Noozhawk North County Editor

The Department of Defense awarded Space Exploration Technologies a pair of missions that will involve two rocket launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base for the military’s next-generation of space-based tools for warfighters.

The announcement in the final hours of 2020 put the firm-fixed-price contract cost for SpaceX at $150,450,000.

The first launch will occur in September 2022, and the second mission will take place no later than March 31, 2023, to complete putting the constellation in space, according to the award by the Space Development Agency in Washington, D.C. 

Last week’s contract award came as Vandenberg saw a slower-than-normal year in 2020 for rocket launches, which can provide an economic boost in local communities as workers and spectators fill hotel rooms and eat at restaurants. 

The DOD announcement last week culminated the competition for a launch provider to carry the Tranche 0 Transport and Tracking Layer space vehicles.

Tranche 0 is the starter piece for the National Defense Space Architecture, which envisions a new missile-warning system for the tracking layer, along with a new data-delivery system for the transport layer.

In all, the NDSA envisions seven layers for transport, tracking, custody, deterrence, navigation, battle management, and support, requiring hundreds of satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide the next-generation of space-based tools for warfare.

As the first-phase of the system, the Tranche 0 constellation would have 28 spacecraft, with 20 transport satellites and eight tracking layer satellites. 

The launch contract marked the latest issued for the National Defense Space Architecture as the military earlier picked firms to build both the tracking and transport spacecraft for the new system.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and SpaceX were successful in their bids to build four overhead persistent infrared imaging, or OPIR, satellites for the tracking layer of the NDSA. Those satellites should be ready by the end of fiscal year 2022.

Previous contracts were awarded for transport layer satellites. Those contracts went to Lockheed Martin and York Space Systems, with each to build 10 satellites.

The missile tracking satellites will be designed to provide detection, tracking and fire-control formation for hypersonic glide vehicles, ballistic missiles and other similar threats, Derek Tournear, the director of the Space Development Agency, said in a written statement on the DOD website.

When tracking layer satellites detect a threat, such as a ballistic missile, they should send that information to spacecraft in the transport layer as an alert.

“The transport satellites are the backbone of the National Defense Space Architecture,” Tournear said. “They take data from multiple tracking systems, fuse those, and are able to calculate a fire-control solution, and then the transport satellites will be able to send those data down directly to a weapons platform via a tactical data link, or some other means.”

While Tranche 0 would have 28 spacecraft, the final National Space Defense Architecture’s design calls for hundreds of satellites to create the protective layers. 

“With Tranche 0 in 2022, we will provide enough capability to where people can start to experiment with what those data could do, and figure out how they could put that into their operational plans for battle,” Tournear said.

Tranche 1, targeting 2024, would include a couple hundred satellites in the transport layer, and a few dozen in the tracking layer, according to defense officials.

Tranche 2, in 2026, would continue to build the system as needed, and provide global coverage so the capabilities would be available to U.S. warfighters anywhere in the world.

A new DOD agency established in March 2019, SDA is responsible for unifying and integrating the department’s space-development efforts and accelerating development of new military space capabilities necessary to ensure U.S. technological and military advantages in space.

By fiscal year 2023, SDA would have 110 civilians, and service members from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

A new commander has taken the helm of the primary unit at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Col. Anthony J. Mastalir assumed leadership of the 30th Space Wing during a morning change of command ceremony July 12, replacing Col. Michael Hough after Hough had spent approximately two years on the job.

Maj. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, 14th Air Force commander and Joint Force Space Component Command deputy commander, presided over the ceremony held at the base parade grounds.

“Serving in the 30th Space Wing is a dream come true for me,” Mastalir said. “When I was an ROTC cadet, I had the opportunity to observe an Atlas II rocket launch … Afterward, I knew I wanted to be part of the space enterprise, and space lift is where it all begins.

“It is the most tangible mission in Air Force Space Command … you can see it and at T-zero, you can hear it and feel it.”

Mastalir previously served as the deputy director of the Space Security and Defense Program at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. He also previously served as 50th Space Wing vice commander at Schriever Air Force Base, also in Colorado Springs.

He emphasized the importance of each member’s role for the 30th Space Wing’s mission rocket launches and missile tests to occur safely.

“It is the most exhilarating peacetime mission in the Department of Defense, bar none, and we own it,” Mastalir said. “Every member of this wing plays a critical role in mission success.”

