Wallops Range Users Handbook.pdf

Goddard Space Flight Center | Wallops Flight Facility | Wallops Island, Virginia 23337

840-HDBK-0003

Version 3 Effective Sept. 10, 2013 | Expiration Sept. 10, 2018

Steven E. Kremer, Chief Range and Mission Management Office (Code 840)

Check the Goddard Directives Management System at http://gdms.gsfc.nasa.gov to verify correct version prior to use.

PAGE 2 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK 840-HDBK-0003

Revision Effective Date Description of Changes

1 11/1996 Rewrite of all sections in handbook.

2 04/2000 Rewrite of all sections in handbook.

C 03/10/2003 Rewrite of all sections in handbook; added Appendix B. Replaces previous Range

Users Handbook, 840-RUH-1996, Revision 2.

D 04/21/2003 Corrected beam widths in Table 3-3 for Radar 2, 8, 10, and 11 E 05/23/2003 Corrected beam widths in Table 3-3 for Radar for Radar 2 and 8 F 06/23/2003 Corrected paragraph 2.2.2 G 12/01/2003 Rewrite of all sections in handbook H 10/01/2007 Revised all sections in handbook I 03/17/2008 Revised all sections in handbook 3 9/10/2013 Rewrite of all sections in handbook

Change History Log

840-HDBK-0003 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK Page 3

PREFACE

The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) operates the Wallops Flight Facility

(WFF) located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. NASA supports space and Earth science technology and aeronautical research aircrafts. WFF operates a research range consisting of a rocket range and research airport.

WFF also maintains capabilities to conduct mobile launch activities due to unique scientific requirements.

Wallops users represent NASA, other United States Government agencies, and foreign and commercial organizations.

The Wallops Range User’s Handbook summarizes Wallops’ policies and procedures for facility use and provides a description of general capabilities.

The Wallops Range User’s Handbook can be viewed online at http://sites.wff.nasa.

gov/multimedia/docs/wffruh.pdf. The most recent versions of other documents referenced within this handbook can be found on the Goddard Directives Management System at http://gdms.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Abbreviations and acronyms in the handbook are listed in Appendix A. References are listed in Appendix B.

Neither the United States Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of information contained in this document, or warrants that such use will be free from privately owned rights. Use of a company product name does not imply approval or recommendation of the product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.

This version of the Wallops Range User’s Handbook replaces all previous versions of this document.

PAGE 4 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK 840-HDBK-0003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Change History Log Preface… 1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Geography

1.3 Wallops Range

1.4 Operational History

1.5 GSFC/WFF Missions

1.6 GSFC at WFF

1.7 Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport

1.8 Other Wallops Organizations

2 Wallops Range Support Policies and Procedures

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Key Range Personnel

2.2.1 WFF Test Director

2.2.2 Project Manager

2.2.3 Range Safety Officer (RSO)

2.2.4 Operations Safety Supervisor (OSS)

2.3 Policies

2.3.1 Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance Policy

2.3.2 Frequency Utilization and Management

2.3.3 Scheduling

2.3.4 Environmental Requirements

2.3.5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs)

2.4 Project Approval and Interface Procedures

2.4.1 NASA Organizations

2.4.2 Other Federal Organizations

2.4.3 Non-Federal Organizations

2.4.4 Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) Organizations

2.5 Technical Data Requirements

2.5.1 Program Requirements Document (PRD)

2.5.2 Safety Data

2.5.3 Operations and Safety Directive (OSD)/Mission Operations Directive (MOD)

2.5.4 Documentation Schedule

2.5.5 Operational Reviews

2.6 Funding Information

3 Wallops Flight Facility and Wallops Range

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Wallops Main Base

3.1.2 Mainland

3.1.3 Wallops Island

3.1.4 Authorized Space

3.1.5 Trajectory Options

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3.1.6 Wallops Weather

3.2 Wallops Range Facilities

3.2.1 Launch Pad Facilities

3.2.2 Spacecraft Fueling Facility (SFF)

3.2.3 Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF)

3.2.4 Payload Processing Facility (PPF)

3.2.5 Multi-Payload Processing Facility (MPPF)

3.2.6 Research Airport

3.2.7 Range Control Center (RCC)

3.2.8 Wallops Geophysical Observatory (WGO)

3.2.9 Fabrication Facilities

3.2.10 Environmental Testing Facilities

3.3 Wallops Range Services

3.3.1 Mobile Range Services

3.3.2 Mobile Power Services

3.3.3 Telemetry Services

3.3.4 Range Timing

3.3.5 RF Monitoring and RF Communications

3.3.6 Command Operations

3.3.7 Precision Tracking Radar Services

3.3.8 Surveillance Radar Services

3.3.9 Range Data Processing and Display Services (RADAC)

3.3.10 Range Surveillance and Recovery Services

3.3.11 Mission Webcasting Services

3.3.12 Air Traffic Management Services

3.3.13 Weather Forecasting Office

3.3.14 Meteorological Operations

3.3.15 Optical Systems Services

4 Wallops Range Administration and Logistics

4.1 General

4.1.1 Access

4.1.2 Working Hours

4.1.3 Cafeteria, Dormitories and Gym

4.1.4 Communication Services

4.1.5 Smoking

4.1.6 Industrial Safety

4.1.7 Fire Protection

4.1.8 Medical Facilities

4.1.9 Shipping

4.1.10 Motor Freight Truck Service

4.1.11 Air Cargo

4.1.12 Airfreight Services

4.1.13 Hazardous Material

4.1.14 Hazardous Material Storage

4.1.15 Material Handling Equipment

4.1.16 Customs

4.1.17 Post Office

4.2 Foreign Nationals

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4.3 Office of Public Affairs

