Indian Ocean Station

The Indian Ocean Station (IOS) was an Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) tracking station that operated in the Seychelles islands from 1963 until 1996. When IOS opened in 1963 it marked the start of an official American military presence in Seychelles.[1]

Station components

The station was made up of the following sites:

Tech site: Tech site was located off the top of La Misere Road. It housed the one 60-foot antenna used to support telemetry, tracking and commanding for satellites.[2] This antenna was housed within a radome, which resembled a large golf ball when viewed from a distance. In later years a second antenna with radome was added; this antenna supported communications with the US via satellite. The Tech site fell into disrepair and was subsequently used as a residence for Sheikh Kalifa.[3] The build of the residence generated local controversy. [4]

Transmitter site: Located north of Grand Anse.

Receiver site: Near Souvenir Estate. The station Commander's house was located nearby.

Housing site: This site included housing, dining and other support facilities for station staff. The tracking station's housing site subsequently became the site for the Seychelles Tourism Academy[5]

IOS celebrated its 25 anniversary in 1988.[6] Although the station had been closed since 1996, former IOS staff organized a 50th anniversary reunion in June-July 2013, covered in the local media. [7]

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2013-07-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2006-12-12. Retrieved 2007-01-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-02-06. Retrieved 2013-07-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Coker, Margaret. "Sheikh Abode a Sore Point in Seychelles". WSJ. Archived from the original on 2018-02-20.
  5. Administrator. "Location". www.seychellestourismacademy.edu.sc. Archived from the original on 2013-08-08.
  6. LABLACHE, JOHN (6 November 1988). "Seychelles Station Tracks U.S. Satellites : Air Force Facility Marks 25th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Duty". Archived from the original on 8 November 2012 – via LA Times.
  7. "Nation Home". www.nation.sc. Archived from the original on 2018-02-26.

Further reading
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