Ground Broken for New Telemetry Antenna Published May 8, 2009 By Launch and Range Systems Wing Space and Missile Systems Center Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. -- Members of the Launch Range Systems Wing Team participated in a ground breaking ceremony for a new Western Range telemetry antenna, April 28. This is the 2nd new antenna for the 30th Space Wing's Oak Mountain site, which complements work on a new telemetry system for the 30th Space Wing at Pillar Point AFS, Calif. "In January 2009, the 30th Space Wing identified their critical need to replace an aging set of antenna's and other ground equipment. The 30th SPW challenged us to get this Oak Mountain B telemetry project going as soon as possible. Through the exceptional efforts of the team, SLRSC and Diani Building Corp (site construction contractor), we completed all the necessary engineering, site surveys, range safety equipment, and coordination to allow us all to do just that today," said Lt. Col. Tim Parker, Launch and Range Group program manager for the SLRS contract. Once complete, this antenna will sit atop a rigid 60-foot riser and reach 113 ft. in the air. Enclosed in a weather proof fiberglass radome, the 44-foot antenna will provide critical tracking capability for our nation's launch vehicles such as the Delta II/IV, Atlas V, Pegasus, Minuteman and testing support for the of Air Force's F22 fighter aircraft. "The value of teaming efforts on the Western Range between the U.S. Air Force, government civilians, SLRSC and Diani Building Corp construction cannot be overstated and provides an excellent example of how space professionals can produce rapid results when working together," said Col. Tom "TJ" Junyszek, Launch and Range Group commander. The new telemetry system will replace aging systems built in the 1960's. It will have common hardware and software which will improve reliability, maintainability and reduce maintenance costs. These new systems are due to be completed in fall of 2010.