4.4 NASA Visitors Center

5 Range Safety Policies

5.1 Range Safety Organization

5.2 Data Delivery Schedules

5.3 Range User’s Pre-arrival Requirements

5.4 Ground Safety

5.5 Flight Safety

Appendix A: Abbreviations and Acronyms Appendix B: References Appendix C: Surface Winds Chart Appendix D: Building Floor Plans

List of Figures

Road Map to NASA/GSFC/Wallops Flight Facility Figure 1-1 Wallops Flight Facility Figure 2-1 UAS Runway on Wallops Island Figure 2-2 UAS Range Access Flow Figure 2-3 Global Hawk and P-3 in front of N-159 Figure 3-1 Aerial View of Wallops Main Base Figure 3-2 Aerial View of the Wallops Mainland Figure 3-3 Aerial View of Wallops Island Figure 3-4 Wallops Range Authorized Space Figure 3-5 Operational Impact Area Figure 3-6 Orbital Trajectories Figure 3-7 Annual Precipitation and Temperature Plot for Wallops Flight Facility Figure 3-8 Average Surface Wind Speed at Wallops Flight Facility Figure 3-9 Wallops Mainland and Island Range Launch Facilities Figure 3-10 H-100 Payload Processing Facility Figure 3-11 V-55 Spacecraft Fueling Facility (SFF) Figure 3-12 Inside of Spacecraft Fueling Facility (SFF) Figure 3-13 Horizontal Integration Facility Figure 3-14 Payload Processing Facility Figure 3-15 Multi-Payload Processing Facility Figure 3-16 Wallops Research Airport Figure 3-17 RCC Mission Control Room Figure 3-18 Mission Control Room Figure 3-19 Data Interfaces Figure 3-20 Layout of RCC MCR Figure 3-21 RCC 4th Floor Aeronautical Projects Control Room Figure 3-22 ASRF and Research and Science Radar Figure 3-23 Range Equipment in Bermuda Figure 3-24 Fixed TM Facility Figure 3-25 Transportable Orbital Tracking Systems (TOTS) Figure 3-26 Mobile Integrated Telemetry Systems (MITS) Van Figure 3-27 Bell UH-1H Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter

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Figure 3-28 Optical Tracking Site Figure 4-1 Wallops Fire Department Figure 4-2 NASA Visitor’s Center Auditorium

List of Tables

Table 2-1 UAS Size Category Defined Table 3-1 Assembly and Payload Processing Facilities Table 3-2 Launch Systems Table 3-3 ASRF Radars Table 3-4 Range Telemetry Systems Table 3-5 Transportable Telemetry Systems Table 3-6 Transportable Van Summary Table 3-7 Fixed Command Systems Table 3-8 Mobile Command Systems Table 3-9 Precision Tracking Radars Table 3-10 Wallops Range Surveillance Radars Table 3-11 Photo Optical Systems Table 4-1 Material Handling Equipment

NEW JERSEY

PENNSYLVANIA

MARYLAND

DELAWARE

VIRGINIA

WILMINGTON

BALTIMORE

WASHINGTON DC

RICHMOND

HAMPTON

NORFOLK

POCOMOKE

CITY

OCEAN

CITYSALISBURY

DOVER

DELAWARE

BAY

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

BAY BRIDGE

TUNNEL

BAY

BRIDGE

CAPE MAY

FERRY

NASA GODDARD

SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

NASA GSFC

WALLOPS

FLIGHT

FACILITY

CHINCOTEAGUE

ISLAND

WALLOPS

ISLAND

VA RT.

NORTH

City

Airport

Interstate Highway

U.S. Highway

10 miles

Road Map to

NASA/GSFC/WFF

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1.1 Purpose

The Wallops Range User’s Handbook is a guide for planning operations at the Wallops Range.

It provides a summary of the policies, procedures and capabilities of the range. Included are procedures for obtaining authorization for range use and for efficient project coordination between the range user and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) personnel.

This handbook describes the information to be provided by the range user that will enable the Range to effectively plan for and support the range user’s project. In addition, this handbook describes the facilities and systems available at WFF for supporting aeronautical research, balloons and suborbital and orbital research projects.

Visit the WFF homepage at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home for more information.

1.2 Geography

The WFF Main Base is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore 5 miles west of Chincoteague, Va., approximately 90 miles north of Norfolk, Va., and 40 miles southeast of Salisbury, Md. See previous page for a road map to Wallops Flight Facility.

WFF consists of three separate parcels of real property: the Main Base, the Mainland and the Wallops Island Launch Site. The Mainland and the Wallops Island Launch Site are approximately 7 miles southeast of the Main Base. Figure 1-1 shows WFF and the relationship of the three properties.

1.3 Wallops Range

The Wallops Range is part of WFF and is managed by GSFC’s Suborbital and Special Orbital Projects Directorate.

The range consists of a launch range, an aeronautical research airport, and associated tracking, data acquisition, and control instrumentation systems. The range includes authorized operating space, primarily over the Atlantic Ocean, and authorized frequency spectrum. Scientists and engineers from NASA, other U.S.

