22nd Space Operations Squadron

Last updated

22nd Space Operations Squadron
22nd Space Operations Squadron emblem.png
ActiveOctober 1, 1991 (1991-October-01) – present
CountryFlag of the United States.svg  United States
BranchFlag of the United States Space Force.svg  United States Space Force
TypeSpace operations
RoleSatellite command and control
Part of Space Delta 6
Home base Schriever Space Force Base
Nickname(s)Pathfinders to the Stars
Motto(s)"Conectens caeli terraque" (Latin for "Connecting land and air")
Equipment Satellite Control Network
Decorations Air Force Outstanding Unit Award [1]
Commanders
Current
commander		 Lt Col Jean Purgason
Insignia
Previous emblem 22d Space Operations Squadron.png

The 22d Space Operations Squadron is a satellite control unit of the United States Space Force. It is part of Space Delta 6 [2] and is located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Prior to July 2020 it was part of the 50th Network Operations Group, itself a part of the 50th Space Wing.

Contents

Mission and operations

The 22nd Space Operations Squadron (22nd SOPS) operates the Satellite Control Network (SCN) by developing, executing and enforcing the Space Access Tasking Order (SpATO) and providing space safety analysis to conduct satellite operations. The 22nd SOPS coordinates the launch and on-orbit operations of more than 190 Department of Defense, national intelligence, civil and Allied nation's satellites, including in support of global warfighters, intelligence community users, the President and Secretary of Defense. [3]

The 22nd SOPS's Operations Center at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, develops, publishes and enforces the SpATO, and directs and monitors all aspects of enterprise operations for SCN users through a combination of military commanders, civilian professionals and contract support. The squadron's orbit analysts coordinate ephemeris data, launch and early orbit analysis determination, and tracking station look angles to support space operations for some 29 different space operations centers. [3]

The 22nd SOPS also provides a limited predictive and investigative radio frequency interference and collision avoidance capability to all SCN users. It also implements defensive counter-space actions to ensure continued "access to space" and protect the ability to create "space effects". [3]

The unit staffing consisted of officers, enlisted, DOD civilians and contractor personnel performing SCN operations and maintenance 24/7 around the globe. [3]

History

Constituted 22d Space Operations Squadron on 10 July 1991, it was activated on 1 Oct 1991. It operated as part of the 2d Satellite Tracking (later, 750th Space) Group.

In 1992 the Thule Tracking Station (TTS, 76°30′57″N68°36′0″W / 76.51583°N 68.60000°W / 76.51583; -68.60000 ) near Thule Air Base in Greenland transferred to Detachment 3, 22nd Space Operations Squadron. It was originally the 6594th Test Wing's Operating Location 5 made operational in 1961-62. The installation was a Remote Tracking Station (callsign: Polar Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (POGO)) of the U.S. Space Force's Satellite Control Network. It includes a "fully equipped mini-fitness center". [4] The stations "C-side" of electronics was removed in summer 2011 and the upgrade to an Automated Remote Tracking Station was forecast to be completed in 2015.

In 2004 the squadron was transferred from being under the 50th Operations Group to the 50th Network Operations Group. The 50th Network Operations Group brought together all the 50th Space Wing's squadrons responsible for Air Force Satellite Control Network operations and maintenance as well as communications. [3]

As part of 22 SOPS, the Colorado Tracking Station enjoyed a unique status as the only on-base satellite tracking facility. Originally built in the late 1980s, the station underwent a number of upgrades. In late 2006, the station was scheduled to receive a new equipment core, which would have allowed further automation of the satellite operations. The new core, part of the Remote Tracking Station Block Change, includes computer processor upgrades, and new hardware/software to allow the tracking station equipment to better interface with the upgraded satellite operations centers. This system also involves a 13-meter diameter, 3-axis antenna. This new antenna adds the capability to track low earth orbiting satellites "over the top".

The squadron operated several detachments at tracking stations around the globe, each forming part of the Satellite Control Network.

