| 2nd Space Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Squadron emblem | |
| Active | 1962–1967; 1985–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Role | Global Positioning System Control |
| Part of | Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta (Provisional) |
| Garrison/HQ | Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado |
| Motto(s) | Pathways for Peace (1988-present) |
| Engagements |  Global War on Terrorism |
| Decorations |  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Robert O. Wray |
| Notable commanders | DeAnna Burt |
| Insignia | |
| Former 2nd Space Operations Squadron emblem |  |
| 2d Satellite Control Squadron emblem (approved 6 May 1988)[2][3] |  |
The 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) is a United States Space Force unit responsible for operating the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation, which provides global navigation, time transfer, and nuclear detonation detection. It is a component of Space Operations Command's Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta (Provisional) and headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
The squadron is augmented by reserve personnel from the 19th Space Operations Squadron, part of the 310th Space Wing.
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]
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.
The squadron has controlled the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite constellation and managed the Nuclear Detonation System in support of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty since 1987.
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]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