Government agencies, colleges and universities, commercial organizations, and the world-wide scientific community have conducted experiments at the range.

1 INTRODUCTION

NORTH

ATLANTIC OCEAN

ROCKET

LAUNCHING

AREAS

WFF

WALLOPS

ISLAND

WFF

MAINLAND

Assawoman, VA

Atlantic, VA

Eastern Shore of

VIRGINIA

WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY

MAIN BASE

ASSATEAGUE

ISLAND

CHINCOTEAGUE

ISLAND

VA Route 679

VA Route 175 VA Route 175

Figure 1-1. Wallops Flight Facility

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1.4 Operational History

In 1945, NASA’s predecessor agency, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), established a launch site on Wallops Island under the direction of the Langley Research Center. This site was designated The Pilotless Aircraft Research Station and conducted high-speed aerodynamic research to supplement wind tunnel and laboratory investigations into the problems of flight.

In 1958, Congress established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which absorbed Langley Research Center and other NACA field centers and research facilities. At that time, the Pilotless Aircraft Research Station became a separate facility — Wallops Station — operating directly under NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

In 1959, NASA acquired the former Chincoteague Naval Air Station, and engineering and administrative activities were moved to this location. In 1974, the Wallops Station was named Wallops Flight Center. The name was changed to Wallops Flight Facility in 1981, when it became part of Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

In the early years, research at Wallops was concentrated on obtaining aerodynamic data at transonic and low supersonic speeds. Between 1959 and 1961, Project Mercury capsules were tested at Wallops in support of NASA’s manned space flight program before the astronauts were launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Some of these tests using the Little Joe Booster were designed to flight-qualify components of the Mercury spacecraft, including the escape and recovery systems and some of the life support systems. Two rhesus monkeys, Sam and Miss Sam, were sent aloft, acting as pioneers for the astronauts; both were recovered safely.

Since 1945, the Wallops Range has launched thousands of research vehicles in the quest for information on the flight characteristics of airplanes, launch vehicles and spacecraft, and to increase the knowledge of the Earth’s upper atmosphere and the near space environment. The launch vehicles vary in size and power from small meteorological rockets to orbital class vehicles.

WFF continues to be a small, fast response, matrix organization that can accomplish rocket and balloon projects, spacecraft orbital tracking, airborne science support, instrument fabrication and aeronautical research.

1.5 GSFC/WFF Missions

Wallops’ key mission elements support all NASA Centers with a science and technology focus.

• Suborbital Flight Projects —Wallops manages and implements NASA’s sounding rocket, balloon, and airborne science programs. New technologies, such as the ultra-long duration balloons, are integrated into the programs.

A rocket launches from Wallops Island more than a half a century ago.

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• Small and Medium Class Orbital Missions — Wallops manages and provides technical support for small and medium class spacecraft carriers.

• Mission Operations — Wallops provides fixed and mobile launch ranges and a research airport. The range provides the services necessary for a wide variety of research, development and operational missions, including rocket, balloon and aerial vehicle flights. Wallops also manages and operates satellite tracking stations locally. The Range supports NASA, Department of Defense (DoD), commercial and academic organizations.

• Science and Technology —Wallops Earth scientists research global climate change. Wallops engineers develop new technologies that improve capabilities of flight projects or lower the cost of access to space.

• Educational Outreach — Partnerships formed with industry and academia foster educational outreach programs that support the development of future engineers and scientists.

This handbook addresses only those missions related to the Wallops Range.

1.6 GSFC at WFF

There are seven GSFC directorates located wholly or in part at WFF. These organizational elements combine to form the Wallops Flight Facility and perform all the functions for the operation of the facility.

• Suborbital and Special Orbital Projects Directorate (Code 800) — Code 800 elements supporting the range include:

Resources Management Office (Code 801), which plans and monitors execution of all budgets including research and development (R&D), institutional, reimbursable, manpower, and travel.

Advanced Projects Office (Code 802), which serves as the new project interface during feasibility and early formulation phases, and is responsible for establishing formal agreements with external customers.

Safety Office (Code 803), which develops and monitors ground and flight safety procedures for all launches managed by Code 800.

Other offices associated with Code 800 are the Sounding Rockets Program (Code 810), Balloon Program (Code 820), Airborne Sciences Program (Code 830), Range and Mission Management (Code 840) and Special Projects Office (Code 850).

• Office of the Director (Code 100) — Office of Human Capital Management (Code 110), Talent Cultivation Office (Code 114), Equal Opportunity Programs (Code 120), Wallops Office of Public Affairs (Code 130.4), and Wallops Fiscal Operations Section (Code 157) maintain facilities at Wallops.

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• Management Operations Directorate (Code 200) — Code 200 elements that maintain offices at Wallops include Wallops Procurement Office (Code 210), Wallops Facilities Management Branch (Code 228), Wallops Logistics team (Code 231), Wallops Protective Services Division (Code 240), Wallops Environmental Office (Code 250), Technical Information and Management Services (Code 271).

• Safety and Mission Assurance (Code 300) — The Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate (SMA) main office is located at the GSFC in Greenbelt, Md. The Assistant Director of SMA at Wallops is co-located at WFF and serves as senior SMA advisor and a point of contact for mission assurance as it relates to WFF programs, projects and operations.

