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Contents

   



(Top)
 


1 Mission  





2 History  





3 Lineage  



3.1  Assignments  





3.2  Stations  





3.3  Decorations  







4 List of commanders  





5 See also  





6 References  



6.1  Bibliography  







7 External links  














2nd Space Operations Squadron







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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 


2nd Space Operations Squadron
Squadron emblem
Active1962–1967; 1985–present
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
RoleGlobal Positioning System Control
Part ofPositioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta (Provisional)
Garrison/HQSchriever Space Force Base, Colorado
Motto(s)Pathways for Peace (1988-present)
Engagements
Global War on Terrorism
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1]
Commanders
Current
commander
Lt Col Robert O. Wray
Notable
commanders
DeAnna Burt
Insignia
Former 2nd Space Operations Squadron emblem
2d Satellite Control Squadron emblem (approved 6 May 1988)[2][3]

The 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) 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.

The squadron is augmented by reserve personnel from the 19th Space Operations Squadron, part of the 310th Space Wing.

Mission[edit]

The squadron performs the command and control mission for the Global Positioning System satellite constellation. GPS is the world's premiere space-based position, velocity and timing system, capable of providing precision navigation and timing capability simultaneously to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. Continuous GPS availability and unprecedented signal accuracy has resulted in widespread integration of the technology; numerous military, commercial and international users have embraced GPS.[4]

History[edit]

The squadron was originally constituted as the 2d Surveillance Squadron and activated on 16 January 1962 under North American Air Defense Command. It was then organized on 1 February 1962 at Ent Air Force Base under the 9th Aerospace Defense Division, under which it operated SPACETRACK, the USAF globe-spanning space surveillance network, from 1962 through 1967. The squadron was inactivated on 1 January 1967.

It was redesignated the 2d Satellite Control Squadron as the first operational squadron of the 2d Space Wing. It was activated at Falcon Air Force Station on 1 October 1985.

The squadron has controlled the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite constellation and managed the Nuclear Detonation System in support of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty since 1987.

On 30 January 1992, as part of an Air Force reorganization, 2 SCS was redesignated the 2d Space Operations Squadron.

On June 18, 2004, a 24/7 user focal point, the GPSOC, was established.

In late 2005, several National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency monitor stations were integrated into the network to improve navigation accuracy and signal monitoring.

The unit had one geographically separated unit, Detachment 1, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. It was responsible for maintenance of a GPS Ground Antenna, Monitor Station, and various operational test assets. It is now discontinued, though contractors remained to perform the mission.[5][6]

Lineage[edit]

Organized on 1 February 1962
Discontinued and inactivated on 1 January 1967
Activated on 1 October 1985
Redesignated 2d Space Operations Squadron on 30 Jan 1992[1]

Assignments[edit]

Stations[edit]

Decorations[edit]

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

List of commanders[edit]

Squadron change of command June 1, 2018

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Notes
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e Robertson, Patsy (December 1, 2008). "Factsheet 2 Space Operations Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  • ^ "Approved insignia for: 2d Satellite Control Squadron". Picryl - Public Domain Media Search Engine. National Archives Catalog. April 1988. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  • ^ a b Endicott, p. 332
  • ^ Graff, Garrett M. (June 26, 2018). "The New Arms Race Threatening to Explode in Space". Wired.
  • ^ Buchanan, Maj John (May 8, 2008). "Deactivation ends two decades of service on Cape Canaveral". 45th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  • ^ Staff writer, no byline (May 7, 2008). "2nd SOPS inactivates Det. 1". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  • ^ "Space Force begins transition into field organizational structure".
  • ^ The Newsletter of the MIT Security Studies Program: "SSP Welcomes New Military Fellows", Oct 2004
  • ^ a b Martinez, SSG Daniel (August 5, 2008). "New 2nd SOPS commander returns to Schriever". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  • ^ "New commander navigates GPS Squadron". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. August 20, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  • ^ "2 SOPS Changes Command". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. July 23, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  • ^ "2 SOPS Changes Command". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. July 23, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  • ^ DeWitt, Christopher (June 28, 2016). "2 SOPS changes command". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  • ^ "180601-F-WR604-0032".
  • ^ "2nd Space Operations Squadron Change of Command".
  • Bibliography[edit]

    Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

    External links[edit]


    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2nd_Space_Operations_Squadron&oldid=1204731397"

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    This page was last edited on 7 February 2024, at 21:22 (UTC).

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