Current Mission and Future Plans for the USAF Space Weather Operations Center

The 2d Weather Squadron (2 WS) of the U.S. Air Force’s 557th Weather Wing is the sole provider of 24/7 space weather analysis and forecasting information in direct support of the Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community, and national security interests. 2 WS monitors solar activity and Earth’s space environment in real time at its five solar observatories located across the globe and at the Space Weather Operations Center at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for the purpose of tailoring available space weather information into actionable, decision-making intelligence for military and intelligence operations around the world. Combining information and resources is key in performing this mission, and 2 WS relies on both DoD and civilian sources of space weather observations and modelling information. Additionally, 2 WS coordinates on a daily basis with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to ensure accuracy and consistency of disseminated applicable space weather information. The Space Weather Operations Center works closely with research partners in DoD, civil service, academia, private industry, and the international community to guide and operationalize new capabilities employing the latest in state of the science. Supported DoD mission areas include satellite launch, tracking, and orbital situational awareness as well as radar and radio frequency communications capabilities across all military services. 2 WS is preparing for the future with a focus on training, expertise, improved utilization of data sources, and more skillful modelling. Finally, 2 WS is planning updates to its solar observatories to improve both longevity and performance.