Starcom Making Progress in Establishing Enhanced Training Infrastructure
The Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is working to establish a cutting-edge digital training environment for space warfare, modelled after the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). This initiative, known as the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure, is set to be completed in two phases.
In the initial phase, STARCOM aims to have an advanced digital training capability, called SWARM, operational by the end of this year. SWARM simulates threats and integrates U.S. and allied systems, enabling operators to train against adversarial tactics and with representative Space Force systems.
The second phase, expected to be completed within the next year or two, will see the development of a more advanced, distributed digital training environment. However, a high-end training environment, comparable to those developed by the Air Force over decades, is still several years away.
STARCOM is looking to collaborate with academic institutions and industries based in Orlando, Florida, to drive innovation in space warfare training technologies. Orlando's strong presence in the simulation and training industry, with major defence contractors and research institutions, makes it an ideal location for such collaborations.
Academic institutions, such as the University of Central Florida, could collaborate on research and development projects related to space warfare simulation and training technologies. Companies specializing in simulation and modeling, particularly those in the defence and aerospace sectors, could contribute cutting-edge technology and expertise to the development of advanced training simulations.
Establishing innovation centres or collaboration hubs in Orlando could facilitate joint research and development efforts between STARCOM, academia, and industry, further driving innovation in space warfare training technologies.
Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, has prioritised the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure initiative, recognising the need for a high-end training environment "sooner rather than later." The transition of SWARM into the cloud, for distributed access, is expected to occur in the next year to two years.
The development of SWARM and the cloud-based version is being led by outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Sejba, with Maj. Gen. James E. Smith set to take command at STARCOM on July 18. Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., was selected as STARCOM's home due to its local training expertise.
The gaming industry also offers potential for training Guardians differently than in the past, as its immersive and interactive nature could enhance the realism of space warfare training simulations. Florida STARCOM plans to tap into this potential, along with academia and industry, to help develop these capabilities.
- The Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is planning to collaborate with Orlando-based academic institutions and industries to spur innovation in space warfare training technologies.
- STARCOM aims to develop a more advanced, distributed digital training environment in the second phase of the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure, but a high-end training environment comparable to Air Force standards is still several years away.
- Universities like the University of Central Florida could collaborate with STARCOM on research and development projects focusing on space warfare simulation and training technologies.
- Defense and aerospace companies specializing in simulation and modeling could contribute advanced technology and expertise to the development of sophisticated training simulations for STARCOM.
- Establishing innovation centers or collaboration hubs in Orlando could foster joint research and development efforts between STARCOM, academia, and industry, further boosting innovation in space warfare training technologies.
