. The military is spending the same amount on Atlas, Delta, and Titan. We are being bled to death by the shuttle and Titan." This raises the critical question facing anyone attempting to develop a coherent space doctrine, military or civilian: When will we solve the dual issues of rapid access to space and reducing cost-per-pound-to-orbit?

Areas for Economic Savings:

• Hardware acquisition. Can keep acquisition costs down by using dual-use (civilian and military) sensors among commercial and civilian research applications to meet everyday nonmilitary requirements and, at the same time, be ready with secure, highly capable, on-orbit general purpose sensors for military use in crises. This Civilian Orbiting Reserve Force (CORF) could well be made available under much the same criteria as the Civilian Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). Specific examples:
  • SATCOM; there are many studies on the shelf dealing with the use of commercial communications satellites in this manner. In fact, DoD bought all the commercial SATCOM capacity available and used it in an ad hoc way to ramp up the through-put to support Desert Storm communications requirements.
  • Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) satellites are basically the same.
• GPS; viewed by many as a planetary utility rather than a predominantly US military navigation system. This all points to the fact that the distinction between military and civilian space systems is rapidly disappearing and that structures and doctrines need to be adjusted.
• Final ingredient of a true space doctrine is an explicit statement by the national leadership that space is no longer a sanctuary but rather the high ground of a global infonet which can be used for civil or military purposes. The disestablishment of the National Space Council has created a vacuum by removing a forum in which the national security community and the civil sector can discuss the space puzzle. Until this statement is made, a true joint space doctrine will not evolve since the requisite political support for successful implementation is not available.

Funding for DoD space programs has remained relatively stable over the past four years despite reductions in the overall defense budget.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Comprehend the capabilities and limitations of US military forces across the range of military operations, to include command relationships, force development and organization, and the concepts of deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment.(OPMEP Learning Area 1)

2. Comprehend the systems and understand the processes supporting 21st century battlespace and how they are integrated to achieve operational-level joint force missions (OPMEP Learning Area 5).

READINGS

Space Toolbook (space.tbk)
"Space Systems Acquisition Strategy," A White Paper, April 1996, Department of the Air Force (os512r2.doc)
"Space Forces," Report to the Congress by Secretary of Defense Perry, March 1996 (os512r3.doc)
"Joint Space Doctrine: Catapulting into the Future," George M. Moore, Vic Budura, and Joan Johnson-Freese (os512r4.doc)

OPTIONAL READINGS (non-testable material):

For more information regarding USSPACECOM, AFSPACECOM, satellites, basic space information and TMD, visit these internet sites:

USSPACECOM home page (www.spacecom.af.mil)

AFSPACECOM home page ( www.spacecom.af.mil/hqafspc)

"1996 Air Force Magazine's Space Almanac" (www.afa.org/space/31.html

TMD Systems information (www.acq.osd.mil/bmdo/bmdolink/html/tmd.html)

READING RATIONALE

The Space toolbook provides a foundation for understanding the principles of orbitology as well as USSPACECOM's mission, structure and systems. The white paper "Space Systems Acquisition Strategy" addresses Headquarters Air Force's view on the evolution in space systems and details on the modernization of current space assets. The chapter on "Space Forces," from Secretary Perry's March 1996 Report to the Congress, addresses the four space mission areas, advances in space C4I, and space systems enhancing warfighter operations. "Joint Space Doctrine: Catapulting into the Future" from JFQ, Summer 1994, addresses the area of joint doctrine for space. The space doctrine article is a great introduction to how joint operations in space should be conducted.

LESSON OUTLINE

Thesis: Knowing the space assets available and what they bring to the warfighting commanders are vital to mastering current battlespace operations.

Main Point I: Comprehension of the capabilities and functions of US space assets are critical for planners and leaders in today's armed forces.

Main Point II: Proper integration of space operations and theater missile defense into overall campaign plans is essential for joint military doctrine.

LESSON INTEGRATION AND RATIONALE

This lesson introduces the students to the names and functions of US space assets. From this foundation, the Airpower and Campaign Planning course will take these assets and show how they are integral to a successful air campaign plan.

LESSON OPR: War/Theater Level Studies Department