The new Remote Sensing Systems Directorate is activated

from Space and Missile Systems Center
Space and Missile Systems Center

4/15/2015 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- The Space and Missile Systems Center announced the activation of a new organization, the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate.  The new directorate combines the Infrared Space Systems and Defense Weather Systems Directorates to create synergies by leveraging the diverse capability portfolios. The consolidation will generate operating efficiencies and create opportunities to leverage remote sensing technologies and innovation.

"The combination of Air Force Overhead Persistent Infrared and Weather Systems into one Directorate creates maximum value across our enterprise.  It's an exciting opportunity for our Air Force, warfighters in the field, and our nation," said Colonel Mike Guetlein, Director of the new organization.  "By merging two world-class acquisition teams, we intend to deliver ground-breaking new products and leverage existing and planned National Security Space platforms to create more affordable and resilient capabilities.  We believe there are meaningful operational efficiencies, and cross-platform synergies that will yield operational benefits to our warfighters."

"The SBIRS and Weather program offices have been instrumental in providing game-changing warfighter capabilities and, by combining these offices into one remote sensing portfolio, we will accelerate the pace of warfighter support through innovation while realizing efficiencies to keep our space systems affordable," said Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves, the Program Executive Officer for Air Force Space Programs.

The new Remote Sensing Systems Directorate is responsible for both the Air Force's Overhead Persistent Infrared mission area providing missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness, technical intelligence, and civil support as well as the environmental monitoring mission, including space and terrestrial weather monitoring.