For the technically inclined, NORAD’s website offers more data on the voyage, including weight of gifts at takeoff (60,000 tons) and sleigh propulsion (nine RP or reindeer power).
Like any good Christmas tale, the NORAD’s origin has been told for generations.
Defence personnel track Santa’s journey.Credit:AP
In 1955, Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup – the on-duty commander one night at NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defence Command – answered a call from a child who had dialled a number that was misprinted in an ad in a newspaper. She thought she was calling Santa.
Shoup at first thought it was a prank, but then realised the call was both innocent and genuine. He told the child he was Santa.
NORAD’s mission now is to watch the skies above North America for any potential threats. Come early Christmas Eve, the Santa operation begins when a cluster of radar stations in northern Canada and Alaska pick up an infrared signature emanating from Rudolph’s nose. NORAD’s geostationary satellites above the Earth monitor the journey.
It’s all shown on large, unclassified display screens in a festively decorated command post at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Masked volunteers sit at tables equipped with telephones, garland, miniature Christmas trees, plenty of caffeine-laden candy and coffee – and hand sanitiser.
“We Have the Watch” is NORAD’s military-mission motto.
And when it comes to Santa, NORAD adds: “Santa calls the shots. We just track him.”
Not even COVID can stop Santa as he starts his annual Christmas voyage
Source: Philippines Alive