The Assistant Director of SMA ensures the proper level of mission assurance for WFF programs, projects and operations is defined, appropriately documented, and implemented.

This office also provides support for institutional safety at WFF to facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration with the institutional safety organization at Greenbelt.

• Flight Programs and Projects Directorate (Code 400) — Mission Services Program Office (Code 450) is located at GSFC in Greenbelt, Md. The Ground Network Project Office (Code 453), collocated at Greenbelt and Wallops Island, monitors the Ground Network services that are part of the Space Comunication and Navigation Division of NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate

• Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate (Code 500) — Code 500 maintains several branches at Wallops:

Mechanical Systems Branch (Code 548)

Wallops Electrical Engineering Branch (Code 569)

Wallops System Software Engineering Branch (Code 589)

Guidance, Navigation & Control and Mission Systems Engineering Branch (Code 598)

• Sciences and Exploration Directorate (Code 600) — Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory (Code 614) maintains three branches at Wallops: Cryospheric Sciences (Code 614.1), Ocean Sciences (Code 614.2) and Instrumentation Sciences (Code 614.6)

• Information Technology and Communications Directorate (Code 700) — Wallops Information Technology and Communications is responsible for overseeing, planning and implementing IT and Communication services at WFF. (Code 763)

WFF supports the Poker Flat Research Range (PFRR) in Alaska and the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, Texas, with contract management, instrumentation, and range support as required. PFRR is maintained and operated by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks under a contract managed by the Sounding Rockets Program. The CSBF is maintained and operated in Las Cruces under a contract managed by the Balloon Program.

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1.7 Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) is an enterprise of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA) under joint governance by the States of Maryland and Virginia. MARS operates the commercial spaceport on Wallops Island and markets the Wallops Range to support their customer focus.

MARS markets their services as a “one-stop shopping” place for low-cost, safe, reliable, user-friendly space launch facilities and services for commercial, government and scientific/academic users, both foreign and domestic, who want to purchase launch range services through a commercial spaceport. MARS, through the established agreements between the VCSFA and NASA, can serve as a broker for NASA-supplied range services through a Space Act Agreement or contractual relationship, thereby allowing multiple approaches to integrated WFF range services. The following link provides additional information on MARS facilities and services at http://www.marsspaceport.com.

1.8 Other Wallops Organizations

United States Navy (USN) Surface Combat Systems Center (SCSC) provides facilities that replicate USN fleet ships for purposes of training and technology validation. The Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWCAD) from Patuxent River, Md., also maintains systems at Wallops. NAWCAD makes regular use of the Wallops Range for aircraft development testing. Main Base facilities include housing for personnel and dependents and a Navy Exchange.

United States Coast Guard (USCG) is represented by Station Chincoteague on Chincoteague Island.

USCG Search and Rescue helicopters and other USCG aircraft use the airport as a base of operations.

USCG housing occupies several acres on the Wallops Main Base.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a field site of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), which produces multidimensional imagery from polar orbiting and geostationary satellites operated by NOAA.

Marine Science Consortium (MSC) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting teaching and research in the marine sciences. Founded in 1968, the MSC established operations at Wallops Flight Facility in 1971. The MSC is a cooperative educational venture, where 16 member institutions pool resources to offer courses and to provide residential and laboratory facilities to students from all member institutions. For more information, visit the MSC website at http://www.msconsortium.org.

An ELV takes flight from the Mars 0B pad on Wallops Island.

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2 WALLOPS RANGE SUPPORT

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

2.1 Introduction

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (Space Act), as amended, charters NASA to plan, direct and conduct space activities. The Space Act authorizes NASA field installations to establish policies and operational interface procedures for users of NASA resources. Activities under the Space Act are to be conducted to optimize America’s scientific and engineering resources. NASA is authorized to enter into contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, and other transactions on such terms as it may deem appropriate with any person, firm, association, or corporation. NASA is also authorized to cooperate with public and private agencies in the use of Government-provided launch support, services, equipment, and facilities.

For policies and procedures specific to Wallops, please see 802-HDBK-0001D, Doing Business at Wallops Flight Facility: A Customer Guide, available at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/multimedia/docs/ CG2007.pdf.

2.2 Key Range Personnel

All operations at the Wallops Range are conducted under NASA control. The following paragraphs define the functions, responsibilities and authority of key range personnel.

2.2.1 WFF Test Director

The WFF Test Director has authority over all operations conducted on the Wallops Range. The Test Director is responsible for ensuring that all range policy, criteria, and external agreements are satisfied during the operations. The Test Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining the schedule of range activities. This includes publishing schedules and summaries, resolving scheduling conflicts between project requirements and resources, and acquiring required clearances from external organizations for programs conducted at the range.

2.2.2 Project Manager

The Project Manager is the primary point of contact for the range customer. The designated WFF Project Manager has the authority to plan, coordinate, and direct operational support for assigned projects conducted at the Wallops Range.

2.2.3 Range Safety Officer (RSO)

The WFF RSO is responsible for ensuring the Wallops Range safety policy, criteria, and procedures are not violated during operations and to ensure that risks are understood and are within acceptable limits. The RSO has authority to stop work, hold a launch, or terminate a

PAGE 14 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK 840-HDBK-0003

mission in flight if necessary.

