Ascension Air Station - Downrange Primary Tracking Instrumentation Station Location: Ascension Island is a British territory located in the South Atlantic more than 5,090 miles southeast of Patrick AFB and about 500 miles south of the equator--halfway between South America and Africa. Small and volcanic, the island has the appearance of a rough circle with an estimated diameter of six miles and an area of 34 square miles. Base population: Base population includes the station commander, a Civil Engineering quality assurance evaluator and approximately 300 contractors. Computer Sciences Raytheon, the prime contract authority conducts spacetrack operation, maintenance, supply, and support operations. The only people who reside on the island are associated with the air station or other professional organizations such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, Consolidated Signals Organization, Ascension Island Services, and the British Royal Air Force.

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