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2nd Space Operations Squadron [2nd SOPS]

The 2nd Space Operations Squadron is a component of the 50th Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, CO. The squadron commands and controls the Navstar Global Positioning System satellite constellation.

The squadron commands and controls the Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System satellite constellation. Navstar GPS provides worldwide precision navigation service for U.S. and allied military forces as well as a host of civilian users. This user community is rapidly expanding and includes traditional land, sea and space navigation along with surveying, geodesy and a variety of research and development activities. The constellation is comprised of a minimum of 24 on-orbit satellites.

The squadron operates and maintains the Master Control Station and a dedicated network of ground antennas and monitor stations to command and control and monitor the satellite constellation. The monitor stations passively track the navigation signals on all the satellites. Information is then processed at the MCS and is used to update the satellites' navigation messages. The MCS sends updated navigation information to GPS satellites through ground antennas. The ground antennas are also used to transmit commands to satellites and to receive the satellites' telemetry.

Detachment 1, 2nd SOPS, located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, is responsible for maintenance of the GPS Ground Antenna and test assets to support prelaunch compatibility testing of new GPS satellites, the operational satellite constellation, software and hardware developmental testing, training and contingency support at contracted sites on an "as required basis."

The 2nd Space Operations Squadron was born out of the 2nd Surveillance Squadron, Air Defense Command, 9th Aerospace Division at Ent AFB, CO. The 2nd Surveillance Squadron was activated on January 16, 1962, and served as intermediary between various sensor sites and higher headquarters. On January 1, 1967, the 2nd Surveillance Squadron was deactivated. On October 3, 1985, the squadron was reborn at an activation ceremony at Vandenberg AFB, CA.

In December 1985, the squadron was moved to its present location at Shriever Air Force Base and started using the Master Control Station. The squadron was activated on January 30, 1992, and on January 31, as part of the Air Force reorganization, the squadron also gained responsibility for its mission software and hardware maintenance.

Approximately 150 active duty Air Force members and two Department of Defense civilians are assigned to the 2nd Space Operations Squadron.