2.2.4 Operations Safety Supervisor (OSS)

The OSS is responsible for supervising all assigned hazardous operations. The OSS is also responsible for the implementation for ground safety plans, operation procedures, and ensuring all lifting devices and equipment are certified. In some instances, the OSS may delegate responsibilities to other qualified personnel for specific operations.

2.3 Policies

2.3.1 Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance Policy

WFF safety personnel will review all activities conducted on the Wallops Range. All range activities will be conducted in accordance with safety policy and criteria established in NPR 8715.3C, NASA General Safety Program Requirements, NPR 8715.5A, Range Flight Safety Program and RSM-2002-RevC, Range Safety Manual for Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)/ Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). NASA’s Online Directives Information Systems contains links to NPR 8715.3C and NPR 8715.5A (http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/main_lib.cfm), and RSM-2002-RevC, which can be found online at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/multimedia/docs/ RangeSafetyManual.pdf. Reliability and Quality Assurance reviews may be required on a case-by-case basis.

2.3.2 Frequency Utilization and Management

The WFF Test Director, along with the WFF Spectrum Manager, is responsible for the operational control of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum at Wallops. Frequency utilization and management policies and procedures applicable to all range user activities at Wallops are detailed in the Wallops Flight Facility Frequency Utilization Management Handbook, which is located at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/multimedia/docs/WFF_FUM04.pdf.

2.3.3 Scheduling

The range customer submits project scheduling information to the Project Manager, who relays potential conflicts as they are identified. Every effort is made to resolve conflicts between programs in a manner that permits each program to be successfully completed on an acceptable schedule. Range scheduling meetings are held monthly. As new information becomes available, schedules are updated and maintained on a computer database, which is accessible through remote terminals.

The WFF Test Director acquires clearances required for airspace and oceanic impact areas from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC), and the U.S. Coast Guard.

840-HDBK-0003 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK Page 15

The range customer must submit launch/activity dates to the WFF Test Director at least 3 weeks in advance of the required time to facilitate approval and scheduling.

Range scheduling services include: tracking project start/stop dates for the range schedule, integrating Sounding Rocket, UAS, balloon, and other project schedules into the range schedule, scheduling individual Wallops Range assets/resources for specific project requirements so simultaneous operations planning can occur, assisting with frequency coordination by scheduling operational frequencies in use, and reporting potential conflicts.

Other services include tracking and scheduling facilities maintenance schedules around mission operations, scheduling project reviews, and presentation of any above information at various meetings and reviews.

The daily schedule is announced on the WFF paging system at 0830 and 1600 local time. The current range operations scheduling system is simply a mission operations timeline and can be viewed at http://sched.wff.nasa.gov/wffsched/.

2.3.4 Environmental Requirements

The Wallops Environmental Office serves as the interface for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance at Wallops. In most cases, Wallops has approved environmental documentation covering range users’ activities at WFF. The Site-Wide Environmental Assessment, Wallops Flight Facility, dated January 2005, provides the required environmental documentation for all Wallops “in-house” activities and also provides the required documentation for many range users’ activities. During project formulation, the Project Manager will discuss the project with the range user and the Wallops Environmental Office to identify potential environmental issues. Wallops Environmental Office personnel will make a determination of any formal analysis and documentation required. Funding for the preparation of additional analysis and documentation will be the responsibility of the customer and must be completed prior to the readiness reviews. The site-wide environmental assessment is available at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code250.

2.3.5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

The Aircraft Office at Wallops is part of NASA’s Airborne Science Program, which utilizes different aircraft assets, including UASs, for various applications. The Range and Mission Management Office (RMMO) manages and conducts all UAS operations at Wallops.

A sounding rocket takes flight from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

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The Wallops UAS runway is located on the south end of Wallops Island. The asphalt runway is 1,500 feet long and 50-feet wide. Commercial UAS manufacturers and other users conduct product trials, pilot training, and science missions from the runway. The runway provides immediate ocean access, and is completely within Wallops restricted airspace. Power, communications and data network access are available on the runway.

The UAS Control Center (CC), located in the Aeronautical Control Cab in Building E-106A is part of WFF’s main Range Control Center (RCC). The primary role of this area is in supporting UAS design, testing and flight operations as the UAS CC. Project personnel in the UAS CC can access all the resources of the main RCC to ensure safe operations while conducting a UAS mission.

Another UAS CC facility is located on Wallops Island in Building X-15.

A UAS Test and Integration Facility is located in hangar N-159. This facility provides an Electric Static Discharge (ESD) certified test and integration laboratory accessible directly from the main floor of the hangar. Lab test benches and access to a range of power and communications services are included. Adjacent office space and conference room facilities are also available to UAS project teams.

Table 2-1 UAS Size Category Defined

Category I II III

Weight (lbs.) <55 55 to 330 >300 Airspeed (kts) <70 <200 >200

Type Model or Small UAS Small UAS UAS

Prior to approval to conduct range operations, the range requestor/user must first submit UAS data for analysis and be granted a statement of airworthiness for flight by NASA.

Upon approval of airworthiness, the Range Safety Office will prepare a ground safety plan and a flight safety plan. These plans will be formulated from data collected in the UAS Access

Figure 2-1. UAS Runway on Wallops Island

840-HDBK-0003 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK Page 17

Authorization Questionnaire (AAQ).

