Spacelift Range System Space

The Spacelift Range System (SLRS), also known as the Launch and Test Range System (LTRS), is a vital part of the United States Space Force's infrastructure. It operates at both the Eastern Range at Patrick Space Force Base/Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The primary goal of this program is to ensure public safety and provide assured access to space by supporting the launch of national security, civil, and commercial space payloads. The system facilitates tracking, telemetry, communications, flight safety, and other capabilities essential for launching intercontinental ballistic missiles, missile defense evaluations, and aeronautical tests.

The LTRS program is focused on modernizing its infrastructure to meet current and future mission requirements. This involves transforming the system to industry commercial standards by upgrading or replacing aging range equipment. The modernization efforts encompass 12 subsystems that provide comprehensive support for launch operations. These subsystems include Range Safety, Command Destruct, Telemetry, Radar, Optics, Weather, Surveillance, Communications, Data Handling, Timing & Sequencing, Planning and Scheduling. The aim is to ensure these systems can support an increased launch cadence without constraining national space launch capabilities.

A significant aspect of the LTRS program is its Digital Transformation initiative aimed at evolving the system into a more interconnected ecosystem. This transformation will leverage enterprise cloud services and modern software development strategies to enhance data-driven command and control of launch operations. The initiative supports the Spaceport of the Future goals by enabling flexible and responsive launch operations with improved data capabilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade communication networks on both ranges from outdated technologies to more secure Internet Protocol-based systems.

The program also includes specific projects such as modernizing the Eastern Range Command Destruct Systems to enhance cyber security measures mandated by national security agencies. Furthermore, it involves relocating communication facilities to address building degradation issues and integrating advanced data reception capabilities to support higher data assessment rates during launches. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that LTRS remains resilient and capable of meeting evolving technological requirements while maintaining safe and cost-effective satellite launches.