5th Space Control Squadron

The United States Space Force's 5th Space Control Squadron (5 SPCS) was a space control unit located at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

5th Space Control Squadron
Emblem of the 5th Space Control Squadron
CountryUnited States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeSpace electronic warfare
Part ofSpace Delta 3
Garrison/HQPeterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Motto(s)TRACKING THE DEEP
Decorations AFOUA
Commanders
Current
commander		Lt Col Susan Bedell[1]
Insignia
Emblem of the 5th Space Surveillance Squadron5th Space Surveillance Squadron.png

Mission

The mission of the 5 SSS was to operate the Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) system and Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) to gather space intelligence and track space systems in both near- and far-Earth orbits.

History

The dual LASS/DSTS operation supported USAF space intelligence requirements, while being assisted by the 18th Intelligence Squadron's Det 4 for SIGINT support.[2] This coverage augmented worldwide coverage of space signals activities at similarly equipped sites at Misawa AB, Japan, Osan AB, Republic of Korea and at Griffiss AFB in the United States.[3]

The Deep Space Tracking System uses sensitive, highly accurate 20-foot dish antennas to detect and track S-band radio signals transmitted by radio beacons on most satellites. There were DSTS receivers located at Griffiss AFB, New York; RAF Feltwell, Great Britain; and Misawa AB, Japan.[4]

The 5 SSS was inactivated in 2003, with administration of RAF Feltwell transferred to Detachment 4, 18th Intelligence Squadron.

Previous designations
  • 5th Space Surveillance Squadron (1989–2003)

Bases stationed

Commanders
  • Lt Col John Amrine (June 1999-July 2000)[5]
  • Lt Col John W. Raymond (April 2000 - June 2001)[6]
  • Lt Col Steven R. Prebeck (28 September 1996-???)[7]
  • Lt Col James L. Burling, Jr. (August 1994-28 September 1996)

Lt. Col Ronald P. Mitchell (1 Oct 1990 - ??)

Equipment Operated
  • Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) (1989–2003)
  • Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) (1989–2003)

See also

Decorations

References
  1. https://www.peterson.spaceforce.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002196651/
  2. Richelson, J. The US Intelligence Community, 4th Edition
  3. GLOBALSECURITY.ORG: 21st Space Wing
  4. SatObs.org: "US Space Surveillance Network", 8 Jan 1996
  5. Official Biography of Colonel Amrine Archived 2007-10-30 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Peterson AFB Public Affairs: Col Raymond's Official Biography Archived 2009-01-16 at the Wayback Machine
  7. AFHRA FOIA Req 09-0061: 21st Space Wing Roster of Key Personnel (as of 31 December 1996)
  8. AFSPC Special Order GA-10, 2001
  9. AFSPC Special Order GA-97, 2000
  10. AFSPC Special Order GA-62, 6 December 1999
  11. AFSPC Special Order GA-58, 6 December 1999
  12. AFSPC Special Order GA-09, 1 November 1997
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