Space and Missile Systems Center
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Based out of Los Angeles Air Force Base in California, the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) is a part of Air Force Space Command of the United States Air Force. Its mission is to conduct research and development of U.S. military outer space and missile systems. The command is also responsible for acquisition, on-orbit testing, and sustainment of several existing programs. It is currently under the command of Lieutenant General Michael A. Hamel.[1]
SMC is currently responsible for the acquisition of the Global Positioning System (GPS) III, Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), Transformational Communications Satellite (TSAT), Wideband Global SATCOM System (WGS), Advanced Extremely High Frequency MILSATCOM System (AEHF), Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), Space Based Space Surveillance System (SBSS), Delta IV and Atlas V Launch Vehicles Programs, Defense Satellite Communications System, Defense Support Program, and the Ballistic Missile Defense Office programs. SMC also provides functional staff support for silo based ICBM programs. In addition, SMC supports Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colorado, with the functions of launch, on-orbit satellite tracking, data acquisition, and command and control of DOD satellites.[2]
The center has an annual total budget in excess of $6.8 billion per year and employs 1,358 military members, 1,068 civilians and an estimated 2,000 contractors worldwide. It manages between $50 and $60 billion in contracts at any one time.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Biographies : Lieutenant General Michael A. Hamel
- ^ Space and Missile Systems Center (U)
- ^ Fact Sheets : Space and Missile Systems Center : Space and Missile Systems Center
[edit] External links
This article incorporates text from http://www.losangeles.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5318, a public domain work of the United States Government.
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