22nd Space Operations Squadron

The 22nd Space Operations Squadron (22nd SOPS) operates the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) 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.[2]

The 22nd SOPS's Operations Center at Schreiver AFB, Colorado, develops, publishes and enforces the SpATO, and directs and monitors all aspects of enterprise operations for AFSCN 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.[2]

The 22nd SOPS also provides a limited predictive and investigative radio frequency interference and collision avoidance capability to all AFSCN users. It also implements defensive counter-space actions to ensure continued "access to space" and protect the ability to create "space effects".[2]

The unit staffing consisted of officers, enlisted, DOD civilians and contractor personnel performing AFSCN operations and maintenance 24/7 around the global.[2]

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 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 2004, 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.[2]

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".

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

• Detachment 1: Vandenberg Tracking Station (COOK), Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
• Detachment 2: Diego Garcia Tracking Station (REEF), Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory
• Detachment 3: Thule Tracking Station (POGO),[3] Thule Air Base, Greenland
• Detachment 4: Hawaii Tracking Station (HULA), Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station, Hawaii
• Detachment 5: Guam Tracking Station (GUAM), Guam
• OL-AE: Telemetry and Command Station (LION),[4] RAF Oakhanger, United Kingdom

• New Boston Tracking Station (BOSS) New Hampshire

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.[2]

The squadron was realigned to Space Delta 6 of the United States Space Force on 24 July 2020.[2]

• Constituted as the 22d Space Operations Squadron on 10 July 1991

Activated on 1 October 1991[5]

 This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Air Force document: "Fact sheet – 22nd Space Operations Squadron". Retrieved 9 August 2020.

Notes

Citations

• "Factsheet 22d Space Operations Squadron". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 6 September 2004. Retrieved 10 May 2017.