Ground Broken for New West Coast Command Transmitter

Published April 22, 2009
By Launch and Range Systems Wing
Space and Missile Systems Center

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Ground was broken for the West Coast's newest command transmitter site, March 23. Members of the Launch Range Systems Wing and the Spacelift Range System Contract Team participated in the ceremony held at Pillar Point Air Force Station in Half Moon Bay, Calif.

The new command system will replace an aging system that was first fielded in the 1960s. It will include new communications, command generation, transmitter and support equipment housed in an existing building at PPAFS. In addition, two new 4.7-meter directional antennas and associated 28-foot radomes will be installed at the site. The Air Force estimates that the system will be supporting missions starting in August 2010. These improvements are an essential part of the Air Force's Western Range Space Launch Program, and provide increased operational capability for the 30th Space Wing who operates PPAFS. The upgrade will provide a much needed modernization for the Air Force's aging range safety systems.

"This is one of several Command System upgrades that LRSW is providing the 30th in support of their key public safety mission" said Col. "TJ" Junyszek, SMC's Launch Range Group commander. "The old system has become hard and expensive to maintain and the new system will reduce operating costs while greatly increasing reliability."

"The unique teaming efforts between Los Angeles Air Force Base's Space and Missile Systems Center's, Launch and Range System Wing, the 30th Space Wing and Spacelift Range System Contract professionals exemplifies the "One Team-One Mission" efforts that will provide U.S. taxpayers and the U.S. Air Force a critical launch range capability well into the 21st century", said Lt. Col. Tim Parker, SMC program manager.

Command Transmitter Groundbreaking