22 SOPS adds new-generation antennas

The 50th Space Wing earned operational acceptance for four of its remote tracking station antennas from Air Force Space Command Jan. 29, signaling the start of full operations for the Air Force’s newest satellite communication assets.

The antennas carry an odd name: Remote tracking station Block Change, or RBC antennas, and they represent the latest telemetry, tracking and command technologies in the Air Force.

The RBC antennas work as part of the Air Force Satellite Control Network of ground stations located around the world. These ground stations are vital to space operations because they allow satellite flyers in the Air Force’s space operations squadrons to communicate with the satellites they command and control.
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