Showing papers on "Concept of operations published in 2005"

Hybrid Optimal Control Framework for Mission Planning

Abstract: With the progressive sophistication of future missions, it has become increasingly apparent that a new framework is necessary for efficient planning, analysis, and optimization of various concepts of operations (CONOPS). In recognizing that CONOPS involve categorical variables, we propose a hybrid optimal control framework that mathematically formalizes such problems. Hybrid optimal control theory extends ordinary optimal control theory by including categorical variables in the problem formulation. The proposed formalism frees mission planners to focus on high-level decision making by automating and optimizing the details of the inner loops. The eventual goal of this formalism is to develop efficient tools and techniques to support the objective of increasing autonomy for future systems. In using the pseudospectral knotting method to solve hybrid optimal control problems, we generate a mixed-variable programming (MVP) problem. A simple, feasible integer programming subproblem is identified that reduces the combinatorial complexity of solving the MVP. In addition to developing the framework using various examples from aerospace engineering, we provide details for a two-agent benchmark problem associated with a multiagent launch system. The entire process is illustrated with a numerical example.

GPS III system operations concepts

Abstract: Over the past three years, the Lockheed Martin GPS III team has analyzed potential operational concepts for the Air Force. The completed tasks support the government's objective of a "realizable and operationally feasible" US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) concept of operations. This paper provides an overview of the operational improvements for the command and control of satellites, the provision of safe, precise navigation and timing services to end-users. The GPS III system changes existing operational paradigms. Improved operator capabilities are enabled by a new high-speed uplink/downlink and crosslink communication architecture. Continuous connectivity allows operators a "contact one satellite - contact all satellites" concept enabling near-real-time navigation updates and telemetry monitoring. This paper describes potential improvements for the following operations: constellation monitoring, command and control, navigation upload monitoring, global service monitoring, global service prediction, civilian navigation (CNAV) messaging, and anomaly detection and resolution. This paper also describes future operational improvements as GPS applications continue to proliferate and the need for an improved infrastructure to effectively manage all the systems that affect GPS service grows

Operational Concept for Collaborative Traffic Flow Management based on Field Observations

Abstract: *† ‡ § ** Based on field observations conducted at a wide range of airline operational control (AOC) facilities and the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) of several Air Route Traffic Control Centers , a human-centered, bottom-up approach was followed to develop a future concept of operation for local/tactical en route collaborative traffic flow management (TFM). Many operational issues were recorded for different types of flow constraints and the interaction between the TMU and AOC in dealing with these situations was observed. Several key traffic flow management issues were identified that caused inefficiencies in current operations (in terms of performance metrics such as delay, workload, equity, and user preferences), despite the best efforts of dispatchers and flow managers. The operational concept provides a framework for enhancing collaboration between TMUs and AOCs to mitigate these flow management issues. One key observation was that, due to high TMU workload, the interaction between the TMU and AOC is limited in current tactical TFM operations to addressing user concerns in extreme circumstances such as emergency and low fuel load. The concept of operation suggests extending the scope of TMU-AOC collaboration to start in the early stages of tactical TFM planning and continue through implementation.

Clarus: Concept of Operations

Abstract: The Clarus Initiative establishes a vision for the leveraging of local and regional road/route weather observations to serve a greater community and enhance 21st century transportation operations. Its goal is to provide broader weather information support for surface transportation system operators in their efforts to improve safety, reliability and security of transportation users. The Clarus Initiative consists of two development components. The first component is the development of the Clarus System – a network for sharing, quality controlling, and exchanging surface environmental data and relevant surface transportation conditions. The second component is the development of tools (such as decision support systems) that make effective use of the Clarus System. This document provides a high-level definition of how the system works. The focus of the Concept of Operations is establishing an understanding of the needs of the various stakeholders representing different weather data use market segments or groups and how the Clarus System can be structured to meet the users’ stated needs. They exhibit different surface transportation weather data needs based on content, timeliness, level and type of value added processing, reliability, and other related criteria. Central to this document are examples of functional scenarios for many of the market segments that will be served by the system. Each scenario is described in a narrative text and should be evaluated along with the overall Clarus Framework Scenario that includes an illustrated Use Case Diagram and a Sequence Diagram to model the typical concepts anticipated to exist in the application of Clarus System data.