The 30th Space Wing commander, sometimes likened to the role of a municipal mayor, oversees Vandenberg, which at approximately 100,000 aces is the Air Force’s third-largest base with 11,000 military members, civilians and contractors’ employees.

Mastalir is familiar with Vandenberg, having attended undergraduate space and missile training at the base in 1995 and missile initial qualification training in 1999.

Among his previous positions, he held several assignments at Air Force Space Command headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, including as aide-de-camp to the commander, then Gen. Lance Lord, a former 30th Space Wing commander.

During the change of command ceremony, Whiting praised the departing commander as a “phenomenal leader and mentor” who has “earned the respect and gratitude of the men and women of the 30th Space Wing, the local communities and all of Vandenberg.”

Hough arrived in June 2017 and next will become Air Force ROTC commander for the University of Virginia. Most 30th Space Wing commanders spend about the same amount of time before moving to a new assignment.

His time at Vandenberg included the West Coast’s first interplanetary mission to Mars, the last Delta II rocket launch, many of the Falcon 9 Iridium Next launches and the first double shot of two missile-defense interceptors.

His final days as 30th Space Wing commander included hosting Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, during a whirlwind visit.

“Sir, again welcome to Vandenberg Air Force Base, in my biased opinion, home of the best wing in the Air Force, the 30th Space Wing,” Hough told Pence while rattling off facts and figures about the base, including its 46 miles of coastline.

“We really sit on a strategic piece of real estate here,” he added. “It is a national treasure.”

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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Noozhawk North County Editor

Vandenberg Air Force Base has flipped the switch on a new solar array for harnessing the sun, ensuring the base can operate if traditional sources fail.

Approximately 64,000 solar panels sit on 188 acres along Timber Lane, once the site for the base’s East Housing Area, outside the main gate.

The 28-megawatt solar photovoltaic system is tied directly into Vandenberg’s power grid, providing what defense officials call “resilience.”

“That’s what this is about for us in the Air Force, is making sure we have resilient power to do our mission,” said Mark Correll, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for environment, safety and infrastructure. “And Vandenberg has been a leader in that all along.”

Through a mission-threat analysis, Vandenberg officials determined what it would take to complete its key chores in the event a natural disaster or something else interrupts traditional power supplies, he added.

“Power systems like this provide that kind of resilience,’ he said.

But it’s not just about resilience since cost also is a concern. The military also sought  renewable power since it’s unaffected by supply chain problems that can interrupt coal or natural gas power plants.

“You can’t shut down the sun. You can’t shut down the wind. So things like this are really important to us,” Correll said.

In case of a power outage, the system automatically will disconnect and reconnect, safety measures to avoid damage, he said.

The system, a joint effort between the 30th Space Wing, SunPower Corp., the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and Defense Logistics Agency Energy, marks the largest in the Air Force, officials noted.

“This solar farm represents a partnership and ability for us to explore renewable and clean energy for the base,” said Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander. “What you see around you is capable of providing one-third of all the power for this installation, which happens to be the third largest Air Force Base we have.”

During a ceremony April 10, officials participated in a ceremonial flipping of the switch, although the system actually became operational in early January.

“This is the largest solar array project in which all energy is produced and consumed by the Air Force,” said Frank Rechner, deputy director of supplier operations for the Defense Logistics Agency Energy.

The Vandenberg project is expected to lead to additional solar farms at other military installations, he said.

“In short, this is a growth industry for us at DLA Energy ,” he said. “We continue to be ready as a committed and excited partner in the effort to deliver resilient and affordable energy solutions to our military installations.”

SunPower served as the advisor, designer and installer of the Vandenberg project, according to David McIlhenny, vice president of project finance for the company. The system employs the firm’s most innovative technology, using facilities to maximize land use, he added.

“Solar’s magic. It’s amazing that this technology makes electricity from the sun,” McIlhenny said.

The base will purchase electricity under a 25-year agreement, providing Vandenberg with competitive, fixed electricity rates, officials said.

The Vandenberg site is one of two solar farms in Santa Barbara County.

A 40-megawatt solar project sits in the Cuyama Valley. Proposed by First Solar, Inc., the facility was acquired by D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, LLC last year.

First Solar touted the solar system as capable of providing enough electricity to serve 16,000 homes.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-3 on Thursday, Sept. 21, with a
launch window opening at 10:38 p.m. PDT.

Col. Gregory Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, will be the launch decision authority.

