U.S. Space assets are always forward deployed, always ready, and represent the ultimate high ground to land, sea, and air forces. From its Space Operations Center in Colorado Springs, USSPACECOM orchestrated all military space operations in support of warfighters in Yugoslavia.

U.S. Space Command and its components provided U.S. European Command with Space Support Teams which worked side-by-side with coalition warfighters to integrate space assets into their operations.

Satellite communications between U.S. and NATO command and control headquarters, intelligence agencies, operations centers, and deployed forces were continuous and instantaneous. Space operators also provided backup control of the NATO Skynet communications satellites responsible for rapid and secure military and diplomatic voice and data transmissions between NATO's member nations.

The Air Force Space Command's Global Positioning System constellation of 24 satellites is credited with providing precise navigation and timing support to coordinate the actions of allied aircrews and naval forces operating in the region. GPS remains a critical system used by U.S. and allied aircraft and ships for delivery of precision munitions, including air and sea launched cruise missiles.

Near real-time satellite imagery and weather, combined with instant communications and the accuracy of GPS, gave allied commanders unparalleled battlespace awareness and permitted rapid target selection and precision attack. U.S. Space Command resources played a key role in bringing the warring parties in Kosovo to a negotiated peace and will continue to support NATO's peacekeeping forces now entering Kosovo.

Today's on-alert, space-based forces will strengthen the nation's defense into the 21st Century.

Balkan Milspace Reports At SpaceWar