(U) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) strengthens America's security by providing integrated and affordable systems for the control and exploitation of air and space. 

Description: (U)
(U)  The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), as part of the Air Force Materiel Command, is responsible for research, development, acquisition, on-orbit testing, and sustainment of military space and missile systems.  With its headquarters at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, SMC and its subordinate organizations employ more than 8,500 people with an annual budget of $5.5 billion.  Key subordinate organizations include: 377th Air Base Wing and the Phillips Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico,  the Rocket Propulsion Directorate at Edwards AFB, California., and the Geophysics Directorate at Hanscom AFB, Massachussets.   On-orbit support facilities are located both at Onizuka AFB, California and Schriever AFB, Colorado. 

(U)    SMC provides the Air Force's Program Executive Officer for Space functional staff support for the Defense Satellite Communications System, Milstar Satellite, Defense Support Program, Titan launch vehicles, and the Ballistic Missile Defense Office programs. SMC also provides functional staff support for silo based ICBM programs to the Air Force's Program Executive Officer for Strategic Systems.   In addition, SMC supports Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colorado, with the functions of launch, on-orbit satellite tracking, data acquisition, and command and control of DOD satellites. 

(U)    SMC traces its origins to the Western Development Division.  In 1954, it was established by a group of scientists and engineers tasked to develop the country's first intercontinental ballistic missile.  By1957, Air Force missile and space activities were managed by successor organizations of the Western Development Division. In 1967, all ballistic missile and space systems programs were managed by the Space and Missile Systems Organization. In October 1979, the ballistic missile and space activities of the organization were divided into separate organizations, reflecting the growing importance of space systems to operational commands and the presidential decision to proceed with development of the Peacekeeper missile.  From this reorganization, the Space Systems Division was formed.  On July l, 1992, the organization's headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, was deactivated and the Air Force Materiel Command was activated. On the same day, the Space and Missile Systems Center was activated under the Air Force Materiel Command. 

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Space Support Agencies

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) GENERAL SUPPORT.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)