Managed intelligent deconfliction and scheduling for satellite communication

ChemInformVolume 19, Issue 33 Physical Organic Chemistry ChemInform Abstract: Ionic Structure and Interactions in 1-Methyl-3-ethylimidazolium Chloride-AlCl3 Molten Salts K. M. DIETER, K. M. DIETER Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorC. J. JUN. DYMEK, C. J. JUN. DYMEK Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorN. E. HEIMER, N. E. HEIMER Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. W. ROVANG, J. W. ROVANG Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. S. WILKES, J. S. WILKES Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this author K. M. DIETER, K. M. DIETER Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorC. J. JUN. DYMEK, C. J. JUN. DYMEK Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorN. E. HEIMER, N. E. HEIMER Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. W. ROVANG, J. W. ROVANG Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this authorJ. S. WILKES, J. S. WILKES Frank J. Seiler Res. Lab., US Air Force Acad., Colorado Springs, CO 80840-6528, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: August 16, 1988 https://doi.org/10.1002/chin.198833051Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume19, Issue33August 16, 1988 RelatedInformation

Many optimization problems require the use of a local search to find a satisfying solution in a reasonable amount of time, even if the optimality is not guaranteed. Usually, local search algorithms operate in a search space which contains complete solutions (feasible or not) to the problem. In contrast, in Consistent Neighborhood Search (CNS), after each variable assignment, the conflicting variables are deleted to keep the partial solution feasible, and the search can stop when all the variables have a value. In this paper, we propose a generalized version of CNS, discuss its performance according to various criteria, and present successful adaptations of CNS to three types of satellite range scheduling problems. Such problems are motivated by applications encountered by the French National Space and Aeronautic Agencies and the US Air Force Satellite Control Network. The described numerical experiments will demonstrate that CNS is a powerful and flexible method, which can be easily combined with efficient ingredients.

WHAT WITH delivering thousands of babies a year, caring for family members with physical and mental disabilities, rehabilitating adults with alcohol and/or drug abuse problems, counseling couples with marital woes, and dealing with the various ailments and injuries that can afflict a basically healthy young population, it's cause for wonder that peacetime personnel at the US Army and US Air Force medical centers in West Germany are able effectively to carry out the other half of their mission: being prepared to provide medical support in the event of war. Visits to the two centers under the Heidelberg-based Seventh Medical Command, Frankfurt Army Regional Medical Center (FARMC) and Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center (LARMC), and to the Wiesbaden Air Force Regional Medical Center give some idea how they do it. The task is clearly immense. All three are responsible for primary and tertiary care in their own approximately 13 000 km

To date, the vast majority of developmental programs have had to be satisfied with assessing students’ learning within the confines of their programs. Although there were opportunities for indirect assessments, with graduate surveys or surveys of supervisors/employers, response rates tended to be low. Even when responses were received, they often came from people with little expertise in learning, making it difficult for educators to translate the feedback into actionable program improvements. The United States (US) Air Force has, however, decided to attempt what other learning institutions have not – arguably cannot. It is attempting to leverage its competency-based approach to performance assessment to enhance program evaluation. Because of the closed nature of this learning environment, where students graduate from US Air Force programs and go on to work in US Air Force jobs, there is a unique opportunity to assess learning as it is actually being applied in the workplace. Leveraging a competency-based force-development paradigm, the US Air Force has constructed a “foundational competencies” model for common knowledge, skills and abilities, complemented by occupational competencies specific to individual jobs, positions and specialties. These competencies are mapped to performance descriptions that determine levels of mastery. These performance descriptions are, in turn, mapped to rubrics that guide performance evaluations. Shortcomings in performance can be identified, quantified, and fed back to the developmental program for potential program modification or, for special updates to the force, to ensure Airmen perform their duties properly and achieve desired levels of mastery. This approach has been approved but is not yet fully implemented. The new Foundational Competencies Model has been developed and validated through a criterion-sampling methodology. In addition, many technical careers have created “occupational competencies” models delineated the specific knowledge, skills and abilities specific to their jobs. The full range of supporting assessment mechanisms, however, are still in the process of being designed and dispatched to facilitate ease of use and centralize data-gathering. This article overviews the US Air Force’s approach and its progress to date.

The Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) is a global configuration of common user and dedicated control nodes and space/ground link resources whose mission is to support space vehicle telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) requirements and to receive, process and disseminate mission data for a variety of operational DoD space systems. The primary space/ground link resources include 9 remote tracking stations (RTS) supporting 16 antennas that operate at S-band using the Space-Ground Link System (SGLS). A study was performed last year [1] to evaluate the capability of the current NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) to provide space-ground connectivity for AFSCN-supported space vehicles. The results of this study were extended this year in support of a DoD/NASA TT&C Integrated Product Team (IPT) whose purpose was to explore options available to significantly reduce cost and improve mission effectiveness through increased DoD use of TDRSS. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of these studies, which address the various technical, regulatory, and economical considerations associated with TDRSS providing support to the AFSCN.

