DMSP Tracking Site Golf Balls Near Airway Heights (Spokane, Fairchild AFB: employment, moving)

[manufanatic]

I need some help from the locals. Back in the late 80s early 90s while stationed at Fairchild AFB I worked out in between Airway Heights and Spokane in the Golf balls Tracking DMSP satellites.

Now I know the Air Force stopped using this system and i think NOAA does now but does anyone know who runs the show at that site (which Company). I am looking for employment and thought what the heck I love Spokane.


Thanks

[Danzinger]

Originally Posted by manufanatic

I need some help from the locals. Back in the late 80s early 90s while stationed at Fairchild AFB I worked out in between Airway Heights and Spokane in the Golf balls Tracking DMSP satellites.

Now I know the Air Force stopped using this system and i think NOAA does now but does anyone know who runs the show at that site (which Company). I am looking for employment and thought what the heck I love Spokane.


Thanks

Ok I take pride in being able to help people but man you've really got me stumped. Will talk to a few contacts on base if you could elaborate a little more as to what you did or want to do

[SteveOKitLand]

Hi All - I was also stationed at Detachment 1, 1000th Satellite Operations Group (Space Command) Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington until 1985.

I believe the answer to your question is that SpaceX may be in that facility. Because of the elevation and overall flatness of the area, it makes for a perfect location to track objects in near earth orbit. On a clear night if not tracking a satellite pass (we tracked and commanded 2 satellites, of which 1 would pass about every 120 minutes) I, like a lot of the men and women assigned to the unit, would step outside and observe it passing from horizon to horizon.

They were easy to spot. Moving silently, and smoothly through the night sky, with a barely visible blinking light, they kept watch on planet Earth so that our forces would been prepared to defend and protect.