The Range Safety Office will also conduct a risk analysis and develop a plan to mitigate any discovered unnecessary risks. Risk mitigation is a joint venture between the range user and the Range Safety Office. Though a formal risk mitigation and analysis is conducted through the safety office prior to the onset of initial operations, it is the responsibility of the UAS Mission Commander to conduct an informal risk assessment prior to each day of flight and include this data in their daily pre-flight brief.

Range use and coordination is initiated through the NASA assigned Project Manager. Upon completion of the AAQ, the Project Manager forwards client data to the system safety analysis team. Upon favorable review the data is further forwarded to the WFF Frequency Utilization Management Working Group (WFUMWG) frequency de-confliction personnel. After the UAS is deemed safe for flight and frequency de-confliction is accomplished, the mission data is forwarded to Range safety and operations planning begins. The ground safety plan delineates procedures to follow to ensure safety prior to flight. The flight safety plan is formulated to reduce air risks and establish expectations while the range user is conducting the UAS flight.

An overview of the UAS Range Access process is depicted in Figure 2-2.

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UAS RANGE ACCESS FLOW

Technical Interchange Meeting/Operational Plan

IN/OUT

of

Scope/SOP

IN

OUT

Use normal RMMO and safety process

Mission execution

Operations approval

Post-mission briefing

SOP rules apply; some restrictions may be required

840/ RMMO approval

803/ Safety Office concurrence

Preflight briefings

NASA-assigned Project Manager

Ground and Flight Safety Plans

Safety of Flight Issuance Frequency Approval

Airworthiness analysis and radio frequency spectrum approval process for new users

Formal Letter of Request from requesting organization

Initial request for UAS range access, submission of AAQ to Code 802

Figure 2-2. UAS Range Access Flow

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Airspace control:

UAS flight in the National Airspace System (NAS) is only permitted through use of a Certificate of Authorization (COA) or permitted in Special Use Airspace (SUA).

NASA WFF has restricted airspace extending from the main base airfield to Wallops Island.

Bordering the eastern boundary of the restricted airspace is the Virginia Capes Operating Area (VACAPES) warning area. The correct and most up to date information about the lateral and vertical confines can be found on the Washington aeronautical sectional published by the FAA.

WFF has developed several procedures to facilitate airspace and ground operations. Some of these procedures include activating temporary airspace coordination areas, Class D airspace, restricted operations zones, or restricted operations areas for UAS takeoffs and landings and mission areas or flight routes. These are used in the development of air control points, assignment of block altitudes, and non-radar separation in order to facilitate UAS missions.

WFF range operations are conducted in a wraparound approach. Wallops personnel are concerned with mission accomplishment as much as their UAS range users and strive to be an integral part of each mission’s success. From mission inception to fruition, support services are an integral part of every user’s operation.

For more information on the UAS Program at Wallops, see 840-HDBK-0002, Wallops Flight Facility Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (UAV) User’s Handbook which can be found at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/ multimedia/docs/UAV2005.pdf.

2.4 Project Approval and Interface Procedures

The range user will confer with Wallops personnel prior to the submission of a formal request to determine the feasibility of conducting the proposed mission/project at the Wallops Range.

The first point of contact is the Advanced Projects Office (APO), Code 802, by calling 757-824- 1275 or by visiting http://sites.wff.gov/code802 for more information. WFF and the range user typically hold preliminary discussions via teleconference and/or face-to-face meetings to assess the feasibility of prospective projects. These discussions primarily address the Range’s ability to meet technical requirements, potential safety issues, schedule constraints, and estimated costs.

Figure 2-3. The Global Hawk sits in front of the N-159 hangar, with the P-3 in the background

PAGE 20 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK 840-HDBK-0003

Once complete, assuming both the customer and WFF wish to proceed, formal agreements are established. The details and subsequent procedures of these agreements are dependent upon the range user’s organization, as noted in the following subsections.

For all non-NASA customers, once funding is received by Wallops, several weeks of processing time is required before charge numbers are available which allow the Range to begin project support. The APO will facilitate the establishment of agreements with the customer and is available to address any questions.

2.4.1 NASA Organizations

Internal to NASA, WFF and the requesting organization can establish agreement through jointly-approved project plans that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the respective organizations. This can also be accomplished via a Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding (MOA/MOU). The sponsoring organization is then responsible for providing WFF with a funded NASA Work Breakdown Structure.

2.4.2 Other Federal Organizations

Agreements with federal organizations most often occur through establishment of an Interagency Agreement (IA). IAs typically address roles and responsibilities, estimated cost, schedule milestones, and other key provisions. Once approved, the customer agency can then provide funding through an interagency fund transfer (including Military Purchase Request). For relatively simple efforts, the fund transfer can occur without an IA, but must be accompanied by an approved form provided by WFF that commits both the Range and the customer to certain key responsibilities extracted from the IA.

2.4.3 Non-Federal Organizations

Agreements with non-federal organizations require the establishment of a Space Act Agreement (SAA). SAAs identify roles and responsibilities of the parties, and address agreement details including the statement of work, estimated cost, schedule milestones, insurance and liability requirements, provisions for data rights, and public affairs. Further information is provided in the NASA Space Act Agreements Guide available at http://www.

nasa.gov/pdf/485043main_Space Act Agreements Guide 2008.pdf. Once the SAA has been approved, the customer will then provide the agreed-to funding.