Satellites require timely tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) for payload operation. The ground antenna is one of the key elements that enable satellite control and payload operations. To support the operation of a large number of satellites at various orbits, operators need a network of antennas distributed around the globe, such as the air force satellite control network (AFSCN), to contact satellites at a predetermined time and location. Currently, they use large mechanically steered parabolic dishes to provide hemispherical coverage and simultaneous transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) capabilities in support of Department of Defense (DoD) satellite operations (SATOPS) network designers used reflector antennas because of relatively low acquisition cost. The current reflector antennas used to support satellite operations are approximately 10 m in diameter and are susceptible to single point failure and long downtime for repair and maintenance. S-Band component technology provided by the cell phone industry allows an affordable electronically scanned antenna (ESA). Current SATOPS require a more efficient and flexible antenna system. The ESA can offer superior performance, operability, adaptability and maintainability for satellite operation. This paper presents the design of a TR module that can provide one transmit (Tx) and two receive (Rx) links to a satellite. The TR module is part of a dome shaped antenna that could provide multiple simultaneous ground to satellite links. This geodome antenna provide multiples simultaneous operations with pointing and acquisition taking seconds. One dome antenna can replace the capability of three AFSCN parabolic dishes. The next generation low cost TR module developed by the AFRL/Information Grid Division (IFG) and Princeton Microwave Technology Inc. for the next generation of the AF Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The TR module differs from previous modules in Ref S.S. Bharj et al, (2000) and P.J. Oleski et al, (2004) in that it consists of a single Tx channel capable of 33 dBm of output power and two Rx channels with a gain of 30 dB per channel In addition, beam switching and on board digital control has been implemented where the Tx and Rx channels provide four-bit phase shift. In addition to the control functions, built-in test (BIT) circuits monitors the health and status of the RF devices. This function utilizes a low-power micro-controller to output digital data for each of the power and low noise amplifiers, via A/D converters. The bandwidth of the TR module has been designed to cover both the unified S-Band (USB) and satellite ground link subsystem (SGLS). The TR functions are combined at the output via a ceramic resonator diplexer comprised of a band pass-band stop filter. The control of the TR module is conducted via a single programmable logic device (PLD) controller through a DAQ computer interface. The TR module has been designed to meet the cost objective for a dome antenna with approximately 47,000 TR modules. A Td generation 78 element triangular panel of TR modules is now planned to be developed, leveraging off lessons learned from generation one. This paper describes the layout and design of the 2nd generation TR module

We evaluated the effectiveness of the US Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP) in reducing suicide, and we measured the extent to which air force installations implemented the program. We determined the AFSPP's impact on suicide rates in the air force by applying an intervention regression model to data from 1981 through 2008, providing 16 years of data before the program's 1997 launch and 11 years of data after launch. Also, we measured implementation of program components at 2 points in time: during a 2004 increase in suicide rates, and 2 years afterward. Suicide rates in the air force were significantly lower after the AFSPP was launched than before, except during 2004. We also determined that the program was being implemented less rigorously in 2004. The AFSPP effectively prevented suicides in the US Air Force. The long-term effectiveness of this program depends upon extensive implementation and effective monitoring of implementation. Suicides can be reduced through a multilayered, overlapping approach that encompasses key prevention domains and tracks implementation of program activities.

The objective of this research is to evaluate a new methodology, data envelopment analysis (DEA), as a tool for measuring and evaluating the operational efficiency of US Air Force organizations. This study involves the application of DEA to locate possible inefficiencies in the performance of US Air Force real-property maintenance activities. Dynamic behaviour, as exhibited via window analyses, is reviewed along with static counterparts. The testing was done in close coordination with Air Force officials, who reviewed the results for accuracy, validity and relevance. We conclude that this type of efficiency analysis does have value for the Air Force, where it can serve as a guide to auditors, budget programmers, managers and others in measuring, evaluating and enhancing operational efficiency.

