Less than standard separation between military fighter and military spacecraft. Operational error.

Narrative

Rewritten in plain English from NASA’s original all-caps telegraphic report — facts, figures, and terminology preserved.

Fighter X, being sequenced to the local LFI military base, was given a second heading for intrail restrictions. Spacecraft Y departed for the warning areas requesting 4000 feet. Fighter X was descended to 4000 feet, turned westbound, and spacecraft Y was given direct to the warning areas (eastbound).

Traffic was busy and coordinated by landlines and with ORF flight data people, which caused attention to be taken away from the radar scope. Traffic was given to spacecraft Y about the oncoming fighter, whom I believed I had only descending to 5000 feet (not 4000 feet). Fighter X was advised to maintain 5000 feet; he then advised me radar contact with the opposing direction spacecraft Y, but less than minimum separation had existed.

Callback conversation with reporter revealed the following: reporter gave airports involved and approximate location of conflict. After fighter X reported radar contact on spacecraft Y, the controller climbed fighter X back up to 5000 feet. Lowest fighter got was 4300 feet with spacecraft Y at 4000 feet. Fighter X passed behind spacecraft Y with visual contact. No other corrective action by ATC.

Supplemental info from ACN 99191: I was giving an evaluation on a radar position. I was current but not that proficient. I missed the descent given to the fighter pilot which was okay until trainee turned aircraft towards each other.