Command and Control Technologies (CCT) designed, developed, deployed, and continues to sustain and upgrade the Universal Ground Control System (UGFCS) used for launch operations at Pad-0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia.

Based on CCT’s Command and Control Toolkit and T-Zero product line, the UGFCS is an integrated hardware/software solution that automates the launch process for users of Pad-0A, enhancing operational effectiveness to ensure mission success.  The UGFCS provides remote control and monitoring of all pad systems including;

• Automatic fill/drain of liquid and gas commodities including LO2, RP-1, GHe, GN2, and LN2
• Automatic sequencing of the water deluge system
• Supervisory control of launch vehicle and payload Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
• Supervisory control of the launch vehicle transporter/erector system.

The system provides real time operator situational awareness through persistent display of system health & Status, Caution & Warning indicators, and alerts & Advisories.  Real time displays provide insight into the process control functions required for launch operations. The system also manages time synchronization, correlation and Control.

Operational data is archived for post launch analysis through built in recording, retrieval, and data analysis functionality native to the CCTK product line.  The system also includes integrated pad system simulation to provide a robust environment for operator training and system testing.  The UGFCS also provides an interactive Web interface supporting remotely located launch day monitoring by engineering support staff.

The UGFCS operates both stand alone or in concert with launch vehicle command and control software operated by the launch vehicle owner to provide a fully integrated and automated launch control system.

The UGFCS successfully supported all 18 Northrop Grumman Anatres launches from Pad-0A in support of the Space Station resupply program.  CCT is currently under contract with the Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority to upgrade pad-0A system to support the new Northrop A330 launch vehicle and the new Medium Lift Launch Vehicle currently under development.