Integrated Systems Health Management for Exploration Systems

Abstract: A highly, functional Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) system holds great promise to significantly improve safety, reliability, affordability and sustainability for future space exploration systems. Military and commercial aircraft systems, such as Boeing’s 777 airliner and Northrop’s B-2 Bomber, have successfully implemented sophisticated ISHM systems and have already witnessed the benefits in safety, affordability and maintainability. While there has been much progress made in applying ISHM to aircraft including the Joint Strike Fighter, an advanced ISHM system has not yet been employed on current US launch or space systems. In addition, to meet the demands of a space environment including long communication delays, high response needs, lighter weight/lower power and affordability constraints, a higher level of autonomy and reconfigurability will be needed on future ISHM systems to enable future exploration systems to meet its goals. Under the Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) Program, a multi-center NASA team worked to develop an ISHM development plan and implementation approach for next generation reusable vehicles. Elements of this plan can be applied to the current NASA Exploration Program. Subsystem domain experts from various centers were assembled to help develop the NGLT ISHM plans and identify technology needs. The technology needs ranged from system engineering design and optimization processes to advanced sensors, data mining tools, advanced diagnostic and prognostic algorithms and intelligent software managers and planners. Various facilities and flight vehicles were also considered for use as virtual and hardware testbeds to demonstrate ISHM capabilities. In addition, an ISHM concept of operations plan was developed to describe how ISHM will function through all operational phases of future Exploration Systems. A summary of these plans will be presented in this paper and recommendations will be made for further development.

Concept of operations and voluntary operational requirements for lane departure warning system (LDWS) on-board commercial motor vehicles

Abstract: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) safety goal is to reduce the number and severity of large truck fatalities and crashes. During the last several years, FMCSA has collaborated with the trucking industry to test and evaluate several on-board safety systems for commercial motor vehicles to increase the safety and security of all roadway users. FMCSA is now promoting voluntary adoption of these systems within trucking fleets by initiating steps to work closely with the trucking industry to define vendor-independent, voluntary requirements. The purpose of this document is to relay a better understanding of the functions of on-board safety systems and to provide insight into the safety and efficiency benefits of using the systems. The information has been developed in collaboration with expert panels consisting of trucking industry stakeholders, including representatives from manufacturers, insurance companies, commercial motor vehicle carriers, drivers, and academia. This document describes the concept of operations and voluntary requirements for Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS) for large trucks greater than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Concepts of operations provide information about how each user interacts with these safety systems and their operational conditions. Voluntary requirements describe features and functions used to define the safety systems and their operational functionality.

Safety Verification of the Small Aircraft Transportation System Concept of Operations

Abstract: A critical factor in the adoption of any new aeronautical technology or concept of operation is safety. Traditionally, safety verification is accomplished through a rigorous process that involves human factors, low and high fidelity simulations, and flight experiments. As this process is usually performed on final products or functional prototypes, concept modifications resulting from this process are very expensive to implement. This paper describes an approach to system safety that can take place at early stages of a concept design. It is based on a set of mathematical techniques and tools known as formal methods .I n contrast to testing and simulation, formal methods provide the capability of exhaustive state exploration analysis. We present the safety analysis and verification performed for the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) Concept of Operations (ConOps). The concept of operations is modeled using discrete and hybrid mathematical models. These models are then analyzed using formal methods. The objective of the analysis is to show, in a mathematical framework, that the concept of operation complies with a set of safety requirements. It is also shown that the ConOps has some desirable characteristic such as liveness and absence of dead-lock. The analysis and verification is performed in the Prototype Verification System (PVS), which is a computer based specification language and a theorem proving assistant.