“This launch is the culmination of many months of work by United Launch alliance, the National Reconnaissance Office and the 30th Space Wing,” said Wood. “All of Team Vandenberg is dedicated to mission success and proud to play a part in delivering these capabilities to our nation.”

The 4th Space Launch Squadron executes integrated launch operations with a focus on mission assurance for this launch operation.

“This launch is a prime example of teamwork by multiple organizations that have worked around the clock to assure mission safety and security,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Decker, 4th Space Launch Squadron commander. “Given the dedication of the men and women have worked to ensure readiness of the launch vehicle and payload, we’re on track for a successful launch.”

For questions related to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V, email Lyn Chassagne, Communications Lead, at lyn.chassagne@ulalaunch.com.

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In the fall, almost 550 classes will take place on one of the colleges three locations, including Saturday-only classes at the Vandenberg Air Force Base Center. Details about all fall classes are available at www.hancockcollege.edu; click the Class Search link on the home page. Class Search provides real-time information available 24/7. For details about a specific class, click its blue Course Reference Number (CRN).

Online classes last either six weeks or eight weeks, and include accounting, anthropology, biology, business, culinary arts, business information systems, business office technology, computer science, economics, early childhood studies, English, family and consumer science, film, fire technology, geography, health education, history, humanities, math, music, personal development, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology and speech.

Allan Hancock College has moved its center from the city of Solvang to Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. The Santa Ynez Valley Center will open Monday, August 14, in time to help people register for fall classes. Both credit and noncredit classes are available! For more details, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/syfall.

Registration is under way. Students can register until the day before a class begins. Fall term starts the week of August 21.

A printed Schedule at a Glance for fall 2017 is available at all college locations and local public libraries. The publication contains basic listing information of credit classes. Students interested in the fall schedule can review it by going to the college’s homepage, www.hancockcollege.edu; and clicking on Class Search. Class Search is available 24/7 and provides real-time enrollment numbers.

To apply and register online, visit www.hancockcollege.edu and click Apply and Register on the homepage.

All California residents pay a $46 per credit enrollment fee. In addition, all students pay a $16 health fee for the summer term. Other minimal fees may apply.

Financial aid is available. Each year, nearly two-thirds of Hancock’s students receive financial assistance. To see if you quality, contact the Santa Maria campus financial aid office at (805) 922-6966 ext. 3200 or finaid@hancockcollege.edu. There is no cost to apply.

For more information, call the Admissions & Records office at (805) 922-6966 ext. 3248; toll free in Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo counties: 1-866-DIAL AHC (342-5242) ext. 3248.

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The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. Michael Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

“Team V is postured to work with Air Force Global Strike Command to test launch the Minuteman III missile,” said Hough. “Our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron shows that the Western Range stands ready and able to create a safe launch environment.”

The 576th Flight Test Squadron will be responsible for installed tracking, telemetry, and command destruct systems on the missile.

For more information, please call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 532-1215.

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Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.

“It’s always a privilege to partner with the tremendous professionals of Air Force Global Strike Command to conduct test launches like this one,” said Moss.

“The dedication and expertise of the combined 341st Missile Wing, 576th Flight Test Squadron and 30th Space Wing team is simply amazing. Their efforts over the past 10 months to make this mission possible shows why they are some of the most skilled operators in the Air Force,” Moss added.

For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg AFB range operations, contact 30th Space Wing Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or 30sw.pa.workflow@us.af.mil.

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The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. John Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

“Team V is once again ready to work with Air Force Global Strike Command to successfully launch another Minuteman III missile,” said Moss. “These Minuteman launches are essential to verify the status of our national nuclear force and to demonstrate our national nuclear capabilities. We are proud of our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron to execute these missions for the nation.”

The 576th Flight Test Squadron will be responsible for installed tracking, telemetry, and command destruct systems on the missile.

Vandenberg officials said on-base viewing for those with regular access is at the Ronald Reagan Memorial Observation Site. For those without base access, a viewing site is located on Corral Road near the base.

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The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

“Team Vandenberg is poised to provide safe launch operations in support of Air Force Global Strike Command’s important demonstration of our Nation’s secure and effective combat ready ICBM force,” Moss said. “The tremendous teamwork between the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command is apparent each time we launch a Minuteman III missile.”

The 576th Flight Test Squadron is responsible for installed tracking, telemetry and command destruct systems on the missile, which collect data and ensure safety requirements are met.

For information call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 532-1215.

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