MITRE's Vandenberg AFB Site Supports DoD's Space Mission
Armando (Mondo) Duncan
December 2012
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MITRE's Mondo Duncan is onsite at Vandenberg AFB where he is working with the DoD's Joint Space Operations Center on the space command and control systems of the future. |
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Today's Department of Defense space mission remains a vital component of our nation's defense infrastructure. MITRE's Mondo Duncan is onsite at the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) located at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California. He provides a variety of defense and space systems support to the Space and Missile Center, the Air Force Space Command, the 14th Air Force staff, and the 614th Air and Space Operations Center.
Duncan recognizes that many people may not realize the critical role Vandenberg plays within the DoD. "VAFB is one of the most dynamic, challenging, and growing locations in the DoD space arena. The organization, the scope, and the importance of the space mission are growing by leaps and bounds. We're implementing the foundation for the space command and control system of the future."
It's more than launching vehicles and satellites. "We are in the age of contested space, where our adversaries are growing in capability. We must constantly evolve to meet the threat. Even the very background of space debris is growing against us. Here at VAFB is where the rubber meets the road to deal with these situations."
A View from Both Sides
Duncan, who initially came to MITRE as a contract engineer, first joined the company at our Colorado Springs, site. "For many years, I supported several major Cheyenne Mountain Space projects. Then in 2006, I started flying back and forth between Colorado Springs and Vandenberg as the DoD's space mission migrated to VAFB. I saw it as an opportunity—both for me to grow in a new area of the company and for MITRE to further support a customer. In 2007, MITRE agreed to create a site, and I made the move."
MITRE's Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California, site
MITRE established a site at Vandenberg AFB in 2007 to support the relocation of much of the Department of Defense's space command and control systems from Colorado. Vandenberg AFB is the DoD's West Coast spaceport and missile testing base. |
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His diverse technical background in space and missile warning systems enabled him to support several major space command and control systems. These included: Space Defense Operations Computer, Space Battle Management Core System (SBMCS), and the JSpOC Mission System. "MITRE technology and engineering processes have contributed greatly to the success and longevity of these systems. They continue to play a major role in today's space mission operations."
These projects have also provided him with the opportunity to be at the forefront of integrating cutting edge technologies into the space arena. This was the case with the SBMCS. "I loved it because it was a small project team doing something fairly new back then with a lot of impact. I was responsible for the operations integration of the system into real world use in a combat environment. So it was one of the early introductions of space capability into modern day warfighting."
The people he has worked with have been an added bonus. "I've collaborated with many incredibly talented people in the space business. For me, it's been an honor to work with people who really want to and know how to make a difference. MITRE offers a wealth of resources and opportunities like few other places."
Working His Way West
Duncan readily acknowledges it was no hardship to relocate to central California. "The Central Coast of the state is an amazing place to live and work and provides a great quality of life. The beaches and the outdoor activities are a blast. Not to mention there's very little congestion on the freeways in this part of the state. I've found the people are very family-oriented and friendly."
"Admittedly it's a little more expensive for some things, but there are so many quality-of-life perks. The fresh seafood is incredible. Plus, I can grow many fruits and vegetables right in the backyard. On the weekends, I like to golf and visit some of the great wineries in the area."
The downside for him is he's a true Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan. "Here it's all LA, Oakland, and San Francisco fans. Even the occasional San Diego fan creeps in," he says. "So I have to be careful when I'm cheering for my teams."
—by Kay M. Upham
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