5th Space Control Squadron

The United States Air Force's 5th Space Surveillance Squadron (5 SSS) was a space surveillance unit located at RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom.

5th Space Surveillance Squadron
5th Space Surveillance Squadron emblem
Active1989-2003
CountryUnited States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeSpace Surveillance
RoleData Acquisition
Size132 American/3 British
Part ofAFSPC
Garrison/HQRAF Feltwell, United Kingdom
Motto(s)TRACKING THE DEEP
Decorations AFOUA

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

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)

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

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

Decorations

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