Lockheed Martin has announced that the satellite command and control system - the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center Ground System Architecture- recently went operational with the successful launch of the multi-payload experimental Space Test Program STP-S26 mission, STPSat-2.

The architecture was developed by Lockheed Martin and the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center Space Development and Test Directorate.

In reference to the STP-S26 mission, SMC/SD Director Colonel Michael Moran said, "The development of a ground architecture capable of flying a variety of satellites is critical to driving down operational costs."

"Lockheed Martin is proud to be a part of this exciting transition to responsive space operations," said Bob Kramer, Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services-Defense's vice president for Operational Systems and Services.

"MMSOC eliminates the 'single satellite - single ground station' paradigm and enables the Air Force to fly multiple constellations of spacecraft with various missions from the single ground station."

A second instance of MMSOC is being deployed at the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado and will become operational with the launch of the Operationally Responsive Space satellite ORS -1 early next year.

Using Lockheed Martin's HORIZON satellite command and control framework, MMSOC GSA consolidates satellite operations by providing an over-arching ground segment architecture for one-of-a-kind technology demonstrations and responsive space operations.

The Space Development and Test Directorate develops, tests and evaluates Air Force space systems, executes advanced space development and demonstration projects, and rapidly transitions capabilities to the war fighter.

Located at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, N.M., the Directorate is responsible for providing mission support for the research, development, test and evaluation for the operationally responsive space community.