EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- There’s no better way to learn about testing complex things than visiting Edwards AFB. That’s why the 412th Test Wing hosted a forum to discuss space test and evaluation Oct. 29.
The day-long discussions included colonels from Air Force Space Command, Air Force Test Center, 412th TW, Arnold Engineering and Development Complex, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and Headquarters, Air Force Test and Evaluation.
The focus of the visit was the requirements needed for test and evaluation of Air Force space-based assets and what collaboration opportunities can exist between Air Force Space Command and the Air Force Test Center located at Edwards.
“Acquisition of space-based assets requires detailed test and evaluation in order to field systems that meet the needs of the warfighter in a timely and cost-effective manner,” said Col. Ryan Blake, U.S.A.F. TPS commandant. “The Air Force Test Center is the center of excellence for Air Force Developmental Test, so officials from Air Force Space Command wanted to strengthen the partnership between AFTC and AFSPC in order to continue to improve the quality of DT for space acquisitions.”
Blake said the group discussed avenues of cooperation between AFTC and AFSPC in two areas: space test and evaluation execution and space test and evaluation education.
Also discussed was how a multi-command Space Test Working Group is creating a new combined test force for space testing that includes both developmental and operational test. The Space CTF will determine requirements for the logistics and personnel needed for space test and evaluation.
“The working group includes members from organizations conducting acquisitions, operations, developmental test and operational test of space-based assets,” said Blake. “All testing is moving towards further collaboration and integration of DT and OT. This integration is bearing much fruit in the atmospheric domain and should continue in the space domain.”
In between talks, the colonels were given a tour of Ridley Mission Control Center where they observed AFTC test conduct and control capabilities. They wrapped up the day at TPS where they interacted with current students to gain insight into current test and evaluation education.
“Currently, the U.S.A.F. Test Pilot School is the Air Force’s only formal test and evaluation education institution,” Blake said. “The AFSPC wanted to visit TPS in order to determine the best way to train testers for space-based systems. Options include sending space operators through TPS in order to learn test as well as creating specific curriculum to teach space testers.”
The commandant added that TPS is doing innovative work producing "domain-agnostic" test courses that can be used to teach test concepts to operators from any domain to include “atmospheric flight, space, cyber, etc.”
Blake said space assets are presently tested by both private contractors and the Air Force. Air Force Space Command is looking for ways to continue to strengthen the Air Force's role in testing space assets.
While this forum was not related to the new space force being discussed by the government, Blake said the discussions could be applied to a new space force.
“The areas identified for collaboration will be applicable immediately within the current organizational structure, but could also be easily applied to test operations in an independent space force.”
Read more about Air Force Space Command here.