BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 460th Operations Group unveiled a new standardized space trainer Oct. 29 on Buckley.
The new training suite is the second SST of its kind to be opened on base and is meant to decrease training time while increasing the number of trained space operators. The new training suite allows instructors to train personnel on everything from missile warning scenarios to commanding the spacecraft that orbit the earth. It houses 12 workstations and is part of an overall upgrade for the 460th Space Wing.
"Training was limited by how many people we train at a time," said Senior Airman Mathew, 460th Operations Support Squadron ground systems instructor. "With two training suites, we can push out more people to be certified."
Before the ribbon cutting, 460th OG operators completed an exercise where they demonstrated tracking and locating a missile launch and complex satellite commanding and tasking, as well as configuration of a worldwide ground system, proving 460th SW space-based missile warning capability. Several operators were selected to participate in the scenario, which was viewed by 460th OSS leadership and representatives from Lockheed Martin.
"It's an awesome deal," said Capt. Aaron, 460th OSS operations training chief. The 460th OG members selected to participate in this demonstration for key leaders from the base and community "were picked because they're super smart and intelligent."
Prior to the new SST, space operators had to train on three separate systems, all geographically separated, in order to maintain their missile warning mission. The new standardized space trainer will not only streamline the training process, but will bring the 460th OG one step closer to combining three separate operations floors into one.
"This system is the culmination of all of those systems coming to one location," Matthew said. "As we work hard to push towards the future of the Space Based Infrared System, this is the first step for the 460th OG to train operators on how to use the system."
Not only does the SST combine all of the new training systems, it's more cost effective to maintain than simulators, while providing a safe, controlled training environment.
"Instead of using a real-world system to train people, you're using an offline system,"
Matthew said. "It gives them a safer learning environment."
Both new training suites will train the next generation of space operators as the 460th SW continues its space-based missile warning mission.