Plug and play testbed to enable responsive space missions

Abstract: There exists a growing need in the DOD for a tactical or responsive space asset to support real-time battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The desired attributes include being: 1. responsive /sub e/ployable in days; 2. affordable - expendable tactical resources at a cost comparable to other tactical systems; 3. employable - assets must support the joint force commander (JFC); 4. integrated space/air/terrestrial system-of-systems - full network connectivity, bandwidth on demand, and augment other assets. To the warfighter, a responsive space asset would provide the capability to respond to unanticipated military needs in days, providing flexibility of response to rapidly field tailored payloads and coverage. This capability could also provide rapid reconstitution after a loss from attack or failure and counteract enemy adaptation, through denial or deception, to existing space capabilities. Most importantly the short deployment times and low cost would provide the United States a means for efficiently using the versatility, and relative safety of space to provide real-time support to the war fighter. To be responsive the space element must possess a modular design supporting "plug and play" (PnP) architecture, leveraging commercial parts and standards. Lending itself to a lean production and integration environment again utilizing standard interfaces and taking advantage of pre-qualified inventoried subsystems. Rapid deployment of these elements will make use of "canned" mission planning tools, tailored orbits for a given theater, built-in health and status monitoring, and autonomous test and checkout software and operations. The two emerging responsive mission objectives include space control and tailored, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR). Space control involves a situational awareness to sense threats against, and provide protection for, US space assets. The tailored, tactical missions offer high tempo ISR operations such as target characterization and emitter location in theater, perform real-time blue force tracking, and provide gap-filler, specialized communications support. The challenge is to develop and qualify the satellite technologies and rapid integration and test processes to support an operational responsive system in the next five years. Under an Air Force Research Laboratory SBIR program, MicroSat Systems is developing a PnP testbed to enable an operational responsive capability through development and ground validation of the various elements. Those elements include the mission definition and CONOPS specification processes, space segment, and the operational prioritization, tasking, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PTPED) process/infrastructure. Specific to providing an end-to-end mission simulation, the testbed should be equipped with the modeling and simulation tools to develop tactical satellite CONOPS and provide the warfighter with a front end tool for training. To validate utility to the end-user the testbed must be equipped with the capability to simulate the data processing and dissemination infrastructure envisioned to provide the battlefield commander with real-time data. The space segment of the testbed should consist of the hardware and software elements required to simulate the operations of a fully functional satellite system. The approach to developing a responsive mission testbed includes defining requirements, hardware/software architecture, technology development roadmap, starting with a core capability, and incrementally integrating and validating the developing components and processes as they emerge.

Precision Aerial Delivery Systems in a Tactical Environment

Abstract: A systems level analysis of precision aerial delivery systems provides a basis for comparing the characteristics of different types of systems and the implications that component and control approach selection have on system performance. High-glide and low-glide systems types are described. The effects of glide ratio, control response and sensor selection on terminal accuracy are analyzed. Wind data is necessary for all system types. The paper discusses the use of wind data, the need for an accuracy estimate as part of the wind data and the trade between wind data accuracy and attainable offset. In tactical situations, the concept of operations and the selection of system type and desired offset performance is affected by the threat scenario, and the operator's knowledge of threats and their distribution. Several novel operational concepts are discussed, along with the implications for system performance requirements. As part of the analysis, this paper suggests new nomenclature needed to analyze systems, introduces key operational concepts, and areas for future study.

Lowering the High Ground: Using Near-Space Vehicles for Persistent C3ISR

Abstract: : Department of Defense (DOD), military service, and industry leaders have focused on increasing command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C3ISR) persistence. As of today, the air and space platforms do not provide persistent C3ISR. Platforms exploiting near space will be part of an integrated solution to increase persistent C3ISR. This paper covers the capabilities and limitations of current C3ISR platforms supporting battlespace awareness. After identifying the deficiencies, the essay then explores the various platform and payload combinations that can reach the near space altitudes of 20 to 150 kilometers (km). Finally, the paper concludes with a comparison of capabilities and concepts of operations (CONOPS) for several near-space vehicle (NSV) constellations.

