The 2nd Space Operations Squadron is a component of PNT Delta, headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
Mission
The squadron performs the command and control mission for the 37-satellite Global Positioning System constellation, providing precise, three-dimensional position, navigation, and timing information to military and civilian users around the globe by operating NAVSTAR GPS, the military’s largest, and the world’s most widely-used, satellite constellation. GPS is the world's premiere space-based PNT 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 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 Warfighter Collaboration Cell is a 24/7 user-focused center supporting a wide variety of military, civilian and commercial users and applications.
History
The 2nd SOPS originated from the 2nd Surveillance Squadron, Air Defense Command, 9th Aerospace Division, Ent AFB, Colorado. The surveillance squadron, activated Jan. 16, 1962, served as intermediary between various sensor sites and higher headquarters. The squadron was inactivated Jan. 1, 1967, but in May 1985, Air Force Space Command requested the activation of 2nd SS, re-designated as the 2nd Satellite Control Squadron to command and control on-orbit GPS satellites. On Oct. 1, 1985, 2nd SCS was activated at Falcon Air Force Station, Colorado, the first operating squadron of the 2nd SW. On Jan. 30, 1992, as part of Air Force reorganization, the 2nd SCS became 2nd SOPS and was reassigned to the 50th OG. On June 18, 2004, the GPS Operations Center, now GPS Warfighter Collaboration Cell, was established. In late 2005, several National Geospatial Agency monitor stations were integrated into the network to improve navigation accuracy and signal monitoring. On July 24, 2020, as part of the U.S. Space Force’s structure change, 2 SOPS was assigned to Delta 8.
With the activation of the provisional Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta on Oct 12, 2023, 2 SOPS was realigned under the PNT Delta.
(Current as of Jan 2024)