VAFB Consolidation Project Relocates LTRS Mission Systems

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  • By SMC Public Affairs
The Air Force Space Command's Launch and Test Range System (LTRS) is relocating its mission systems at the Western Range, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., as part of a larger effort to consolidate 14th Air Force and Joint Functional Component Command for Space headquarters with the 614th Air Operations Center and Joint Space Operations Center into one facility.

This relocation effort requires the SMC government/contractor team, in concert with the 30th Space Wing, to relocate 12 Range Mission Systems.  The first step was successfully relocating nine of the 12 systems prior to the range closure on March 8.  The size, age, and complexity of the remaining three systems require a range maintenance downtime until Aug. 20 to relocate them.  Launch vehicles capable of using the autonomous flight safety system may still be able to launch from VAFB during the closure.

SMC is working closely with Air Force Space Command Headquarters, 14th Air Force, 30th Space Wing, 30th Operations Group and LTRS Integrated Support Contract (LISC) prime contractor RGNext to execute its relocations.

The ultimate goal of this consolidation project is to resolve ongoing power and infrastructure deficiencies in the current home of the JSpOC, a synergistic battle management and command and control system which provides a focal point for the operational employment of worldwide joint space forces.

Specifically, the renovation of Bldg. 7000 will significantly reduce mission risk for the JSpOC by providing a more stable mission platform from which to operate. Two key aspects of the renovation are a complete rework of both the electrical and mechanical systems in the building, upgrading systems and installing redundancies to improve functionality and resiliency of critical systems.

"As a commander I must have the ability to command and control my forces.  By consolidating my ops center and headquarters staff I will be able to ensure timely and efficient information flow which will bolster the fidelity of our common operating picture and the speed of decision-making.  This will only serve to enhance our ability to deliver timely and synchronized space effects to the joint and coalition warfighter," said Lt. Gen. David Buck, 14th AF and JFCC Space commander.

"There has been a lot going on with regards to the consolidation project and we had a tremendous level of support from the 30th SW units in coordinating their personnel and equipment moves," said Col. Barnabas Dudas, 14th AF, JFCC Space and JSpOC consolidation program director. "The 30th Operations Group and Space and Missile Systems Center continue their Range System move plans allowing us access to begin Phase II of the project." 

Phase III of the project is expected to begin in May and be completed by the end of August.

Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the United States Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, Military Satellite Communications, Defense Meteorological Satellites, Space Launch and Range Systems, Satellite Control Networks, Space Based Infrared Systems and Space Situational Awareness capabilities.

Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding this topic by sending an e-mail to smcpa.media@us.af.mil.