22d Space Operations Squadron

22d Space Operations Squadron
Active 1991–present
Country  United States
Branch  United States Air Force
Role Space Operations
Part of Air Force Space Command
Garrison/HQ Schriever AFB
Decorations Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1]
Insignia
22d Space Operations Squadron emblem (approved 13 April 1995)[2][note 1]

The 22d Space Operations Squadron is a United States Air Force unit of the 50th Network Operations Group, itself a part of the 50th Space Wing, and is located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

Mission

The squadron develops, publishes, executes, and enforces the network operations tasking order, as well as operating and maintaining worldwide remote tracking stations and associated communications systems comprising the Air Force Satellite Control Network. It additionally coordinates launch and on-orbit operations of Department of Defense and other national agencies' satellites in support of warfighters, the President, and the Secretary of Defense. Last, the squadron supports NASA's space mission.[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 2004 it changed from being under the 50th Operations Group to the 50th Network Operations Group. As part of 22 SOPS, the Colorado Tracking Station enjoys a unique status as the only on-base satellite tracking facility. Originally built in the late 1980s, the station has undergone a number of upgrades that continue even today.

In late 2006, the station is scheduled to receive a new equipment core, which will allow 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".

Beginning October 1, 2006, the tracking station began reduced operations, owing to "fiscal constraints".

Geographically separated units

All the following are remote tracking stations for the Air Force Satellite Control Network).

Lineage

  • Constituted as the 22d Space Operations Squadron on 10 July 1991
Activated on 1 October 1991[2]

Assignments

Stations

  • Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, 1 October 1991 – present[2]

Awards

The Aldridge Trophy 1996 (Guardian Challenge)

Outstanding Unit Awards:

  • September 90 - August 91
  • September 93 - August 95
  • October 98 - September 00
  • October 00 - September 1
  • October 1 - October 2
  • October 2 - October 3

References

Notes
  1. ↑ Its description is: Sable, an opinicus passant argent between in chief a mullet of the like and in base, a Mercator projection of the globe azure gridlined of the second, land masses of the first, and charged on the "United States" with a mullet or; all within a diminished bordure of the like.
Citations
  1. ↑ "Air Force Personnel Services: Unit Awards". Air Force Personnel Center. Retrieved May 9, 2017. (search)
  2. 1 2 3 4 Endicott, p. 493
  3. 1 2 3 "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.
  4. ↑ "Thule Air Force Base Library: Fact Sheet Detachment 2, 22nd Space Operations Squadron". Thule Air Force Base Public Affairs. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  5. ↑ 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.

Bibliography

  • Endicott, Judy G. (1998). Active Air Force Wings as of 1 October 1995 and USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995 (PDF). Air Force History and Museums Program. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ASIN B000113MB2. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  • "Factsheet 22d Space Operations Squadron". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on September 6, 2004. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
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