Hierarchical and federated network management for tactical environments

Abstract: Global information grid (GIG) is becoming a reality with emerging state-of-the-art communication system infrastructure. In this paper, we describe issues facing both global and tactical network managers. We also propose a model for developing a global network management architecture. The main elements of our proposed model include network management (NM) concept of operations (CONOPS), requirement space, technical reference architecture, reference design, and implementation/development framework. We further describe the key areas that an integrated NM CONOPS must address.

Conflict Prevention and Separation Assurance Method in the Small Aircraft Transportation System

Abstract: A multilayer approach to the prevention of conflicts due to the loss of aircraft-to-aircraft separation which relies on procedures and on-board automation was implemented as part of the SATS HVO Concept of Operations. The multilayer system gives pilots support and guidance during the execution of normal operations and advance warning for procedure deviations or off-nominal operations. This paper describes the major concept elements of this multilayer approach to separation assurance and conflict prevention and provides the rationale for its design. All the algorithms and functionality described in this paper have been implemented in an aircraft simulation in the NASA Langley Research Center s Air Traffic Operation Lab and on the NASA Cirrus SR22 research aircraft.

Embedded Training Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) for the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Command and Control (C2) Vehicle

Abstract: : The FCS is a radical departure from the previous Army concept of operations. It is described primarily as a system of systems and is a new way to fight. The new concept of operations is network centric, with information from a large number of different types of sensors passing through the network to the C2 vehicle. This diverse information must be understood, situational awareness achieved, and, tactical decisions based on it must be made. Thus, the new soldier manning the FCS C2 platform is given much more information, more diverse in nature; and therefore has a much more cognitively challenging job. Embedded training (ET) seeks to provide effective training anytime, anywhere. "Embedded training must allow individual and collective training on a digital terrain representation of the mission area and permit mission planning and rehearsal in both stand-alone and networked modes while enroute."FCS Mission Needs Statement (MNS) 2001 Instructors are required to perform several instructional tasks, including instructing the student on relevant information, presenting appropriate examples, debriefing the student, and assigning remedial instruction. However, an instructor will not usually be available in the field, anytime, anywhere.

Shuttle-Derived Launch Vehicles' Capablities: An Overview

Abstract: Shuttle-Derived Launch Vehicle (SDLV) concepts have been developed by a collaborative team comprising the Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Kennedy Space Center, ATK-Thiokol, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, The Boeing Company, and United Space Alliance. The purpose of this study was to provide timely information on a full spectrum of low-risk, cost-effective options for STS-Derived Launch Vehicle concepts to support the definition of crew and cargo launch requirements for the Space Exploration Vision. Since the SDLV options use high-reliability hardware, existing facilities, and proven processes, they can provide relatively low-risk capabilities to launch extremely large payloads to low Earth orbit. This capability to reliably lift very large, high-dollar-value payloads could reduce mission operational risks by minimizing the number of complex on-orbit operations compared to architectures based on multiple smaller launchers. The SDLV options also offer several logical spiral development paths for larger exploration payloads. All of these development paths make practical and cost-effective use of existing Space Shuttle Program (SSP) hardware, infrastructure, and launch and flight operations systems. By utilizing these existing assets, the SDLV project could support the safe and orderly transition of the current SSP through the planned end of life in 2010. The SDLV concept definition work during 2004 focused on three main configuration alternatives: a side-mount heavy lifter (approximately 77 MT payload), an in-line medium lifter (approximately 22 MT Crew Exploration Vehicle payload), and an in-line heavy lifter (greater than 100 MT payload). This paper provides an overview of the configuration, performance capabilities, reliability estimates, concept of operations, and development plans for each of the various SDLV alternatives. While development, production, and operations costs have been estimated for each of the SDLV configuration alternatives, these proprietary data have not been included in this paper.

