An integrated analytical system for global range planning

Abstract

The mental image formed upon the first attempt to focus on a problem of the scope involved in systematizing the planning and scheduling functions of a space vehicle tracking range is truly overwhelming (Figure 1). Further investigation, however, while not diminishing the elephantine proportions of the problem, reveals considerable detail of importance. First, there was already at hand at the Air Force Eastern Test Range specific ADP capabilities that could be used almost directly in an integrated analytical system. Examples of such capabilities are those for trajectory and ephemerous computation, geometrical dilution of precision analysis, antenna pattern analysis, ship and aircraft scheduling routines, cost accounting data, and many others. With such assistance identified and the overall dimension of the task in view, the next step was to outline approach and methodology.