Beginning October 1, 2006, the Colorado Tracking Station began reduced operations, owing to "fiscal constraints".

On Nov. 1, 2010, command of six of the squadron’s seven remote tracking stations was transferred to the 21st Space Operations Squadron (Vandenberg, Diego Garcia, Hawaii and Guam) and 23rd Space Operations Squadron (Thule, Oakhanger and the Eastern Vehicle Checkout Facility). On July 16, 2012, operations at the Colorado Tracking Station ceased. [3]

The squadron was realigned to Space Delta 6 of the United States Space Force on 24 July 2020. [3]

Lineage

Activated on 1 October 1991 [7]

Assignments

Stations

Awards

List of commanders

Related Research Articles

The Satellite Control Network (SCN), operated by the United States Space Force's Space Delta 6, provides support for the operation, control, and maintenance of a variety of United States Department of Defense and some non-DoD satellites. This involves continual execution of Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C) operations. In addition, the SCN provides prelaunch checkout and simulation, launch support, and early orbit support while satellites are in initial or transfer orbits and require maneuvering to their final orbit. The SCN provides tracking data to help maintain the catalog of space objects and distributes various data such as satellite ephemeris, almanacs, and other information. It was previously known as the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) while under Air Force Space Command's 50th Network Operations Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Air Force Satellite Control Facility</span> Military unit

The United States Air Force's Air Force Satellite Control Facility (AFSCF) was a space command and control unit located at Onizuka AFS, California. It has the distinction of being heavily involved in the world's first reconnaissance satellite program, CORONA. Due to geological hazards, and the terrorism threat from its proximity to a major transportation link, the facility's command and control functions were moved to Schriever AFB, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Boston Space Force Station</span> United States Space Force facility in Hillsborough County, south central New Hampshire

New Boston Space Force Station (BOSS) is a United States Space Force facility located in Hillsborough County in south central New Hampshire. It was transferred from the United States Air Force to the Space Force in the summer of 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">50th Space Wing</span> United States Space Forces former space and cyberspace warfare wing

The 50th Space Wing was the United States Space Force's space and cyber warfare wing. The 50th Space Wing was assigned to Space Operations Command and headquartered at Schriever Air Force Base.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd Space Operations Squadron</span> Space Force unit managing GPS constellation

The 2nd Space Operations Squadron is a United States Space Force unit responsible for operating the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation, which provides global navigation, time transfer, and nuclear detonation detection. It is a component of Space Operations Command's Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta (Provisional) and headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">6th Space Operations Squadron</span> Military unit

The 6th Space Operations Squadron is an Air Force Reserve satellite command and control squadron located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The squadron is a backup to NOAA for Defense Meteorological Satellite Program operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">21st Space Operations Squadron</span> Military unit

The 21st Space Operations Squadron is a satellite control unit of the Space Delta 6 of the United States Space Force, located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Prior to July 2020, it was part of the 50th Network Operations Group. It operated Onizuka Air Force Station from its formation in 1991 until the closure of the station in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Space Operations Squadron</span> US Space Force squadron

The 3rd Space Operations Squadron is a United States Space Force unit responsible for conducting on-orbit operations. It is located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4th Space Operations Squadron</span> US Space Force satellite squadron

The United States Space Force's 4th Space Operations Squadron is a satellite operations unit located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. 4 SOPS is part of Space Delta 8 and responsible for command and control of the Milstar/Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Defense Satellite Communications System Phase III, and Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellations. The 4th Space Operations Squadron's mission is to operate the Space Force's protected and wideband MILSATCOM systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. The squadron also operates three mobile constellation control stations at various locations in conjunction with host partners. At higher readiness levels and during exercises, these personnel deploy with U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Northern Command respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">750th Space Group</span> Military unit

The United States Air Force's 750th Space Group was a space operations unit located at Onizuka Air Force Station, California. its predecessor was formed on 1 October 1987; it assumed the designation of the 750th Space Group on 30 January 1992; and it was inactivated on 25 June 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">69th Cyberspace Squadron</span> United States Space Force unit

