22ND SPACE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
The 22nd Space Operations Squadron, a unit of the 50th Network Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, is located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. The squadron was activated Oct. 1, 1991.
MISSION
The 22nd SOPS 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 coordinates launch and on-orbit operations of more than 140 Department of Defense and national agency satellites in support of warfighters, the President, the Secretary of Defense and supports NASA's space mission.
The Network Operations Center develops, publishes, executes and enforces the network tasking for all AFSCN users. They prepare and publish a monthly summary of satellite supports, a weekly and daily operational schedule for all users and maintain the status of all AFSCN common user resources. The Orbit Analysis Flight coordinates ephemeris data, launch and early orbit analysis determination and look angles. They also provide limited predictive and investigative Radio Frequency Interference and Collision Avoidance products to all AFSCN users.
The squadron's remote tracking stations provide on-orbit tracking, telemetry, command and mission data retrieval services to support DOD, NASA's space shuttle and allied spacecraft. The sites and their locations are Detachment 1, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.; Detachment 2, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory; Detachment 3, Thule AB, Greenland; Detachment. 4, Kaena Point, Hawaii; Detachment 5, Andersen AFB, Guam; Colorado Tracking Station, Schriever AFB, Colo.; and OL-AE, United Kingdom.
HISTORY
22nd SOPS' history dates back to the late 1950s. As the nation first established an orbiting spy program, ground antenna were required to command these satellites. Over the many decades that followed, those antennas were upgraded and expanded to locations all around the globe. Today, that legacy continues under the command and control of 22nd SOPS.
The unit began operations in March 1987 under then Air Force Systems Command and was known as the 2nd Satellite Tracking Group, Operating Location at Falcon AFB, later renamed Schriever AFB. In May 1988, the squadron received turnover of the Colorado Tracking Station, the first standalone Automated Remote Tracking Station.
Later in May 1989, the squadron was activated as Detachment 9, 2nd Satellite Tracking Group. The squadron assumed full responsibility for AFSCN operations on June 1, 1997. 22nd SOPS itself was activated in October 1991 as an operational squadron under the 750th Space Group, Onizuka Air Force Station, Calif. 22nd SOPS was transferred to the 50th Operations Group in June 1999.
Effective June 2004, the Network Operations Group stood up, and 22nd SOPS moved from 50th OG to the new NOG. 50th NOG brought together all of the 50th Space Wing's squadrons responsible for space operations and maintenance as well as communications. 22nd SOPS consists of officers, enlisted, DOD civilians and contractor personnel performing AFSCN operations and maintenance 24/7 around the global.
Awards:
The Aldridge Trophy 1996 (AFSPC Guardian Challenge)
Outstanding Unit Awards:
September 90 - August 91
September 93 - August 95
October 98 - September 00
October 00 - September 01
October 01 - October 02
October 02 - October 03
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