JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Reservists from the 459th Air Refueling Wing here, and 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., assisted NASA for a special mission, Nov. 24.
A 57,000- pound Global Precipitation Measurement Satellite was loaded by the reservists into a C-5M Super Galaxy and delivered to Kitakyushu Airport in Japan. NASA created the GPS Satellite to help meteorologist better track storms in North America.
Jean Manall, a former chief of the 69th Aerial Port Squadron at the 459 ARW, and NASA project support transportation manager, contacted the 69 APS to see if they would be able to load the cargo.
The NASA team worked hand-in-hand with the 69 APS and performed four fit tests prior to the actual load mission. The 69 APS coordinated everything from getting the equipment onto base to ensuring proper authorization letters were signed due to the height requirements.
In addition, the aerial port Airmen had to conduct a joint inspection of the NASA container each time it arrived on base for the fit tests. Once the cargo was loaded onto the C-5M Super Galaxy from Dover AFB, the 69 APS tied down and secured the massive piece of equipment.
While the fit tests seemed to go smoothly, there was one instance where the equipment did not fit.
"The ramp on our flight line is not level in certain parts," said Master Sgt. Lois Mosley, 69 APS. "During one of the fit tests, the plane was in a little dip on the ramp and the container was not able to fit. We had to reposition the plane and try again."
Through all their efforts, Manall said it was no easy task but the Air Force Reserve Airmen performed admirably. She added that everything went smoothly and the professional work of the Airmen made the mission a success.
"Every last one of them down to the newest Airman are highly capable," said Manall.
After the 69 APS loaded and secured the cargo, the 512 AW team took over and flew the satellite to Japan.
In addition to being heavy and large, the satellite also required the aircraft to be powered at all times, because the cargo compartment had to be climate controlled.
After being diverted to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the flying crew chiefs were required to stay with the aircraft for 12-hour shifts to keep the aircraft powered while the mission was delayed two days due to weather.
The Global Precipitation Measurement, or GPM, mission is an international network of satellites that provide the next-generation global observations of rain and snow. Through improved measurements of precipitation globally, the mission will help to advance our understanding of Earth's water and energy cycle and improve forecasting of extreme events that cause natural hazards and disasters.
"The Air Force assists with air, space and cyberspace," said Mosley. "This is a prime example of how we supported the space aspect of our mission. It's pretty exciting that we helped move something that will be in space."
The satellite is scheduled to be launched in late February.
Editors note: Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story.