My outfit is mentioned in an article in the current issue of Aviation Week. Too bad there isn't a direct link to the article titled, "MILSPACE Will Be a Major Player in 'Gulf War 2'" by William Scott. In the article, there are a couple paragraphs:

On the controversial space control front, AFSPC recently established a 35-person Space Situational Awareness Initiative Office here. SSAIO is "the focus of this command in the growing mission area of space control," which includes "offensive and defensive counterspace," Lord said. "Its importance will grow as people understand how critical space is to day-to-day military operations--as well as our country's economic viability."



He noted that the SSAIO will move the command beyond simple space surveillance activities. "It's not a matter of if our systems will be messed with as we develop a center-of-gravity in space. It's just a matter of when," he said. "That's why we have to take the initiative, and why we set up the SSAIO. If we lose a capability or link, I want to know: Is it a Solar Max event, or an equipment malfunction, or is someone messing with it?" The office is initially working on identifying a system of sensors and communication links among satellites that would help operators determine whether a spacecraft is the target of intentional interference.



One correction: we're now the Space Situation Awareness Integration Office. It seems General Lord hates the term "situational awareness." If one of us uses the term, it costs us a buck at the next beer call.

SSAIO is under AFSPC because Mr. Teets (big guy at the DoD) designated the Air Force as the Lead Service Integrator. Our mission is joint at the national agency level. It's challenging but fun.