Space Based Infrared System satellite operators now have a purpose-built training simulator, according to Air Force space officials. The 460th Space Wing’s Block 10 unit qualification trainer recently opened at Buckley AFB, Colo. It “will be used to train SBIRS operators for the next 20 to 30 years,” according to a Feb. 18 release. The simulator is built on the Air Force’s Standardized Space Trainer platform and is capable of hosting “multiple crews consisting of 26 skilled operators at any one time,” states the release. The mock command center allows instructors to load a wide variety of video-game-style scenarios to challenge trainees. “The UQT will ensure crew readiness and the ability to monitor satellite health and mission performance, as well as prepare [operators] for any event in a real-world situation,” states the release. SBIRS is primarily tasked with detecting and tracking missile launches.
President Donald Trump wants his signature Golden Dome missile defense program to be up and running before the end of his term and has tapped Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael A. Guetlein to lead the project.