Managing and thriving in the rapid paced Satellite Command and Control world: Multi-Mission Space Operations Center

  • Published
  • By Maryann Zelenak
  • Space Development and Test Directorate
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The Multi-Mission Space Operations Center team in the Space Development and Test Directorate at Kirtland AFB is developing a revolutionary approach to space operations -- an operations center focused on flying one-of-a-kind or small constellations of satellites to demonstrate and field emerging space missions and satellite command and control technologies in a rapid, decisive manner. MMSOC open standards allow customers to come with their mission unique C2 hardware or use MMSOC inherent C2 capabilities to reduce development and sustainment costs for the space operations community.

The MMSOC customer base shifted in 2012 from primarily research and development missions to multiple Space and Missile System Center Program Offices, including recent demonstrations with operational satellites (e.g., Defense Meteorological Satellite Program).

With up to 11 missions and 18 satellites in development/operations on MMSOC in the next five to six years, the MMSOC Team is responding to the challenge on a daily basis with their unique skill set and tenacity.

Maj. Dave Gwilt, Deputy MMSOC program manager, works to manage the branch's portfolio to increase efficiencies and takes pride in ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

After long hours at work, he spends time with his wife and works on his custom show car.

Information Assurance is an essential component for MMSOC's long-term success.

Gina Maes' attention to detail and "document, document, document" motto greatly contributes to the successful accreditation of the MMSOC system.

In addition to her professional skills, Gina taps her inner creativity by sewing, home decorating and crafting.

Jason Ford's engineering expertise increased MMSOC functional performance more than 75 percent through the addition of blade servers and virtual operational domains to integration/test labs and two operations floors.

Coordination and planning are key for Jason.

His expert troubleshooting has saved the day on many occasions.
Nathan Trujillo is our newest branch member and has already contributed to the MMSOC by developing a new test suite management process.

Trujillo's slogan is "Just do it -- do it well." After a long day of MMSOC testing, Trujillo enjoys watching his kids play.

Capt. Sam Vierra is MMSOC's sustainment manager.

Vierra believes that through strong baselines and constant innovation, we can reduce MMSOC costs and live within our fiscally constrained budgets.

The Hawaii native doesn't let work stress him out; "like water off a duck's back, I let stress roll away from me."

MMSOC Detailed Design and Integration involves our pillar of strength and perseverance, Yris Rodriguez. Rodriguez provides key knowledge and vision to the team with her unique flair, to deliver the best MMSOC product possible.

To take a break from shaking out new MMSOC capabilities in our Integration and Test Labs, Yris enjoys dancing and hot yoga.

Luke Barker provides a key operational perspective to MMSOC by understanding the big picture. He ensures that everyone understands how the numerous MMSOC projects interact.

Dana Rand is the MMSOC software and data distribution lead for the Space Test Program satellite (STP Sat-3) launch later this year. Rand enjoys the MMSOC team collaboration to get the job done. In addition to managing the upcoming launch campaign, Rand still finds time to enjoy family and friends.

In 2012, the MMSOC team volunteered at Albuquerque's Roadrunner Food Bank, sponsored needy families during the holidays, and took the Myers Briggs personality type evaluation to better understand each other and build a better team.

MMSOC is paving the way for responsive, low-cost space operations for a variety of Air Force Space Command missions with a focused, dedicated MMSOC management team.