Photo By Capt. Kimberly Chatto | Air Forces Space by direction of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and in coordination...... read more read more
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NAVAL STATION SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Air Forces Space by direction of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and in coordination with the U.S. Navy and NASA successfully completed the Underway Recovery Test-10 (URT-10) on Aug. 1, marking a critical step forward in NASA’s Artemis program. This test, carried out aboard the amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha off the coast of San Diego, showcased the invaluable role played by USSPACECOM, Air Forces Space (AFSPACE), First Air Force, Detachment 3 and the U.S. Navy. These organizations provided vital support to NASA for terrestrial rescue and recovery of astronauts and spacecraft during the Artemis program.
As the DoD's Human Space Flight Support manager, USSPACECOM holds the responsibility for the search, rescue, and recovery of NASA-sponsored astronauts and spacecraft for the Artemis program. This specialized support includes pre-positioning rescue forces, ensuring unique communication abilities, and orchestrating the recovery of crewed space flight assets.
“The U.S. Navy has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA. Amphibious transport dock ships, such as ours, provide the capability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, monitor three-dimensional air space and provide high-end care through our advanced medical facilities,” said Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). “Each organization that participated in this mission underwent extensive training - our ability to work together demonstrates our maritime recovery experience and capabilities.”
First Air Force, Detachment 3, with its extensive experience as the DoD Manned Space Flight Support Office, has been instrumental in providing nominal and contingency support to NASA since 1958. This detachment serves as the air component for USSPACECOM, coordinating DoD support for NASA's Artemis, Commercial Crew, and Soyuz programs. Detachment 3 plays a critical role in training and preparing DoD forces to support NASA's crewed space programs.
During crewed flights with NASA astronauts, Detachment 3 strategically positions alert rescue forces at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii to respond to potential contingencies. Their expert coordination and proactive approach ensure that resources are efficiently utilized, leading to smooth operations.
"URT-10 was the first time that the DoD and NASA have exercised the additional recovery requirements critical to future crewed Artemis missions,” said Lt.Col. David Mahan, Director of Operations for First Air Force, Detachment 3. “It was truly a joint effort between the U.S. Space Command as the DoD lead for Human Space Flight Support, Air Forces Space as the air component for Space Command, and the U.S. Navy. This event allowed NASA and the Department of Defense to put their years of training into practice to safely recover the capsule and simulated crew. Lessons learned from URT-10 will ensure that recovery operations for subsequent crewed Artemis flights are safe and effective.”
AFSPACE Detachment 3 plays a crucial role in facilitating all the necessary DoD support required to achieve the test objectives of URT-10. The detachment's seamless coordination ensures a well-executed and effective training exercise. Their responsibilities range from scheduling DoD assets to overseeing ship operations, including berthing, meal coordination, security clearances, and ship offloading.
As the partnership between the DoD and NASA continues to strengthen, the nation's space endeavors will benefit from this unparalleled coordination and support,” said Col. Jason Gingrich, AFSPACE Deputy. “This also includes our responsibility to plan, train, and execute worldwide rescue and recovery of NASA astronauts during contingency operations."
The partnership between the DoD and NASA has a rich history that spans over six decades, with numerous successful joint space missions. From the iconic Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo projects to the Space Shuttle Program, International Space Station (ISS)/Soyuz Program, Orion Program, and Commercial Crew Program, the DoD has been an integral part of NASA's spaceflight endeavors.
The DoD's expertise in mobile salvage, towing, open water operations, and small boat operations has evolved over time and continues to support NASA's endeavors.
The successful completion of URT-10 represents a major milestone for the Artemis program. This exercise allowed NASA and USSPACECOM to put their years of training into practice, ensuring that recovery for future crewed Artemis flights will be safe and effective.
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2023 16:32 |
| Story ID: | 450969 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 283 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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