Colonel provides update on space programs at HRA meeting

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Space surveillance and command and control were the topics of discussion during the Hanscom Representatives Association meeting at the Minuteman Commons Nov. 8.

Col. Brian Fredriksson, system program manager for Space Surveillance and C2, provided an overview on work done in his division, both at Hanscom and at other locations. He also discussed upcoming business opportunities and offered "food for thought" about the future of space programs.

"Space is not only a medium we fight in, but is a medium that we're highly dependent upon in business, society - everything we do," he said.

The colonel talked about how dealing with space is becoming more demanding as it becomes more congested, contested and competitive.

"It's challenging to figure out what's up there."

Fredriksson then spoke about some of the programs his division is working that will help with space sensing.

A few of the programs he highlighted were the Sustainment and Modernization of Optical and Radar Sensors, or SMORS, program, which will provide sustainment of the ground-based Space Surveillance Network; the Space Fence program, a system of sensors to track space debris; and the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex - Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment. NCMC-ITW/AA provides accurate and timely assessment of air, missile and space threats.

He saw potential for business opportunities with all the programs he spoke about. However, he also encouraged attendees to think about how things could be done better in the future.

"We want to get more out of the sensors we already have," Fredriksson said. "We need to maximize the capability of the current network."

Some work has already been done to make the sensors net-centric, but the colonel believes a dynamic 'taskable' network will mark the path forward.

"We want to be able to share data between sensors and move away from what is currently a very manual process to task," he said.

He also encouraged personnel to think about how missile warning, missile defense and space situational awareness data could be integrated.

Fredriksson says his division is always looking for good ideas and that's why he feels getting a group together like the HRA is important.

"These events promote dialogue that could help to improve the acquisition process," he said.