Hybrid Verification of an Air Traffic Operational Concept

Abstract: A concept of operations for air traffic management consists of a set of flight rules and procedures aimed to keep aircraft safely separated. This paper reports on the formal verification of separation properties of the NASA's Small Aircraft Transportation System, Higher Volume Operations (SATS HVO) concept for non-towered, non-radar airports. Based on a geometric description of the SATS HVO air space, we derive analytical formulas to compute spacing requirements on nominal approaches. Then, we model the operational concept by a hybrid non-deterministic asynchronous state transition system. Using an explicit state exploration technique, we show that the spacing requirements are always satisfied on nominal approaches. All the mathematical development presented in this paper has been formally verified in the Prototype Verification System (PVS). Keywords. Formal verification, hybrid systems, air traffic management, theorem proving

A common architecture prototype for army tactical and FCS UAVS

Abstract: The U.S. Army is fielding several unmanned air vehicles (UAV) within the Tactical, Light Attack, and Future Combat Systems (FCS) Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) classes over the next several years. Each UAV program will develop its own mission processing architecture unless the Army implements a common approach that is responsive to a broad set of mission and functional requirements. To address this need, the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) conducted the Manned/Unmanned Common Architecture Program (MCAP) Phase III project for the development of a common UAV embedded mission processor architecture that will enhance interoperability through design commonality, reduced ownership costs and improved processing capabilities. The MCAP Phase HI architecture is based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics and software and open systems interface standards. The architecture provides commonality between platforms, interoperability between systems, variability isolation and supportability for the integration of modular elements into a scaleable, networked architecture. A key part of the MCAP III program is a lab demonstration that will consist of autonomous applications that permit single operator control of the Shadow 200 tactical UAV acting in support of the Army's concept of operations employing manned and unmanned platforms. This paper will present highlights of the development of the MCAP III common embedded computing architecture system.

The Geodesic Dome Phased Array Antenna (GDPAA) for Satellite Operations Support

Abstract: Summary form only given. This paper presents an innovative phased array antenna that can provide a variable number of beams for simultaneous satellite contacts. It has many operational advantages over conventional reflector dish antennas in capacity, responsiveness, throughput and flexibility for satellite operations support. A review of satellite operations support was used as the framework to identify antenna operational requirements. The GDPAA architecture and concept of operations were designed to meet these requirements efficiently. Statistics obtained from extensive simulation and analyses of satellite loading scenarios were used to derive the optimal size of the GDPAA and array design for the best performance value per cost. The operations of the GDPAA are based on the concepts of gain-on-demand, walking beams, de-confliction of overlapping beams and continuous operation. This unique concept of operations enables the GDPAA to dynamically provide a variable number of simultaneous beams in real-time with adjustable gains in response to a specific satellite support needs. The robust operability, comparative benefits and potential applications of GDPAA are discussed. Antenna resource management, and the roadmap and status of the technology development and concept demonstration are also addressed

Crew-Centered Operations: What HAL 9000 Should Have Been

Abstract: To date, manned space flight has maintained the locus of control for the mission on the ground. Mission control performs tasks such as activity planning, system health management, resource allocation, and astronaut health monitoring. Future exploration missions require the locus of control to shift to on-board due light speed constraints and potential loss of communication. The lunar campaign must begin to utilize a shared control approach to validate and understand the limitations of the technology allowing astronauts to oversee and direct aspects of operation that require timely decision making. Crew-centered Operations require a system-level approach that integrates multiple technologies together to allow a crew-prime concept of operations. This paper will provide an overview of the driving mission requirements, highlighting the limitations of existing approaches to mission operations and identifying the critical technologies necessary to enable a crew-centered mode of operations. The paper will focus on the requirements, trade spaces, and concepts for fulfillment of this capability. The paper will provide a broad overview of relevant technologies including: Activity Planning and Scheduling; System Monitoring; Repair and Recovery; Crew Work Practices.

