SMC Director Inducted into Space Operations Hall of Fame

  • Published
  • By Space and Missile Systems Center
Dave Madden, director of SMC's Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate was inducted into the Space Operations Hall of Fame on Nov. 3 in recognition of his leadership in the area of space operations during both his military and civilian careers.

One of the many outstanding accomplishments that highlight Madden's leadership occurred when he assembled four teams of experts from government, industry and the Aerospace Corporation after the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency Satellite suffered a propulsion-line blockage, leaving it unable to reach its final orbit. He led the rescue operation that resulted in the satellite successfully achieving final orbit 14 months later.

During his career as an Air Force colonel, he gained experience as commander of a satellite operations squadron, directing critical operations for the National Reconnaissance Office. Madden was instrumental in the success of many of the nation's space programs including the Global Positioning System and C4ISR Enterprise Integration. Additionally, he served as chief of the Command, Control, Communications and Navigation Division, Directorate of Requirements at Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.

The Tennessee Ernie Ford Air Force Association Chapter 361, San Jose, Calif., oversees the Space Operations Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize people who made significant contributions within the area of space operations, specifically those who provide: outstanding encouragement, inspiration and support that contributes to the success of space operations; outstanding innovation or design of equipment or software that applies to spacecraft control, an outstanding method developed for use, or outstanding research or study relating to spacecraft command and control; or outstanding contributions to sustainment of space operations.