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5th Space Operations Squadron

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5th Space Operations Squadron
Emblem of the 5th Space Operations Squadron
Active1989–1992; 1993–2000; 2024–present
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
RoleTechnology demonstration
Part ofSpace Delta 9
HeadquartersJoint Base Anacostia–Bolling, Washington D.C.
MottoScanning the Globe (1989–1994) Pioneers of Space (1994–present)[1]
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award[2]
Insignia
5th Space Operations Squadron emblem (approved 9 December 1994)[2]
5th Satellite Control Squadron emblem (approved 25 August 1989)[1]

The 5th Space Operations Squadron (5 SOPS) is a United States Space Force unit responsible for operating the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. It is located at Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling, District of Columbia.

History

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The 5th Expeditionary Space Operations Squadron (ESOPS), originally part of the Air Force Satellite Control Facility, was provisionally established as Operating Location-A of the 750th Space Group on 1 October 1992. It was officially activated on 22 November 1993 under the 50th Operations Group. The formation followed the division of the Air Force Satellite Control Facility into the 2nd Space Test Group and the Consolidated Space Test Center (CSTC) on 1 October 1987, coinciding with the Air Force Space Command's acquisition of Onizuka Air Force Base (later Onizuka Air Station).

In the year it was established, the 5th ESOPS assumed the responsibilities of the 2nd Satellite Tracking Group Operations Division and the 1999th Communications Squadron Operations Division. Following the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure Committee's directives, the 21st Space Operations Squadron (SOS) assumed the functions of the 750th Space Group, its subordinate units, and the 5th Space Operations Squadron.

Shortly after its establishment, the squadron undertook a number of operations, including the launch of a DSCS III and a NATO IV communications satellite, support for the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, and the deployment of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) for NASA missions. These missions encompassed the launch of all seven Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) and three interplanetary spacecraft: Galileo to Jupiter, Magellan to Venus, and Ulysses to the Sun.

The 5th ESOPS was deactivated in 2000. On 3 June 2024, the unit was reactivated as part of Space Delta 9 under the United States Space Force to oversee operations of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle.[3]

Lineage

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  • Constituted as the 5th Satellite Control Squadron on 11 April 1989
  • Activated on 1 May 1989
  • Redesignated as the 5th Space Operations Squadron on 30 January 1992
  • Inactivated on 31 July 1992
  • Activated on 22 November 1993
  • Inactivated on 13 June 2000
  • Redesignated as the 5th Expeditionary Space Operations Squadron and converted to provisional status on 5 December 2007[2]
  • Redesignated as the 5th Space Operations Squadron and activated on 3 June 2024[3]

Assignments

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Locations

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Satellites operated

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b Endicott, p. 364
  2. ^ a b c d e Robertson, Patsy (26 February 2008). "Factsheet 5 Expeditionary Space Operations Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e Rose, Danielle (6 June 2024). "5th SOPS activates, bolsters Space Delta 9 objectives". United States Space Force. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  4. ^ Force Enhancement - Air University

Bibliography

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

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