5th Space Surveillance Squadron

5th Space Surveillance Squadron
5th Space Surveillance Squadron emblem
Active	1989-2003
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Space Surveillance
Role	Data Acquisition
Size	132 American/3 British
Part of	AFSPC
Garrison/HQ	RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom
Motto	TRACKING THE DEEP
Decorations	AFOUA

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

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

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
  • 1 January 2000-31 August 2001^[7]
  • 1 January 1999-31 December 1999^[8]
  • 1 January 1998-31 December 1998^[9]
  • 1 October 1997-30 September 1999^[10]
  • 1 October 1995-30 September 1997^[11]

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
5. Peterson AFB Public Affairs: Col Raymond's Official Biography
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