Overview[]
The Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) is a global system to provide command, control and communications for space vehicles (SV). The AFSCN consists of dedicated and common-user equipment and facilities which, collectively, provide operational telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C) support for virtually all Department of Defense (DOD) SVs plus selected National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and foreign allied nations' space programs.
Satellite command and control is the essential mission of the AFSCN. To accomplish this complex task, various control centers are organized to integrate incoming and outgoing satellite control data for decision making. The complexity of the AFSCN mission increases with the number of active satellite missions. Supporting resources of the AFSCN consist of leased and allocated communications, and host-base-provided facilities and utilities.