Space Systems Command Airlift Operations Provides Transportation Solutions for Space Assets

Published Sept. 20, 2024
By William “Dan” Cowan, Installations, Logistics and Product Support, SSC

El Segundo, CA -- In a small office at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Space Systems Command (SSC) Assured Access to Space Airlift Operations (AATS/AO) serves as the airlift subject matter expert team providing transportation support solutions to the field command’s $8 billion portfolio of space system architectures across the world.

These dedicated Airlift experts have developed specialized transportation tools and solutions to assist program offices across SSC; eliminating risks to shipping and scheduling while meeting special handling requirements for each unique space asset.

“Shipping delicate, expensive military equipment on mission-critical timelines requires special expertise and coordination with multiple agencies,” said John Wong, acting director of engineering for SSC AATS. “That’s where Airlift Operations comes in.”

Airlift Operations (AO) gathers the specific mission requirements, and then coordinates with the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Air Mobility Command (AMC) to identify and schedule airlift that correctly supports these unique requirements.

AO works closely with AMC, Program Offices, and prime contractors to schedule Special Airlift Assignment Missions (SAAM) that can support Space requirements (movement and schedule) not only in the continental United States, but around the world.

AO provides Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) shipping certifications, including Certificate of Equivalency (COE) development and Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) assignment via the Air Force Safety Center (AFSC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and joint-service agencies as required.

“If it needs to go MilAir, we can help get you there,” said Myrabel Balina, an expert on the AO team.

Shipping via airlift provides a host of benefits, said Esmond Kim, space airlift team lead. Besides meeting the transportation requirements, the team also provides significant protection to our Nation’s space assets. Air transport provides the level of sensitivity necessary for space vehicles that require minimal vibration and are susceptible to temperature.

“Airlift provides more asset security due to the reduced exposure time in unsecure environments, such as road hazards and weather,” Kim said. “Overall risk to the space asset is reduced due to the travel-time reduction that airlift options provide, which also benefits Program Office scheduling concerns and dependencies.”
AO is also the primary focal point for working cargo movement in and out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), including training, equipping, and maintaining qualified escort personnel for all military space transport operations at the airport.

Space vehicle partners have manufacturing/processing facilities all throughout the country, but SSC has specific partners who operate in and out of LAX. That access allows SSC to utilize MilAir transport without having to ground transport the equipment to the nearest base for MilAir support. This flexibility allows for better efficiency and safety for transporting space vehicles and equipment, locally.

For those interested in an airlift career at SSC headquarters, credentialing is completed through LAWA (Los Angeles World Airports) badging office. This process requires a background check, to include finger printing, Restricted Access Drivers course completion, and other continuous training. Certification is required every two years, while airfield familiarization should be done once a month to maintain proficiency and situational awareness of changes to the airfield.

By the end of 2025, AO projects to execute 21 missions, supporting 11 unique programs within SSC and National Security Space Launch (NSSL). AO is currently managing two active missions; a space cargo transport for fielding ground-based equipment used to communicate with and test space vehicles in orbit - and the other is a space vehicle for a launch campaign.

Multiple aircraft are typically used to provide this vital mission. Typically, the USAF supports the space AO mission with its C-17A Globemaster III, the C-5M Super Galaxy and the C-5C SCM Galaxy.

During a recent cargo movement from LAX to Cape Canaveral in Florida, aircraft maintenance and weather added three extra days to the support mission. With quick thinking and innovative maneuverability, the AO team implemented alternate support options which enabled the space vehicle’s safe arrival without issue or impact to the integration and launch schedule.

AO plays a vital role in supporting space-based systems, their ground systems, and launch campaigns. Working together with SSC Program Offices to plan well-ahead of required need-dates allows the team to proactively develop and execute solutions for the secure and safe transportation of all SSC space equipment.