Sonalysts, Inc. recently installed Release 1.0 of its Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) simulation in the Standard Space Trainer (SST) labs at Vandenberg AFB and Schriever AFB.
The WGS Release 1.0 training system is a Mission-Specific Vendor Plug-in (MSVP) application launched from the SST Architecture that trains crews and operators in ground operations and vehicle support for WGS communications satellites. Sonalysts installed it in the SSTs of the 533rd Training Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, and the 50th Space Wing, Schriever AFB.
The SST Architecture allows space system trainers to be built using a personal computer-based, commercial off-the-shelf hardware solution. The trainers are not forced to rely upon the actual hardware or software of the space system. In addition, new training systems deployed from the same SST Architecture can develop through a Software Development Kit package.
Sonalysts also installed the SST Architecture and the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) MSVP. The latter MSVP was already resident in the SST training labs. Thanks to these upgrades, the 533rd and 50th are the first sites where the SST Architecture is deploying MSVPs for two different satellite communications systems within a single training lab.
Later this year, Sonalysts plans to install WGS Release 2.0 in the 533rd and 50th's respective SSTs. It will also further modify the SST Architecture and DSCS MSVP.
The SST upgrades are an important milestone in satellite operator training. Instructors will be able to link training sessions between different MSVPs and facilitate the cross-sharing of data in real-time in the same training exercise. Multiple crews will now be able to train interdependently for the first time.
Sonalysts performed these upgrades as part of its Small Business Innovation Research Phase 3 contract with the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The upgrade cost over over $20 million. Around 24 software engineers, software testers, training specialists, and Air Force subject-matter experts in Waterford, CT and Colorado Springs, CO helped develop the WGS program.
No comments:
Post a Comment