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Library > Fact Sheets > 2nd Space Operations Squadron
2ND SPACE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
Posted 2/8/2013
Printable Fact Sheet
The 2nd Space Operations Squadron is a component of the 50th Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. The squadron was activated Jan. 30, 1992.
Mission
The squadron performs the command and control mission for the GPS satellite constellation. GPS is the world's premiere space-based position, navigation and timing system, capable of providing information simultaneously to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. Continuous GPS availability and unprecedented accuracy has resulted in widespread integration of the technology; numerous military, commercial and international users have embraced GPS.
The squadron operates the largest Department of Defense spacecraft constellation via the Master Control Station and a worldwide network of monitor stations and ground antennas. The monitor stations track the satellites' navigation signals and relay the information to the MCS. The MCS continuously processes this information, determines each satellite's precise location in space, and updates the satellites' navigation messages through the ground antennas. The MCS also houses a customer interface: the GPS Operations Center is a 24/7 user-focused center of excellence supporting a wide variety of military, civilian and commercial users and applications.
History
The 2 SOPS originated from the 2nd Surveillance Squadron, Air Defense Command, 9th Aerospace Division, Ent Air Force Base, Colo. The surveillance squadron, activated Jan. 16, 1962, served as intermediary between various sensor sites and higher headquarters. The squadron was deactivated on Jan. 1, 1967, but in May 1985, Air Force Space Command requested the reactivation of 2 SS, redesignated as the 2nd Satellite Control Squadron to command and control on-orbit GPS satellites. On Oct. 1, 1985, 2 SCS was activated at Falcon AFS, Colo., the first operating squadron of the 2nd Space Wing. On Jan. 30, 1992, as part of Air Force reorganization, the 2 SCS became 2 SOPS. On June 18, 2004, the GPSOC was established. In late 2005, several National Geospatial Agency monitor stations were integrated into the network to improve navigation accuracy and signal monitoring.
Additional GPS resources:
(Current as of February 2013)
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