BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In a remarkable achievement Space Delta 4 and Space Delta 8, have successfully executed a unique connectivity experiment between their training simulators on Buckley SFB, Colorado, on June 3, 2024.
This event, a first of its kind, not only demonstrated the power of collaboration between two distinct Deltas but also unveiled a world of possibilities for enhancing training exercises. Delta 4 is responsible for the missile warning mission, while Delta 8 is responsible for the satellite communications mission. The experiment, designed to test the simulators' connectivity and ability to work together, has provided both teams with a more realistic and comprehensive training experience.
The teams utilized the Standard Space Trainer. They participated in single scenarios in which both crews, one from the 2nd Space Warning Squadron operating the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), and another from the 4th Space Operations Squadron operating various satellite communications systems, could complete actions that had direct operational effects and impacts on each other.
This allowed both Deltas to identify actions that could be accomplished to achieve greater operational flexibility and pave the way for future improvements.
"As we move forward with Delta 4 Standard Space Trainer integration in distributed operations, we are focused on leveraging our approach to achieve meaningful results in this type of experiment." Angel Rivera-Ortiz, Delta 4 liaison to the 392d Combat Training Squadron said. "The collaboration between Delta 4 and 392d CTS improves how we work together and shows our dedication to making a real impact in large force exercises for Missile Warning using the tools provided by the SST."
The experiment's main objective is to validate the communications flow from the intelligence community through the end users and back. Using a near-real-world approach, the scenario focuses on exploiting existing SST capabilities and identifies all potential areas for improvement. The experiment results will determine the metrics that accurately depict the status of each agency's ability to respond operationally to an advancing adversary using the SST for on-orbit advanced training.
"The advanced training scenario tested the capabilities of reducing notifications from our partners at 2 SWS to our operators here in 4 SOPS," Lt. Col. Michelle Haines, 4th Space Operations Squadron, commander said, “This type of training is exactly what our operators need to be prepared for the Great Power Competition and highlights exactly how effective our operators are armed with the latest and greatest technology. We look forward to future successful tests and honing our skills as warfighters!”
This groundbreaking event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of pushing boundaries paving the way for future collaborations, enhancing the training and capabilities of the Department of Defense.