Concept of Operations and Voluntary Operational Requirements for Automated Cruise Control/Collision Warning Systems (ACC/CWS) On-board Commercial Motor Vehicles

Abstract: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) safety goal is to reduce the number and severity of large truck fatalities and crashes. During the last several years, FMCSA has collaborated with the trucking industry to test and evaluate several on-board safety systems for commercial motor vehicles to increase the safety and security of all roadway users. FMCSA is now promoting voluntary adoption of these systems within trucking fleets by initiating steps to work closely with the trucking industry to define vendor-independent, voluntary requirements. The purpose of this document is to relay a better understanding of the functions of on-board safety systems and to provide insight into the safety and efficiency benefits of using the systems. The information has been developed in collaboration with trucking industry stakeholders, including representatives from manufacturers; insurance companies; commercial motor vehicle carriers; drivers; and academia. This document describes the concept of operations and voluntary requirements for Automated Cruise Control/Collision Warning Systems (ACC/CWS) for large trucks greater than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Concepts of operations provide information about how each user interacts with these safety systems and their operational conditions. Voluntary requirements describe features and functions used to define the safety systems and their operational functionality.

S/sup 2/EV- safety and security enhanced ATC voice system

Abstract: Today, there is an increasing demand for secure aeronautical communications. Very high frequency (VHF) radio system that is currently used for the air traffic control (ATC) uses "old" analogue DSB-AM transmission technique and is completely open to masquerading (intruders pretend to be "real" air traffic controllers). It also has some safety gaps. This situation could be improved by implementing limited "digital" features within the existing system. This paper describes the safety and security enhanced voice (S2EV) concept that combines two distinct technologies: data in voice (DiV) and aircraft identification tag (AIT). The paper provides an outline of S2EV concept of operation, system architecture and its basic functional capabilities and discusses S2EV compatibility with current operational practices. Analogue voice system will survive for another decade or two. In a scenario of increasing air traffic, at least current safety and security level should remain preserved. The S2EV concept is proposed to the aeronautical community as a vehicle to achieve such an ambitious goal

Wind dependent concepts for wake avoidance: a comparative analysis of capacity benefits and implementation risks

Abstract: The FAA and NASA are jointly embarking on a multiphased research and development program to develop and implement wake vortex avoidance solutions that can safely reduce separations and improve capacity at airports in the NAS. Many options have been proposed by the wake turbulence community and it is necessary to focus research efforts on the most promising solutions. As part of its WakeVAS initiative, NASA has conducted an investigation of the research difficulty and cost for candidate operational enhancements through a Conops evaluation team (CET). This team included participation by stakeholders from many research, system engineering, system development, pilot, and controller organizations. The operational enhancements that were evaluated included wind-dependent concepts for arrivals to closely spaced parallel runways (CSPRs), departures from CSPRs operated as a single runway, arrivals to single runways, and departures from single runways. To complement this work and help provide the information necessary for NASA to focus their research program toward the most promising concepts, MITRE/CAASD performed an analysis of the potential capacity benefit, opportunity for application, and implementation risk for each arrival and departure concept evaluated by the CET. This paper provides an overview of the direction in which NASA research will proceed and the analysis results that help support this decision.

An analysis of the kill chain for time critical strike

Abstract: : The detection and destruction of Time-Critical Targets (TCTs) has been a challenge for our military. NAVAIR has investigated a future time-critical strike (TCS) architecture and concept of operations (CONOPS) in order to explore the effectiveness of high-speed weapons against TCTs. NAVAIR has implemented an architecture and CONOPS in a simulation model. This thesis extends NAVAIR's work by developing flexible models and exploring the effects that alternative CONOPS may have on high-speed weapon requirements and system performance against TCTs. The TCTs are a single wave of theater ballistic missile (TBM) transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) that appear over a short time interval and can saturate the command and control architectures considered. For the architecture and alternative CONOPS explored, it is difficult to improve upon the performance of the baseline TCS system developed of NAVAIR.

