53rd Space Operations Squadron | |
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![]() Squadron emblem | |
Active | 29 June 2022–present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Squadron |
Role | Satellite Control |
Part of | Space Delta 8 |
Headquarters | Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, U.S. |
Motto(s) | "Hold the Sky... Titans in Space!" |
Commanders | |
Commander | Lt Col D. Susan Rogers |
Superintendent | SMSgt Raymond T. Flores |
The 53rd Space Operations Squadron (53 SOPS) 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. [1] [2] Whereas the 4th Space Operations Squadron (4 SOPS) operates the satellite "bus" (e.g. the solar cells, batteries, propulsion, etc), the 53 SOPS is responsible for operating the mission payload - high capacity "wideband" military satellite communications.
The Squadron's namesake comes from the Army's 53rd Signal Battalion, which before deactivation was assigned the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command's U.S. Army Satellite Operations Brigade. In September 2021, it was announced that the Battalion's operational mission and personnel would be transferred to the United States Space Force. [3] [4] Activated on 29 June 2022 at a ceremony held at Peterson Space Force Base, the Squadron became the newest unit within the United States Space Force. [5] The unit is distinct in its mission, being the sole armed forces entity to control payload functionality for all U.S. Wideband MILSATCOM.
The 53d Space Operations Squadron's emblem consists of the following elements: [6]
Headquarters, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
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