Space Innovation & Development Center
Encyclopedia
The Space Innovation & Development Center (SIDC), formerly the Space Warfare Center (SWC), is a military unit of the United States Air Force
. It is directly under Air Force Space Command
(AFSPC) and resides at Schriever Air Force Base
, Colorado
.
Today, the SIDC supports the Global War on Terror
by expeditiously transitioning innovative combat effects to the warfighter. The center also improves exploitation of air, space and cyberspace capabilities through wargaming
, exercises, experiments and space range development. The SIDC provides independent, thorough space and missile operational testing results for Headquarters Air Force Space Command
.
and these three divisions; the Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities, or AF TENCAP; the Integration Division; and the Plans, Programs and Requirements Division. The organizations work together to conduct wargaming; integrate space into exercises and experiments; rapidly prototype, field and exploit integrated air, space and cyberspace
capabilities; provide advanced space testing, training and range Infrastructure; and execute AFSPC Force Development Evaluation and Operational Test programs.
data fusion systems for targeting, intelligence, weapons of mass destruction warning and enhanced missile defense
operations.
ID's Wargaming Branch promotes the understanding and effective use of space power through modeling, simulation and analysis. A principal focus of the division is to provide models, simulations and operators for space participation in wargames and exercises. Currently, the branch supports Counter Air Force exercises and Title 10 wargames by providing missile threat and warning models, Global Positioning System
navigation
accuracy models and space operational and analytical expertise.
, logistics
, policy, planning, programming, financial support, manpower and personnel. XR is the SIDC commander's authority on reviewing, coordinating and consolidating all SIDC inputs to AFSPC Directorate of Strategic Plans, Programs, Analysis, Assessments and Lessons-Learned Modernization Planning Process and AFSPC Directorate of Plans and Requirements' associated Requirements Generation System. XR also serves as the SIDC's representative for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives. As the lead SIDC programming and requirements agency, XR integrates SIDC views and initiatives into these AFSPC-level programming systems to solve warfighter deficiencies through space capabilities. As the SIDC's executive agent for the submitting program objective memorandum inputs, XR develops strategy, policy, doctrine and long-range plans to control and exploit space. XR programs and advocates manpower, resources and organizational development for long-term success of the SIDC's mission.
and space systems operational test and evaluation activities. The 595th SG is the focal point for coordinating all test activities between HQ AFSPC, 14th Air Force, 20th Air Force, space wings, test squadrons and external agencies. The 595th SG comprises four squadrons and one flight: 595th Operations Support Flight (595 OSF), 17th Test Squadron
(17 TS), 14th Test Squadron
(14 TS), 25th Space Range Squadron
(25 SRS), 3d Space Experimentation Squadron
(3 SES).
The mission of the Space Battlelab was to directly support combat operations through innovative and revolutionary applications of space systems. Its goal was to turn around projects at low cost within 18 months.
Two flights performed the operations. The Concepts Development Flight ensured that the Space Battlelab was focused on the most pressing operational problems and determined the best available solutions. They produced a detailed campaign plan as a guide for the second flight, the Demonstration Flight, to rapidly show the effectiveness of a proposed solution in an operational environment. Drawing on test experts such as Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
(AFOTEC) and the 595th Space Group, Battlelab project managers used modeling and simulation
, wargaming, exercise evaluations and prototype demonstrations to quickly measure military value of promising concepts. The overall effectiveness of a technology was captured in a final report that provides detailed analysis of demonstration results and recommendations for concept transition.
The Air Force Space Battlelab stood down in an inactivation ceremony on 2 November 2007 after ten years of operation. The inactivation completed Chief of Staff
General T. Michael Moseley
's direction to inactivate all Air Force battlelabs.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. It is directly under Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
(AFSPC) and resides at Schriever Air Force Base
Schriever Air Force Base
Schriever Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force located approximately 10 miles east of Peterson AFB near Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States.-Overview:...
, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
.