The 69th Cyberspace Squadron is a squadron of the United States Space Force located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. It is responsible for conducting defensive cyberspace operations enabling operations in support of Space Delta 9's orbital warfare mission at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, and Space Delta 6's Satellite Control Network at various locations around the world. The 50th Communications Squadron was redesignated as the 69 Cyberspace Squadron on 15 Oct 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1st Space Operations Squadron</span> U.S. Space Force unit

The 1st Space Operations Squadron is a United States Space Force unit responsible for space-based space domain awareness. Located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, the squadron operates the Space Based Space Surveillance system, the Advanced Technology Risk Reduction system, the Operationally Responsive Space-5 satellite, and the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Test and Evaluation Squadron</span> Military unit

The 3rd Test and Evaluation Squadron is a space test and evaluation unit located at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">11th Space Warning Squadron</span> Military unit

The 11th Space Warning Squadron is a United States Space Force missile warning squadron, located at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">50th Operations Group</span> Military unit

The 50th Operations Group was a subordinate unit of the 50th Space Wing, and assigned to Air Force Space Command from 1991-2019. The group, redesignated as Space Delta 8 on 24 Jul 2020 is stationed at Schriever Space Force Base, previously Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">17th Test and Evaluation Squadron</span> Military unit

The 17th Test and Evaluation Squadron is a United States Space Force test and evaluation unit, located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The squadron is tasked with testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">23rd Space Operations Squadron</span> Military unit

The 23rd Space Operations Squadron is a satellite control unit of the United States Space Force. It is part of Space Delta 6 and is located at New Boston Space Force Station, New Hampshire. Prior to July 2020, part of the 50th Network Operations Group, itself a part of the 50th Space Wing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space Delta 6</span> U.S. Space Force cyberspace operations unit

Space Delta 6 is a United States Space Force unit which assures access to space through the $6.8 billion Satellite Control Network and defensive cyberspace capabilities for space mission systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">53rd Space Operations Squadron</span> U.S. Space Force unit

The 53rd Space Operations Squadron is a United States Space Force unit. Assigned to the Space Operations Command's Space Delta 8, it is responsible for providing payload and transmission command and control of the Wideband Global SATCOM and Defense Satellite Communications System constellations. It is headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">10th Space Operations Squadron</span> U.S. Space Force unit

The 10th Space Operations Squadron is the United States Space Force unit responsible for operating the Mobile User Objective System and Ultra-High Frequency Follow-On satellite constellations, providing global communications to the United States Armed Forces.

References

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from Fact sheet – 22nd Space Operations Squadron. United States Air Force . Retrieved 9 August 2020.

Notes
    Citations
    1. ↑ "Air Force Personnel Services: Unit Awards". Air Force Personnel Center. Retrieved 9 May 2017. (search)
    2. ↑ Theresa Hitchens (17 May 2023) Space Force ground control operators press for 'absolutely critical' network upgrades Overview of Satellite Control Network
    3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Fact sheet – 22nd Space Operations Squadron". Schriever Air Force Base. US Space Force. July 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
    4. ↑ Plan My Move Thule Information (PDF) (Report). MilitaryOneSource.mil. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
    5. ↑ "Thule Air Force Base Library: Fact Sheet Detachment 2, 22nd Space Operations Squadron". Thule Air Force Base Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 13 March 2007. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
    6. ↑ Braun, SMS Brent (13 June 2006). "17th TS contributes to AFSCN versatility". Air Force Space Command Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
    7. 1 2 3 Endicott, p. 493
    8. 1 2 "Schreiver Air Force Base Library: Fact Sheets: 22nd Space Operations Squadron". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. 16 April 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
    9. ↑ "Former operations officer takes command of 22nd SOPS".
    10. 1 2 "22 SOPS changes command".
    11. ↑ "Terrill McCall". LinkedIn .
    12. ↑ "22 SOPS changes command".

    Bibliography

    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.