REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- More than 40 members of the Space Community of Interest, or COI, came together at Redstone Arsenal Aug. 5-7 as leaders in science and technology gathered to look to the future of space-based research.
Participants from the installation included: U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command; U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center; Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space; NASA, Missile Defense Agency and others.
"The Space Community of Interest was successful," said Thomas E. Webber, director, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Technical Center's Space and Cyberspace Technology Directorate. "We had a very busy two-and-a-half days discussing and highlighting the many space related science and technology efforts going on across our local community, not just at SMDC. Redstone Arsenal offers multiple organizations engaged in the advancement of space-unique technologies that are essential to maintaining the U.S. advantages enabled by space. Participants were complimentary and appreciative of the successful event."
Webber said the Space COI came from the Department of Defense's Reliance 21 which provides a framework for promoting collaboration and cooperation between the DoD organizations responsible for science and technology. It has established groups known as Communities of Interest to facilitate this collaboration. There are 17 COI's that are cross service activities with representatives from each service.
"In the case of the Space COI, I am the Army's senior representative," Webber said. "Each service lead on the Space COI will have an opportunity to host the group to highlight their service's space related science and technology efforts."
After checking in at the SMDC headquarters Aug. 5, the COI participants received briefings, various space policy updates and learned what the command is doing to further research into various space technologies and applications.
After learning about SMDC, the guests then visited the AMRDEC facilities to learn how the organization provides research, development and engineering technology and services to support U.S. Army aviation and missile platforms.
"COI's are chartered with providing insights into technology investments and strategy for the Department of Defense," Webber said. "Historically, space and space-related programs can be stove-piped, even within the services. Through the COI we want to help 'break down barriers' and encourage a free cross flow of information in order to build a true teaming environment to maximize return on the DOD investment in space.
"Our nation's reliance on space will continue grow, and as it does we must be able to ensure we can operate effectively and reliably as space becomes more congested and contested," he added. "Continued investments in science and technology will enable Warfighter dominance now and in the future."
As the Space COI continued, members visited the Reagan Test Site Operations Center -- Huntsville, or ROC-H, to learn about how that facility monitors various space operations and tests. They also learned about the new Space Fence and viewed a GATR deployable inflatable satellite communication terminal demonstration.
After visiting ROC-H, the members then received a tour and overview of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and learned how America is moving forward in space exploration and research.
"Our space science and technology focus is on developing small satellites to deliver military utility at the tactical level," Webber said.
After attending the Space COI, one Soldier said he would recommend having this forum because of the value and potential in bringing this community of stakeholders together to discuss programs of mutual interest. He also said it highlights potential research area gaps, as well as areas of potential redundancy.
"I was most impressed with the caliber of folks that we have working on the most complex technological challenges. We have a tremendous degree of intellectual and organizational capital committed to solving these critical problems," said Lt. Col. Wes Young, SMDC Future Warfare Center's Space Superiority Branch chief. "The Space COI brings together key stakeholders in the science and technology community, who are working on the research and development of space and space-enabled systems. Ultimately, the Warfighter will benefit from the new and innovative space capabilities that will be generated from these efforts."
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