The squadron performs the command and control mission for the
Global Positioning System satellite constellation. GPS is the world's premiere space-based position, velocity and timing system, capable of providing precision navigation and timing capability simultaneously to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. Continuous GPS availability and unprecedented signal accuracy has resulted in widespread integration of the technology; numerous military, commercial and international users have embraced GPS.[4]
History
The squadron was originally constituted as the 2d Surveillance Squadron and activated on 16 January 1962 under
North American Air Defense Command. It was then organized on 1 February 1962 at
Ent Air Force Base under the
9th Aerospace Defense Division, under which it operated
SPACETRACK, the USAF globe-spanning space surveillance network, from 1962 through 1967. The squadron was inactivated on 1 January 1967.
It was redesignated the 2d Satellite Control Squadron as the first operational squadron of the
2d Space Wing. It was activated at
Falcon Air Force Station on 1 October 1985.
On 30 January 1992, as part of an Air Force reorganization, 2 SCS was redesignated the 2d Space Operations Squadron.
On June 18, 2004, a 24/7 user focal point, the GPSOC, was established.
In late 2005, several
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency monitor stations were integrated into the network to improve navigation accuracy and signal monitoring.
The unit had one geographically separated unit, Detachment 1, at
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,
Florida. It was responsible for maintenance of a GPS Ground Antenna, Monitor Station, and various operational test assets. It is now discontinued, though contractors remained to perform the mission.[5][6]
Lineage
Constituted as the 2d Surveillance Squadron (Sensor) and activated, on 16 January 1962 (not organized)
Organized on 1 February 1962
Discontinued and inactivated on 1 January 1967
Redesignated 2d Satellite Control Squadron on 16 Jul 1985
Activated on 1 October 1985
Redesignated 2d Space Operations Squadron on 30 Jan 1992[1]
^Staff writer, no byline (May 7, 2008).
"2nd SOPS inactivates Det. 1". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from
the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.