|
Peterson Air Force Base - Missile Warning
 Defense
Support Program (DSP) satellites and their associated ground
systems and personnel support the space–based early warning
system. As the first system to detect missile launches, DSP
satellites are critical sensors in the United States' and
Canada's early warning system. DSP squadrons send crucial
missile and space launch detection and nuclear detonation
reports to NORAD and U.S. Strategic Command command centers at
Cheyenne Mountain AFS.
Members of the 21 SW operate and maintain a complex system of
U.S. and foreign–based radars that detect and track ballistic
missile launches, launches of new space systems, and provide
data on foreign ballistic missile events.
Today, ballistic missile warning is critically important to U.S.
military forces. At least 20 nations currently have nuclear,
biological or chemical weapons, and the technology to deliver
them over long distances. According to intelligence estimates,
during the next 10 years, several Third World countries will
develop the technology and capability to launch intercontinental
ballistic missiles at the United States.
The 21st Operations Group manages all operation units in the
21st Space Wing.
 MISSILE
WARNING
(space based, ground based)
The 21 OG provides space–based missile warning data, serving as
a focal point for transition to the Space–Based Infrared
Satellite system, and providing space communication data and
relay.
21 OG space-based missile warning units:
The 2nd Space Warning Squadron, Buckley AFB, CO., controls,
receives, processes and reports DSP mission information.
The 11 SWS, Schriever AFB, Colo., reached initial operational
capability in March 1995. The squadron uses data from DSP
satellites as part of the Attack and Launch Early Reporting to
Theater, or ALERT, system to provide in-theater warning of
tactical missiles and other threats in direct support of
warfighters worldwide. It is the first operational missile
warning unit to use technologies and procedures developed
directly from the lessons of Desert Storm. The squadron provides
near instantaneous accurate warning information on short–range
ballistic missile launches.
The 137th Space Warning Squadron, Greeley, Colo., is a Colorado
National Guard asset that provides mobile DSP missile warning
and reporting.
21 OG ground-based missile warning
units
The wing's ground–based radars are comprised of a sea–launched
ballistic missile, or SLBM, warning system—PAVE PAWS; a
Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, or BMEWS; and a
Perimeter Attack Radar Characterization System, or PARCS.
SLBM warning units are the 6th SWS, Cape Cod AFS, Mass., and the
7th SWS, Beale AFB, Calif. Their mission is mainly to watch
America's coasts for incoming sea–launched or intercontinental
ballistic missiles, and warn the appropriate authorities.
The wing's two BMEWS radar units are the 12th SWS, Thule AB, and
the 13th SWS at Clear AFS. The 21st SW also has a detachment at
RAF Fylingdales, U.K., to coordinate cooperative missile warning
and space surveillance with RAF counterparts.
The wing's PARCS unit is the 10th SWS, Cavalier AFS, N.D.
|
|