Operation's concept for array-based deep space network

Abstract: The array-based deep space network (DSN-Array) will be a part of more than 103 times increase in the downlink/telemetry capability of the deep space network (DSN). The key function of the DSN-array is to provide cost-effective, robust telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) services to the space missions of NASA and its international partners. It provides an expanded approach to the use of an array-based system. Instead of using the array as an element in the existing DSN, relying to a large extent on the DSN infrastructure, we explore a broader departure from the current DSN, using fewer elements of the existing DSN, and establishing a more modern concept of operations. This paper gives architecture and operation's philosophy of DSN-array. It also describes customer's view of operations, operations management and logistics, and maintenance philosophy, anomaly analysis and reporting

Control Roaming Dogs: Governance Operations in Future Conflict

Abstract: : Governance operations are integral to all military campaigns where the establishment of local government over ungoverned or disrupted political space is required to secure an intended strategic endstate. Despite the inseparable role of governance throughout war history, the United States has been reluctant to embrace a military role for establishing civil government. Aversion is rooted in concerns about military involvement in a fundamentally political activity and the military's unwillingness to divert attention from its combat arms. As a result, governance operations have been treated as tangential post-conflict missions, leaving field commanders ill-prepared for governance and delaying consolidation of political aims. Governance operations are integral to every phase of war, and their relevance to future conflict is increased by the interplay of globalization, transnational threats, and failing states. Military commanders will continue to serve as provincial governors and city mayors in conflict zones. To meet the emergent security challenge of ungoverned space, this paper proposes a more developed concept of operations for governance. It offers a conceptual framework for improving the ability of military forces to deliver basic public services while simultaneously developing an indigenous capacity for good, democratic governance. Governance operations at the local level set the conditions for national-level projects and the ultimate transition to civil authority. Moreover it identifies governance tasks and competencies, including public management and capacity building, which do not wholly reside within the Department of Defense. Therefore,

Concept of Operations and Voluntary Operational Requirements for Vehicular Stability Systems (VSS) On-board Commercial Motor Vehicles

Abstract: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) safety goal is to reduce the number and severity of large truck fatalities and crashes. During the last several years, FMCSA has collaborated with the trucking industry to test and evaluate several on-board safety systems for commercial motor vehicles to increase the safety and security of all roadway users. FMCSA is now promoting voluntary adoption of these systems within trucking fleets by initiating steps to work closely with the trucking industry to define vendor-independent, voluntary requirements. The purpose of this document is to relay a better understanding of the functions of on-board safety systems and to provide insight into the safety and efficiency benefits of using the systems. The information has been developed in collaboration with expert panels consisting of trucking industry stakeholders, including representatives from manufacturers, insurance companies, commercial motor vehicle carriers, drivers, and academia. This document describes the concept of operations and voluntary requirements for Vehicle Stability Systems (VSS) for large trucks greater than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Concepts of operations provide information about how each user interacts with these safety systems and their operational conditions. Voluntary requirements describe features and functions used to define the safety systems and their operational functionality.

Mission control system for Earth observation missions based on SCOS-2000

Abstract: As part of the CryoSat and GOCE mission control systems (MCS), GMV S.A. is currently developing the MCS kernel for the European Space Agency (ESA) Earth Observation missions. The first intention is to customize the ESA's SCOS-2000 system for the support of the missions belonging to the ESA Earth Explorer programme, although the idea can be extended to a wider scope. This kernel is a step forward in developing cost effective mission control systems. It provides generic support for the most of the common requirements in earth observation missions, such as pass-based operations, control of the on board execution of command timelines, on board software management for platform and payload, interface with the ground segment systems, and near-real time distribution of data to external entities. The system also provides an extensive support of the most common ESA packet utilization standard (PUS) services. This generic support can be applied to many other missions that share the same concept of operations, even outside the earth observation context. Some of the features will be repatriated into SCOS-2000, and the core has already been extensively reused in other missions, such as the Galileo GSTB-V2. One of the main issues solved has been how a single mission control system software can be applied to several missions in a efficient way, handling mission specific features and configuration, but without compromising the safety of each particular mission