Mission
The Space Innovation and Development Center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., is "unlocking the potential" as premier innovators, integrators and operational testers of air, space and cyberspace power to the warfighter. The center's mission is to advance full-spectrum warfare through rapid innovation, integration, training testing, and experimentation.Background
In the fall of 1992, an Air Force Blue Ribbon Panel on space recommended establishing a dedicated Space Warfare Center to exploit the capabilities of space-based assets. Combat operations during Operation Desert Storm relied on space support more than in any past conflict; however, an analysis of these operations revealed shortfalls in the Air Force's ability to leverage space capabilities. In order to better exploit space capabilities, the SWC was stood-up and officially dedicated on Nov. 1, 1993. The SWC was redesignated as the SIDC March 1, 2006.Today, the SIDC supports the Global War on Terror
War on Terror
The War on Terror is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom with the support of other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as well as non-NATO countries...
by expeditiously transitioning innovative combat effects to the warfighter. The center also improves exploitation of air, space and cyberspace capabilities through wargaming
Wargaming
A wargame is a strategy game that deals with military operations of various types, real or fictional. Wargaming is the hobby dedicated to the play of such games, which can also be called conflict simulations, or consims for short. When used professionally to study warfare, it is generally known as...
, exercises, experiments and space range development. The SIDC provides independent, thorough space and missile operational testing results for Headquarters Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
.
Organization
The SIDC is composed of the 595th Space Group595th Space Group
The 595th Space Group is a unit of the United States Air Force. It is part of the Space Innovation & Development Center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.-Mission:...
and these three divisions; the Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities, or AF TENCAP; the Integration Division; and the Plans, Programs and Requirements Division. The organizations work together to conduct wargaming; integrate space into exercises and experiments; rapidly prototype, field and exploit integrated air, space and cyberspace
Cyberspace
Cyberspace is the electronic medium of computer networks, in which online communication takes place.The term "cyberspace" was first used by the cyberpunk science fiction author William Gibson, though the concept was described somewhat earlier, for example in the Vernor Vinge short story "True...
capabilities; provide advanced space testing, training and range Infrastructure; and execute AFSPC Force Development Evaluation and Operational Test programs.
AF Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AF TENCAP) (TC)
In 1977 Congress directed the establishment of AF TENCAP with three primary missions: exploit space systems for tactical applications through rapid prototyping projects; influence the design of future space systems for tactical applications; and educate warfighters about the capabilities and tactical utility of space systems. TENCAP demonstrates leading edge space technologies with potential to enhance combat capabilities of units in the field, then transitions these combat systems to warfighters much more rapidly than traditional acquisition processes. TENCAP is responsible for keeping abreast of the latest technologies and influencing emerging space systems to make them more supportive of fielded combat forces.Integration Division (ID)
The Integration Division, or ID, brings space to the fight by focusing on the integration of air, space and information operations to create aerospace power for warfighters. ID operates two specialized facilities. The Distributed Mission Operations Center for Space (DMOC-S) conducts exercises and mission rehearsals in support of current-day operations and provides machine-to-machine interfaces to present exercise status to players as if it were real world. DMOC-S support includes space injects, such as missile launches, blue-force tracking data, and Combat Search and Rescue injects. The DMOC-S is designed to provide integration support and testing. The Aerospace Fusion Center provides real-timeReal-time operating system
A real-time operating system is an operating system intended to serve real-time application requests.A key characteristic of a RTOS is the level of its consistency concerning the amount of time it takes to accept and complete an application's task; the variability is jitter...
data fusion systems for targeting, intelligence, weapons of mass destruction warning and enhanced missile defense
Missile defense
Missile defense is a system, weapon, or technology involved in the detection, tracking, interception and destruction of attacking missiles. Originally conceived as a defence against nuclear-armed Intercontinental ballistic missiles , its application has broadened to include shorter-ranged...
operations.
ID's Wargaming Branch promotes the understanding and effective use of space power through modeling, simulation and analysis. A principal focus of the division is to provide models, simulations and operators for space participation in wargames and exercises. Currently, the branch supports Counter Air Force exercises and Title 10 wargames by providing missile threat and warning models, Global Positioning System
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites...
navigation
Navigation
Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks...
accuracy models and space operational and analytical expertise.
