The team also monitors the satellites that constitute the global positioning systems in the corps area of operations. High precision munitions rely so heavily on GPS systems, it s Space Command s job to download info that is brought from each satellite that is in orbit, Rooney said. If one breaks down, that message is broadcast to all satellites and ultimately down to Space Command. These operations must be constantly monitored to assure that the satellite s signals being sent to both missile systems and hand-held GPS units are not distorted and inaccurate, said Rooney. It is also the responsibility of the Army space support team to monitor both terrestrial and extraterrestrial weather conditions that might adversely affect space operations and ultimately the corps mission.
Adverse weather can degrade our ability to detect a missile launch.
This pillar of space support s primary mission is to offer corps operations coordination for movement, or a window from detection by an adversary s satellite. If an adversary has that capability, Space Command can report on when that satellite will be in the area of operations. The Army space support team is also capable of supporting corps support elements during operations in Midland, said Rooney. The team is willing to help any corps staff elements to accomplish their mission, Rooney said. A lot of them don t know about us.