Training and Tactical Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Operations (TATOO)

The "Training and Tactical Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Operations (TATOO)" Classroom and Laboratory is currently being developed by Star Technologies Corporation and the U. S. Air Force Research Laboratory / Human Effectiveness Directorate. This paper discusses the laboratory hardware and software being developed to give voice to the Warfighter\´ s interaction with Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) satellites. ORS is currently defined by the Department of Defense as \´assured space power focused on timely satisfaction of Joint Force Commanders\´ needs\´. The purpose is to accommodate the Warfighter\´s needs by improving space capability responsiveness and by delivering the capability to directly task satellites for communications and sensor data. The goals of the TATOO laboratory are to provide an environment for the development of procedures and protocols for tasking tactical satellites and to provide an environment for training the Warfighter on the tasking process, both of which support the ORS mission. ORS systems aim to enhance operational space capabilities, as well as support flexibility and responsiveness to the theater that do not exist today. ORS communication, navigation, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) satellites are designed to replace or supplement existing systems in order to enhance the current space force. These systems intend to rapidly meet near term space needs of the tactical forces. The ORS concept includes new tactical satellites specifically designed to support contingency operations such as increased communication bandwidth, and ISR imagery over the theater for a limited period to support air, ground, and naval force missions. The full potential of ORS is to support in- theater tactical forces in developing satellite tasking, data retrieval, and interface capabilities for mission operations from a Warfighter centered perspective, and to develop realistic training and simulation that allows development, de- monstration, and assessment of ORS Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for tactical missions. TATOO provides a laboratory/classroom environment for the development, testing, and evaluation of ORS CONOPS for in-theater ORS operation.