The active duty 2nd Space Operations Squadron and Air Force Reserve Command 19th SOPS at Schriever AFB, Colo., took control within minutes of the launch of the latest GPS Block IIR satellite using a new launch, anomaly resolution and disposal operations system, dubbed LADO, according to a USAF release. Using the LADO system, satellite operators with the 2nd and 19th SOPS can take control of GPS spacecraft about two weeks earlier than in the past. Previously they had to wait for handoff from the active duty 1st SOPS and AFRC 7th SOPS, which provided support from launch through early orbit under the legacy command and control system. Employment of the LADO system followed successful transition to the new Architecture Evolution Plan system.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
