Range Operations Craig Griffith Chief, Range Operations Branch WATR Operations Branch Dryden Flight Research Center February 21, 2001

Dryden Flight Research Center 2 February 21, 2001 Telemetry and Radar Acquisition and Processing System (TRAPS) and Mission Control Center (MCC) WBS Software Technicians Building 4800, Third Floor Past Challenges –Last minute changes to software configurations –Scheduling hours –Complex test project configurations –Maintaining skill mix and staffing levels Types of Support –Project specific application software support –Pre-mission setup and calibration of TRAPS and MCC systems –Real-time mission support –Post-op processing

Dryden Flight Research Center 3 February 21, 2001 Telemetry and Radar Acquisition and Processing System (TRAPS) and Mission Control Center (MCC) WBS Hardware Technicians and Inventory Control Building 4800, Third Floor and Building 4857 Past Challenges –Responding to and coordinating real-time mission failures –Adapting to mission priorities and schedule changes –Complex project configurations –Inventory Control Type of Support –Real-time mission support –Maintenance of processing and display systems hardware –Work with Extended Range assets to resolve real-time issues

Dryden Flight Research Center 4 February 21, 2001 Radar and Tracking Systems WBS123 - Radar and Telemetry Engineers & Technicians/Operators Buildings 4720, 4982, MOF and Dugway, UT Past Challenges –Responding to and coordinating real-time mission failures –Adapting to mission priorities and schedule changes –Responding to unplanned mission support Space Shuttle, International Space Station, MIR and various space systems support 24/7 support required (mission dependent) Type of Support –Real-time mission support –Sustaining engineering and maintenance of tracking antennas, pedestals and associated ground equipment

Dryden Flight Research Center 5 February 21, 2001 Communications WBS Communications Engineers and Technicians/Operators Building 4824 Past Challenges –Developing equipment to interface with external customers –Maintaining current support capability while upgrading to new systems –Expanding capability to accommodate increasing workload demands –Responding to unplanned mission support Space Shuttle, International Space Station, MIR and various space systems support 24/7 support required (mission dependent) Example of Type Support –Real-time mission support –Engineering support to include both sustaining and development of RF systems, ground audio systems and Flight Termination Systems –Install, operate and provide technical support of new systems

Dryden Flight Research Center 6 February 21, 2001 Video Control Center WBS Video Systems Engineers and Technicians/Operators Building 4800 Past Challenges –Maintaining equipment located at various EAFB locations –Maintaining equipment exposed to harsh environmental conditions –Remotely controlling multiple systems simultaneously –Transitioning from analog to digital video Type of Support –Real-time mission support –Install, operate and provide technical support of new systems –Sustaining engineering and maintenance support of long-range optics, pan and tilt systems with various cameras and lens configurations, video tape recorders, video distribution systems and video editing systems

Dryden Flight Research Center 7 February 21, 2001 Special Requirements for Range Contractors Provide central POC for troubleshooting real-time anomalies Work well under pressure in support of real-time operations Obtain access to Range Restricted Areas (Secret Clearance required) Work frequent periods of overtime for support of Dryden projects –Holidays, weekends and evenings –24/7 requirements for NASA priorities and special missions Communications Radar and Tracking Systems Adhere to all safety standards

Dryden Flight Research Center 8 February 21, 2001 WATR Website