5th Space Surveillance Squadron
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The United States Air Force's 5th Space Surveillance Squadron (5 SSS) was a space surveillance unit located at RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom.
Contents
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.[1] 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.[2]
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. [3]
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
- RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom (1989–2003)
Commanders
- Lt Col John Amrine (June 1999-July 2000)[4]
- Lt Col John W. Raymond (April 2000 - June 2001)[5]
- Lt Col Steven R. Prebeck (28 September 1996-???)[6]
- Lt Col James L. Burling, Jr. (August 1994-28 September 1996)
Equipment Operated
- Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) (1989–2003)
- Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) (1989–2003)
See also
- 1st Space Surveillance Squadron
- 3d Space Experimentation Squadron
- 18th Intelligence Squadron
- 21st Space Wing
Decorations
References
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Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)
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- ↑ Richelson, J. The US Intelligence Community, 4th Edition
- ↑ GLOBALSECURITY.ORG: 21st Space Wing
- ↑ SatObs.org: "US Space Surveillance Network", 8 Jan 1996
- ↑ Official Biography of Colonel Amrine
- ↑ Peterson AFB Public Affairs: Col Raymond's Official Biography
- ↑ AFHRA FOIA Req 09-0061: 21st Space Wing Roster of Key Personnel (as of 31 December 1996)
- ↑ AFSPC Special Order GA-10, 2001
- ↑ AFSPC Special Order GA-97, 2000
- ↑ AFSPC Special Order GA-62, 6 December 1999
- ↑ AFSPC Special Order GA-58, 6 December 1999
- ↑ AFSPC Special Order GA-09, 1 November 1997