Fitness tests for military personnel require primarily weight-bearing activity and are consequently disadvantageous to members with greater body mass. Recent research has developed correction factors for adjusting actual fitness scores in order to remove body mass bias. PURPOSE: To validate these published correction factors for use with US Air Force fitness test components. This study also developed regression models removing all bias due to body weight, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal circumference (AC) measurements. METHODS: Subjects consisted of 533 male and female US Air Force personnel (35.6 ± 6.9 yrs) who completed all 4 components of the Air Force fitness test, consisting of a 1.5 mile run, a one-minute push-up test, a one-minute crunch test, and AC measurements. Published correction factors were used to adjust each fitness test component for body mass. As an alternative to the correction factor method, multiple regression models were developed for each fitness component. The validity of the published correction factors as well as the regression models to remove bias based on body weight, BMI, and AC was determined using the PPM correlation coefficient. RESULTS: For the 1.5 mile run, the corrected run times were not significantly correlated with BMI or AC. However there was a small yet significant correlation between corrected 1.5 mile run times and body weight in both males (-.13) and females (-.14). In females, there was no significant correlation between the corrected push-up or crunch scores and any of the body mass measurements. In males, there were small yet significant correlations between corrected push-up scores and AC (-.15), and between corrected crunch scores and body weight (.17) and BMI (.12). The multiple regression models successfully removed all body mass bias from each fitness component. CONCLUSION: The published correction factors were effective for eliminating body mass bias in push-up and crunch scores in females; however, these correction factors appear to over-correct for 1.5 mile run times in both genders. These correction factors appear to be useful for assessing muscular endurance independent of body mass in US Air Force personnel. For the 1.5 mile run, the developed regression models in this study appear to be an effective alternative method for correction.

Risk factors for severe outcomes among members of the United States military hospitalized with pneumonia and influenza, 2000–2012

The US Air Force EarthRadar system is a multi-purpose sensor designed and constructed using radar principles. This technology was originally developed for the US Air Force to detect buried unexploded ordnance (UXO). Bakhtar Associates developed the US Air Force EarthRadar technology under the DoD SBIR program. The system is capable of detecting buried metallic and non-metallic objects, including glass vials. In addition, the manner in which system hardware, signal processing, and the integrated high resolution global positioning system (GPS) are configured makes it ideal for applications such as mapping subsurface geological features, locating cavities and collapse features, and identifying contaminated ground.

United States Air Force survey of dental needs, 1977: methodology and summary of findings

: The study of pilot personality has a long and controversial history. Personality characteristics are fairly poor predictors of training completion, but are probably better predictors of operational performance. Personality characteristics are also important considerations in clinical psychological assessment. The current paper describes the personality characteristics of 1301 US Air Force students pilots based on the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). Compared to male adult norms, male student pilots had higher levels of extraversion and lower levels of agreeableness. Compared to female adult norms, female student pilots had higher levels of extraversion and higher levels of openness as well as lower levels of agreeableness. Percentile tables for the five domain scores and 30 facet scales are provided and discussed for clinical use. A case study is also provided as an example of the clinical utility of these US Air Force norms.

: The US Air Force is the world's preeminent air, space, and cyberspace force. Its mission is to fly, fight, and win, and it does this better than any other air force in the world. Since the inception of airpower, airmen have struggled with the dilemma of how to protect their capability to fly, fight, and win when their aircraft are removed from their natural environment of the air and returned to the ground, where they become vulnerable like any bird of prey. Air Force basic doctrine states, Air and space power is most vulnerable on the ground. Thus, force protection is an integral part of air and space power employment. While the USAF recognizes the threat, base defense- defending one s air assets on the ground- is one of the least understood operational aspects of airpower. The current Air Force strategy for defending air bases is integrated defense (ID)- formerly known as air base defense or air base ground defense. This study looks at the period between September 2008 and June 2010 when the Air Force took on the base operating support integration (BOS-I) mission at Joint Base Balad (JBB). Operation Desert Safeside saw a scope of operations not seen by a single USAF security forces unit since the Vietnam War. During this period over 900 Air Force security forces personnel were deployed in one unit, charged with the defense of JBB. These men and women focused on ground combat operations outside the wire (OTW), while simultaneously synchronizing air and ground forces into the Army s counterinsurgency and stability campaign. This study examines the first full implementation of ID in a combat environment to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy in actual operations, learn from that experience, and provide considerations for future operations.

Resource based scheduling using permutation based representations is reviewed. Permutation based representations are used in conjunction with genetic algo- rithms and local search algorithms for solving three very different scheduling problems. First, the Coors warehouse scheduling problem involves finding a per- mutation of customer orders that minimizes the average time that customers' orders spend at the loading docks while at the same time minimizing the running average inventory. Second, scheduling the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) involves scheduling customer requests for contact time with a satellite via a ground station, where slot times on a ground station is the limited resource. The third application is scheduling the tracking of objects in space using ground based radar systems. Both satellites and debris in space must be tracked on reg- ular basis to maintain knowledge about the location and orbit of the object. The ground based radar system is the limited resource, but unlike AFSCN scheduling, this application involves significant uncertainty.