The
United States Air Force's 148th Space Operations Squadron (148 SOPS) is a satellite control unit located at
Vandenberg AFB,
California. The 148th SOPS is tasked with back-up command and control of the
MILSTAR satellite constellation.
Mission
The 148 SOPS mans the Primary Satellite Operations Center-
Vandenberg (PSOC-V), one of two fixed
Milstar Ground Stations.[1] Unique to Milstar is its
ground segment for control of the constellation. Milstar has two fixed ground stations, Primary Satellite Operations Center (PSOC), at
4 SOPS and Primary Satellite Operations Center – Vandenberg or PSOC-V. Each site is fully capable of complete constellation control and operates 24/7. The Milstar Ops Center-Vandenberg is operated by the 148 SOPS, a California Air Guard Unit, and does control 2 Milstar satellites full-time.[2]
History
The 148 SOPS was originally established as the 148th Combat Communications Squadron at Compton, California. The unit was redesignated the 148th Space Operations Squadron and relocated to Vandenberg AFB, California on 31 October 2000.
Previous designations
148th Space Operations Squadron (2000–present)
148th Combat Communications Squadron (1976–2000)
148th Mobil Communications Squadron (1960–1976)
148th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (1948–1960)