Plans, Programs and Requirements (XR)
Plans, Programs and Requirements, or XR, is the backbone of the SIDC, providing overarching support to all other SIDC divisions. XR manages SIDC communications and computers, security, acquisitionProcurement
Procurement is the acquisition of goods or services. It is favourable that the goods/services are appropriate and that they are procured at the best possible cost to meet the needs of the purchaser in terms of quality and quantity, time, and location...
, logistics
Logistics
Logistics is the management of the flow of goods between the point of origin and the point of destination in order to meet the requirements of customers or corporations. Logistics involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, and packaging, and...
, policy, planning, programming, financial support, manpower and personnel. XR is the SIDC commander's authority on reviewing, coordinating and consolidating all SIDC inputs to AFSPC Directorate of Strategic Plans, Programs, Analysis, Assessments and Lessons-Learned Modernization Planning Process and AFSPC Directorate of Plans and Requirements' associated Requirements Generation System. XR also serves as the SIDC's representative for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives. As the lead SIDC programming and requirements agency, XR integrates SIDC views and initiatives into these AFSPC-level programming systems to solve warfighter deficiencies through space capabilities. As the SIDC's executive agent for the submitting program objective memorandum inputs, XR develops strategy, policy, doctrine and long-range plans to control and exploit space. XR programs and advocates manpower, resources and organizational development for long-term success of the SIDC's mission.
595th Space Group
The 595th SG is responsible for planning, managing and executing HQ AFSPC's intercontinental ballistic missileIntercontinental ballistic missile
An intercontinental ballistic missile is a ballistic missile with a long range typically designed for nuclear weapons delivery...
and space systems operational test and evaluation activities. The 595th SG is the focal point for coordinating all test activities between HQ AFSPC, 14th Air Force, 20th Air Force, space wings, test squadrons and external agencies. The 595th SG comprises four squadrons and one flight: 595th Operations Support Flight (595 OSF), 17th Test Squadron
17th Test Squadron
The 17th Test Squadron is a United States Air Force test and evaluation unit, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. 17 TS is tasked with testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment.-Mission:...
(17 TS), 14th Test Squadron
14th Test Squadron
The 14th Test Squadron is a United States Air Force unit located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. It is an Air Force Reserve unit that augments the 17th Test Squadron. The squadron is responsible for testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment. The unit was...
(14 TS), 25th Space Range Squadron
25th Space Range Squadron
The United States Air Force's 25th Space Range Squadron is a space control unit located at Schriever AFB, Colorado. 25 SRS operates the Space Test and Training Range .-Mission:...
(25 SRS), 3d Space Experimentation Squadron
3d Space Experimentation Squadron
The 3d Space Experimentation Squadron is a space control unit located at Schriever AFB in Colorado.-Mission:The 3d Space Experimentation Squadron is AFSPC's premier organization for space-based demonstrations, pathfinders and experiments. The unit identifies concepts of employment, training,...
(3 SES).
Air Force Space Battlelab (SB)
Two flights performed the operations. The Concepts Development Flight ensured that the Space Battlelab was focused on the most pressing operational problems and determined the best available solutions. They produced a detailed campaign plan as a guide for the second flight, the Demonstration Flight, to rapidly show the effectiveness of a proposed solution in an operational environment. Drawing on test experts such as Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
Located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center is a direct reporting unit of Headquarters, United States Air Force...
(AFOTEC) and the 595th Space Group, Battlelab project managers used modeling and simulation
Modeling and simulation
Modeling and simulation is the use of models, including emulators, prototypes, simulators, and stimulators, either statically or over time, to develop data as a basis for making managerial or technical decisions. The terms "modeling" and "simulation" are often used interchangeably.The use of...
, wargaming, exercise evaluations and prototype demonstrations to quickly measure military value of promising concepts. The overall effectiveness of a technology was captured in a final report that provides detailed analysis of demonstration results and recommendations for concept transition.
The Air Force Space Battlelab stood down in an inactivation ceremony on 2 November 2007 after ten years of operation. The inactivation completed Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
The title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
General T. Michael Moseley
T. Michael Moseley
Teed Michael Moseley, , is a retired United States Air Force General who served as the 18th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force...
's direction to inactivate all Air Force battlelabs.