A Theoretical Base for the Simulation of Information Systems

Abstract: In order to construct a quantitative model of an information system, an operational definition of "information" is needed. This operational definition needs to mold the concept into a quantitative entity. There are many differend definitions of information already, but they have been formulated with other purposes. In this article the concept of operation is operationally defined with the long-term purpose of building simulation model of an information system where the human actors are considered part of the system. The concept is discussed from the viewpoint of earlier definitions, related concepts, things that happen to it and its various aspects. The curriculum of information is reformulated into quantitative terms, in order to finally arrive in a new definition of information within the current context: Information is an explicitly constructed message, always ultimately constructed by a sentient being. Along with describing the properties assigned to this entity, it is believed that it would be possible to construct a quantitative model of a complete information system.

Implementation of a positioning and telemetry buoy to determine chart datum for hydrographic survey applications

Abstract: The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) and the U. S. Navy's Fleet Survey Team (FST) conduct worldwide hydrographic surveys in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-44 standards. The current concept of operations (CONOPS) requires that tide gauges be installed in-shore to define the local vertical chart datum. This requires clearances and permissions from national and local authorities as well as landowners in order to establish and access these shore stations. Substantial effort to establish and maintain security for shore parties and equipment left behind is also required. The recent implementation of real-time Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) point positioning technology presents an opportunity to change and greatly simplify the current CONOPS

Defining the Information Campaign

Abstract: NO OFFICIAL military definition for an information campaign exists, despite the frequent use of that term to describe a technique used in information operations (IO). The current review of Joint Publication (JP) 3-13, Joint Doctrine for Information Operations, presents an opportunity to officially define and describe the information campaign as a viable technique for information operations and an alternative to perception management.1 Media reports from Iraq point to concerns within the military that forces cannot distinguish between an information campaign, information operations, and perception management. We must define the information campaign so it can be easily distinguished from perception management. In the wake of military operations against Fallujah, Iraq, CNN and other news organizations reported that the military intentionally used the news media to gauge enemy reactions to news reports.2 CNN reported that military commanders were warned not to mix up information operations with the dissemination of news to reporters. The military was concerned about blurring distinctions among the goals of psychological operations (PSYOP) against enemy forces; the dissemination of timely, accurate information to reporters; and efforts to influence international audiences. (As reported, the Fallujah incident more closely resembles perception management than the broader area of information operations.) Joint Publication 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, defines perception management as "actions to convey and/or deny selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, and objective reasoning as well as to intelligence systems and leaders at all levels to influence official estimates, ultimately resulting in foreign behaviors and official actions favorable to the originator's objectives. In various ways, perception management combines truth projection, operations security, cover and deception, and psychological operations."3 (See figure 1.) The main contributors to perception management relate directly to several IO capabilities. For example, public affairs (PA) operations project the truth about military operations through public information, command information, and community relations activities directed at both internal and external audiences. Operations security (OPSEC) and military deception both contribute to cover and concealment for information operations, but both also support perception management. According to joint doctrinal publications, psychological operations are also a principal contributor to information operations and perception management. With so much overlap, some military and media representatives could confuse information operations and perception management; they might mistake an information campaign for perception management and quickly discredit it. To employ the information campaign concept effectively in information operations, we must clearly define it so as to distinguish it from perception management. U.S. and coalition forces have conducted or are conducting information campaigns in Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Afghanistan, and Iraq to counter propaganda and disinformation generated by foreign governments and factions that control or intimidate the media. Properly defining the term would give practitioners of these and future information campaigns a solid doctrinal framework with which to work. A clear-cut definition would clarify doctrinal relationships between information operations and public affairs, and information operations and civilmilitary operations, and it could help counter the belief that PA and PSYOP assets cannot support a common objective. To preserve the information campaign as a viable IO technique, its definition should avoid any similarity to perception management by foregoing references to deception and shaping perceptions. …