|
In February 2003, NASA, NOAA, the USAF, the USCG, and the DOE signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding DASS development and demonstration. The MOA set forth the roles and responsibilities of the signatories in the development and proof-of-concept (POC) of the DASS space segment, a prototype ground station, post-launch checkout, testing, and performance of a demonstration and evaluation (D&E) system. DASS is expected to transition to a funded operational system after a successful D&E.
The relevant agency roles are discussed below. Information on the SARSAT agencies can be found at the following websites:
www.sarsat.noaa.gov
www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/sar.htm
www.acc.af.mil/afrcc
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center will lead the DASS implementation effort through the POC phase. In coordination with the other relevant agencies, NASA will be define system performance requirements, and will design, procure, and operate the POC ground station. It will define and carry out all necessary POC testing and produce a final report.
NASA will work with developers within the USAF and the Department of Energy (DOE) to define and support DASS implementation within GPS, and will initiate or support studies as necessary to ensure that DASS is compatible and operates on a non-interfering basis with GPS spacecraft.
During the D&E, NASA will operate the developmental MEOLUT to provide MEOSAR distress alert data for operational analysis. NASA may continue to operate the DASS ground processing station after the D&E, though the operational and maintenance costs will be shared among the involved U.S. agencies.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA will assume program management responsibility for DASS at the conclusion of the POC phase, and will guide the transition through the D&E to an operational status. NOAA will support definition of system performance requirements for the space and ground segments and POC testing and, as operator of the US MCC, will help evaluate distress location algorithm testing.
NOAA will develop the DASS D&E plan according to the needs of Cospas-Sarsat, and for be use by all MEOSAR system providers and Cospas-Sarsat Participants. NOAA will coordinate the necessary D&E participation among the other agencies and provide DASS-derived distress alerts to the USAF and USCG rescue authorities via the U.S. Cospas-Sarsat ground segment communication network. NOAA will also collect, analyze, and report on D&E evaluation results. As necessary, NOAA will provide for exchange of SARSAT technical information with other DASS implementation participants.
NOAA will lead planning for the integration of an operational DASS system, including work with other agencies and national and international spectrum management organizations, and act as the focal point for coordination of DASS activity and positions with the international Cospas-Sarsat Program.
United States Air Force (USAF)
Space Command
Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) will assist in the coordination of operational requirements for DASS, and assess the impact of DASS on GPS Block III. As part of AFSPC, the GPS Joint Program Office (JPO) will provide the main interface between DASS and the GPS program. The JPO will support the definition and coordination of space segment performance and spectrum requirements, and oversee the development, testing, and integration of DASS aboard GPS Block III satellites. In addition, the JPO will support POC payload integration onto some GPS Block IIR and all Block IIF satellites. After launch of POC-equipped GPS Block II satellites, AFSPC will support early-orbit testing and operations.
Air Combat Command
With the reorganization in 2006 the Air Combat Command (ACC), under which the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) serves, will be the DASS program sponsor within the Department of Defense, supporting inclusion of a DASS payload on GPS Block III satellites. The AFRCC will help develop SAR requirements for DASS. During the D&E, the AFRCC will participate in exercises and demonstrations, evaluate DASS effectiveness, and report its findings.
Deputy Under Secretary, International Affairs (SAF/IA)
SAF/IA directs and manages USAF international activities, and evaluates international cooperative programs. In this capacity, it will lead discussions with Canada on the provision of GPS III DASS transponders. It will seek authority to develop arrangements with Canada to develop a prototype SAR repeater for preliminary testing, and then negotiate and conclude an agreement with Canada. (Operational repeaters will be addressed in a separate future MOU.)
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
The Coast Guard will assist in the development of DASS operational requirements. During the D&E, the Coast Guard will participate in DASS exercises and tests, evaluate DASS effectiveness, and report its findings.
Department of Energy (DOE)
The DOE, through Sandia National Laboratories, will work with NASA to define and support POC implementation within existing spacecraft. DOE will support integration and testing of POC hardware to be flown on GPS IIR and IIF satellites. The DOE will support early-orbit tests and orbital maintenance functions, and will monitor the state-of-health of orbiting POC payloads. The DOE will coordinate closely with the JPO on interactions between the POC and GPS payloads.
DASS Management Working Group
A DASS Management Working Group (DMWG), composed of representatives of NASA, NOAA, the USCG, the USAF, and other agencies as appropriate, will provide interagency planning and direction during DASS development, POC, and D&E. The DMWG will manage DASS implementation, direct development of necessary documentation, and maintain control of the documents. The DMWG will review the requirements, preparation, and conduct of the POC and D&D.
Agreements
The Interagency Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the U.S. Responsibilities for the Cospas-Sarsat System requires NASA to fund and perform research and development toward applying aerospace technology to meet SAR needs. To further formalize the DASS concept development, a Memorandum of Agreement between NASA, NOAA, USAF, USCG, and DOE Regarding the Development and Demonstration of the Global Positioning System-Based Distress Alerting Satellite System (DASS) was signed in February 2003, and outlined specific agency roles and responsibilities for DASS development.
Back to Top
|
