The AFSCN is a network of two communications and operational control centers and multiple antennas located at nine sites around the world. The ground stations are considered the vital communications link between the National Command Authorities and U.S. forces worldwide. Honeywell competitively selected L-3 Telemetry-West to provide the multi-kilowatt HPAs. The new design will improve satellite command capabilities, the company said in a statement.

The SCNC consolidates development, systems engineering, integration, and sustainment functions into one AFSCN contract. Honeywell will replace the existing communications technologies that make up the network's ground stations and satellite-tracking systems with improved components, ensuring the system can remain operational 24 hours a day.

"This award builds on the already strong relationship developed between the U.S. Air Force, Honeywell and L-3," said Glenn Flaherty, vice president of business development at L-3 Telemetry-West. "This is a growth market for L-3 and the new SCNC award is expected to lead to other ground station HPA contracts."

L-3 Telemetry-West is the heritage supplier of the AFSCN Automated Remote Tracking Station HPAs now in service worldwide to support Space Ground Link System command capabilities. The award will lead to development and production contracts to replace the ARTS HPAs with both SGLS and Unified S-Band command capability to allow expanded transmission into both L- and S-Band frequencies.

L-3 Telemetry-West produces an array of telemetry products that includes SGLS and USB spaceborne command/telemetry transponders, as well as satellite command and control ground software that interfaces with the AFSCN ground network. Related Links
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