Hawaii Tracking Station (HTS) or call sign “HULA”, is Detachment 3 of the 21st Space Operations Squadron, a unit of Space Delta 6, Space Operations Command, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. It is one of the seven worldwide satellite remote tracking stations in the Satellite Control Network (SCN).
Location
HTS is located on the western most tip of the island of Oahu, atop the Waianae Mountain Range. HULA is approximately 40 miles from Honolulu and Hickam Air Force Base. The installation resides on 153 acres of land leased from the State of Hawaii. HTS’ strategic location allows it to conduct pre-launch satellite compatibility testing to ensure reliable on-orbit operation of polar orbiting satellites, as well as final countdown and liftoff.
History
Detachment 3 was established in 1959 and is the oldest active site in the SCN. Originally built to support the CORONA program, it was established in 1959 and later in 1961 assigned as the 6593rd Squadron as part of the SCN. HTS has a rich history of leading SCN modernization projects. Notably in 1990, the B-side was modified to become the first Automated Remote Tracking Station-II (ARTS). After several reorganizations/redesignations, in 2020 the 21st Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 3 was assigned under Delta 6, Space Operations Command, United States Space Force.
HULA Overview
HTS is uniquely organized as a unit, although assigned to Delta 6 to oversee the SCN mission, it is its own Space Force installation (Kaena Point Space Force Station) assigned to Space Base Delta-1. HTS supports DoD-assigned space missions by operating and maintaining SCN antennas providing data and status to multiple users and command centers. Additionally, the unit also supports other DoD systems providing critical capabilities in support of the Joint Force in the INDOPACOM region.
The unit consists of one military member, 17 government civilians and approximately 30 contractors executing the 24/7 mission enabling real-time satellite C2 in support of the warfighter. The unit is part of the $6.8 billion SCN. The SCN ground systems consist of an ARTS, Remote Block Change (RBC), and Hybrid RBC antennas. HTS is a two-sided station comprised of a 13-meter (A-side) RBC antenna and a 60-foot (B-side) Hybrid RBC. In 2017, HTS-A was upgraded to an RBC Hybrid.
HTS has maintenance responsibility for the Global Positioning System (GPS) monitor station located on site. The monitor station tracks the satellites' navigation signals and relays the information to the Master Control Station (MCS). Lastly, the installation hosts the Air Force Weather Agency, Detachment 5, 2nd Weather Squadron. Detachment 5 is a solar radio observatory manned by ten military personnel.
21 SOPS, Detachment 3 SCN Systems
Antenna Transmit Receive Built
HTS-A 46 FT 1.75 to 1.85 GHz 2.2 to 2.3 GHz 1968
HTS-B 60 FT 1.75 to 1.85 GHZ 2.2 to 2.3 GHZ 1974
Key Personnel
Commander Maj. Cody Felipe
Quality Assurance Mr. Cory Favors
Chief of Civil Engineering Mr. Lance Hayashi
(Current as of February 2024)