Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Fairbanks Command and Data Acquisition Station (FCDAS)

Date Built:

1962

Type

Communication

Purpose

The Fairbanks Command and Data Acquisition Station (FCDAS) plays a crucial role in acquiring, maintaining, and distributing a continuous flow of environmental satellite data, operating around the clock. As NOAA’s primary ground station for polar-orbiting satellites, Fairbanks ensures the reliable download of critical data and the execution of spacecraft commands, supporting a range of weather and environmental monitoring missions. Its 24/7 operations are vital for maintaining up-to-date information on atmospheric conditions, sea surface temperatures, and other key environmental metrics. In addition to its primary functions, the Fairbanks station serves as a backup for the Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station (CDAS) located on Wallops Island, Virginia, providing continuity of operations in case of outages or maintenance at Wallops. The Fairbanks facility also supports the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), a satellite positioned at the L1 Lagrange point to monitor space weather and provide real-time data on solar particles affecting Earth. This dual role of supporting both polar-orbiting satellites and deep space missions underscores the station’s versatility and its importance in maintaining comprehensive environmental and space weather monitoring.

Size Of Land

8000 acres (32 sq-km)

Site Owners

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Other Facilities

Deep Space Climate Observatory, TIROS

Affiliated Organizations

National Weather Service, Air Force weather satellite operation

References