Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of man-made objects in space, and the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, utilizing mutual support arrangements with other commands.
Aerospace control includes providing surveillance and control of Canadian and United States airspace.
Cheyenne Mountain Command Center
During the Gulf War, it often took more than five minutes to notify ground troops that Iraq had launched a Scud missile.
Today, the situation at the North American Air Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado is much different: If a missile of military significance is launched anywhere in the world, it will show up on NORAD computers within seconds.
Computer operators then instantly contact commanders on the ground -- via computers and a sophisticated satellite receiver station on the battlefield.
The use of satellite imagery also has revolutionized other battlefield communications. The army is now using satellite imagery and other systems to give ground and air commanders photographs and interactive on-screen maps of the battlefield.