2.4.4 Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) Customers

Agreements with commercial launch service providers require the establishment of a CSLA Agreement with NASA Headquarters prior to negotiating project-specific agreements with WFF. This is due to the unique legal circumstances surrounding these types of missions.

Alternatively, CSLA customers can bypass this requirement by entering into a commercial

840-HDBK-0003 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK Page 21 contract with Wallops’s spaceport partner, the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA). VCSFA has established agreements with NASA and WFF that can be leveraged to sponsor third-party projects.

2.5 Technical Data Requirements

2.5.1 Program Requirements Document (PRD)

The range user’s project description and technical requirements are often conveyed to the Wallops Range through use of a Program Requirements Document (PRD) or equilvalent requirements document defined by the Project Manager.

WFF accepts many different PRD formats from the Universal Documentation System (UDS), which is the standardized documentation system accepted and used at ranges operated by the DoD, to any other format that describes the requirements of the project. The primary UDS reference is RCC 501-97, Universal Documentation System.

Projects at Wallops Range span a broad spectrum of complexity, and some flexibility in the application of PRD standards is necessary. However, the PRD provides an excellent checklist of information needed for projects conducted at the range. The PRD will normally contain all of the information needed.

2.5.2 Safety Data

The range user must provide a safety data package with ground and flight safety information, specifications, performance and procedures for safety related items. The detailed information that must be included in the safety data package is identified in RSM-2002-RevC, which can be found online at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code803/docs/RSM2002RevC.pdf.

2.5.3 Operations and Safety Directive (OSD)/Mission Operations Directive (MOD)

The OSD or MOD is prepared by the Project Manager and is NASA’s response to the range user’s requirements. Both documents provide a description of the project and the detailed support configuration for all Wallops equipment, instrumentation and facilities. A ground safety plan, flight safety plan, countdown, and special procedures, as appropriate, are included in the OSD.

The flight safety plan and ground safety plan are attached to the MOD rather than included.

2.5.4 Documentation Schedule

WFF attempts to avoid excessive documentation wherever possible. Range users are required to provide a PRD or comparable document to aid WFF in defining support requirements. Only applicable sections need be provided. Required documentation with generalized publication dates for first-time projects are listed on the next page:

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Program Requirements Document (PRD) 90 days prior to arrival at WFF Preliminary Range Safety Data Package L-120 days Final Range Safety Data Package L-90 days Hazardous Procedures L-60 days Trajectory Simulation Data L-60 days OSD or MOD L-21 days

Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) Missions:

PRD Draft L - 1 year Final PRD 90 days from arrival Preliminary Range Safety Data Package PDR + 60 days Final Range Safety Data Package L - 75 days Hazardous Procedures L - 75 days

Timelines may be compressed for small projects or expanded for ELV missions, depending on the Range schedule. Exact data requirements will be determined during the planning process based on schedule and project-unique details. Earlier dates may be required if the range user begins processing at WFF earlier than 30 days prior to launch.

Wallops Range encourages range users to provide documentation as early as possible to assure adequate time for review and approval. Failure to do so could require unnecessary redesigns or delays in schedule.

2.5.5 Operational Reviews

WFF conducts pre-mission reviews for all projects in order to ensure that personnel are briefed on requirements and responsibilities and to ensure that all necessary preparations have been satisfactorily completed. A synopsis of WFF reviews is included below:

• Range Readiness Review (RRR) – The RRR is mandatory for all projects managed by WFF whether on-site or at remote field locations where WFF functions as the lead range, such as Alaska’s Poker Flat Research Range. The RRR assesses aspects of range support to include: review for completeness of prelaunch, launch, and post launch requirements, planned activities to meet requirements including range instrumentation services plan, safety products, security plans, contingency plans, environmental management plans, logistics plans (personnel and launch vehicle/payload), operation area clearances, Collision Avoidance (COLA), visitor management plan, surveillance plan, Office of Communications plan, mishap plan, special engineering development plans, staffing plans, sparing plans, housing plans, Radio Frequency (RF) management plan, communications plans, test plans, remediation (wrap-up) plan, and proposed schedule.

840-HDBK-0003 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK Page 23

• Launch Readiness Review (LRR) – The LRR, a required deliverable for every orbital rocket mission conducted, is held to update the mission status, close out actions from the previously held RRR, authorize approval to proceed into launch countdown. The LRR is held at the launch site no later than 1 day before launch.

• Operation Debriefing – A post-operation meeting intended to evaluate the operation and identify items requiring action prior to future operations.

Additional reviews may be required for large projects. It is highly recommended that range operations and safety personnel be invited to participate in project design reviews and technical interchange meetings to ensure that concerns are addressed early in the planning process.

2.6 Funding Information

Wallops Range facilities and operational support are available to support NASA projects, other U.S. Government agencies, CSLA projects, commercial organizations, and, under certain circumstances, foreign governments. WFF staff will provide a project cost estimate for requested support. The user will be required to pay actual costs. Funding should be received by WFF at least 6 weeks prior to start of work on the project. Work cannot proceed until funding has been processed. Charges are established by means of the full recovery of direct costs incurred for items such as materials, personnel, equipment and facilities utilized. These charges can vary depending upon the work requested.

PAGE 24 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK 840-HDBK-0003

3 WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY

AND WALLOPS RANGE

3.1 Introduction

Wallops Flight Facility includes three areas on the Eastern Shore of Virginia as shown in Figure 1-1. These are the Main Base, the Mainland, and the Wallops Island Launch Site. The Range is located across all three land parcels and is composed of the Wallops Island launch facilities, the Research Airport, supporting instrumentation, authorized space, authorized frequency spectrum and operations and support personnel.

3.1.1 Wallops Main Base

Figure 3-1 is an aerial view of Wallops Main Base, looking west.

The Main Base is the location of many of the major functions and activities supporting the Range, including the Research Airport, Range Control Center, (RCC), Telecommunications Center, administrative offices, engineering support, technical service support shops, rocket inspection and storage area and telemetry facility.

3.1.2 Mainland

The Mainland site is a strip of land located west of Wallops Island and is the location for radar, optical, communications, and command transmitter facilities. The Wallops Geophysical Observatory (WGO), including the Atmospheric Sciences Research Facility (ASRF), is located on the Mainland.

Figure 3-2 is an aerial view of the Wallops Mainland, looking west.

Figure 3-1. Aerial View of the Wallops Main Base

Figure 3-2. Aerial View of the Wallops Mainland

840-HDBK-0003 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK Page 25

3.1.3 Wallops Island

Wallops Island, named for John Wallops, a 17th Century surveyor, is an Atlantic Ocean barrier island off the coast of Virginia approximately 7 miles southeast of the Main Base. The island is roughly 6 miles long and about one-half mile at its widest point. It is separated from the mainland by 2 miles of marsh and water. A causeway and bridge connect the island with the Wallops Mainland. Facilities located on Wallops Island include launch sites, assembly shops, blockhouses, dynamic balance facilities, radar facilities, rocket storage buildings, payload processing facilities and the USN Surface Combat Systems Center.

3.1.4 Authorized Space

The authorized space includes the following restricted areas:

• The GSFC/WFF Airport Control Zone: Airspace vertically to 2,500 feet in a 5-statute mile radius of the airport. The Control Zone has an arrival and departure corridor.

• Restricted Area R-6604: Restricted airspace connecting WFF and offshore warning areas (Figure 3-4) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7) unconditionally to unlimited altitude.

• VACAPES Warning Areas and International Waters: Mission/project activity requiring surface area and restricted airspace extending outside of R-6604 into the Virginia Capes warning areas and international waters are available 24/7 unconditionally to unlimited altitude with clearance and approval by responsible agencies, e.g., the FAA and USN Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC).

3.1.5 Trajectory Options

Wallops Range offers a wide array of launch vehicle trajectory options. The coastline of Wallops

Figure 3-3. Northward view of Wallops Island with commercial launch facilities located to the right

PAGE 26 WALLOPS RANGE USER’S HANDBOOK 840-HDBK-0003

Island is oriented such that a launch azimuth of 135 degrees is perpendicular to the shoreline. In general, launch azimuths between 90 degrees and 160 degrees can be accommodated depending on impact locations. For most orbital vehicles, this translates into orbital inclinations between 38 degrees and approximately 60 degrees.

Trajectory options outside of these launch azimuths, including polar and sun-synchronous orbits, can be achieved by in-flight azimuth maneuvers. For example, wider northerly options are possible by maneuver around Assateague Island after passing 5 nautical miles (nmi) downrange.

The North Carolina Outer Banks are generally the restricting landmass for southern launch azimuths. Specific trajectory options are determined through consultation with the Flight Safety Group. The operational impact area is shown in Figure 3-5, and trajectory options are illustrated in Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-4. Wallops Range Authorized Airspace Figure 3-5. Operational Impact Area

Figure 3-6. Orbital Trajectories

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3.1.6 Wallops Weather

Wallops enjoys a temperate climate and there are only a few months annually when cold weather can be a concern. In winter months, measures are taken to protect launch vehicles. As in most coastal regions, humidity can be relatively high; however, humidity is controlled in work areas and does not significantly affect operations at the Range.

Figure 3-7 shows annual temperatures and precipitation at WFF on a month-to-month basis. There are plots for mean high and mean low temperatures and annual variation.

Extreme high and extreme low temperatures are noted, as are average precipitation days and precipitation inches per month, including snow averages. The wettest three-month period is July through September, with showers and thunderstorms more frequently occurring; however, Wallops’ vast array of lightning detection instrumentation minimizes their effect on range operations.

There are two figures depicting surface wind conditions at WFF. Figure 3-8 shows average surface wind speed by month and notes the predominately northwest winds between October and April and the predominately southerly winds between April and October. Appendix C shows monthly wind roses depicting the various directions of the surface winds within concentric circles indicating occurrences at 5 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent of the time.

The Range is supported by meteorological and weather data, as well as forecasting capabilities from the Weather Forecast Office, Meteorological Facilities, and the Atmospheric Sciences Research Facility at the Wallops Geophysical Observatory.

Mean High Temperatures

Mean Low Temperatures

Extreme Low Temperatures

Extreme Maximum Temperatures

Annual Temperatures and Precipitation Ranges at NASA/GSFC/WFF for 1963-1993

Temperature (°F)

Figure 3-7. Annual Precipitation and Temperature Plot for Wallops Flight Facility

Figure 3-8. Average Surface Wind Speed at Wallops Flight Facility

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3.2 Wallops Range Facilities

The Wallops Range has a variety of facilities supporting its operations.