The 20th Space Control Squadron, assigned to 21st Operations Group, 21st Space Wing stationed at Eglin AFB, FL, but geographically separated from the 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, CO, tracks more than 16,000 near-Earth and deep-space objects in Earth’s orbit around the clock in any weather, supports the U.S. Strategic Command, commander-in-chief and theater warfighter’s requirements through continuous surveillance of on-orbit satellites; and operates and maintains the Air Force’s phased-array space surveillance system dedicated to tracking space objects.
The mission of the 20th SPCS is to execute a space control mission by performing all-weather, day-night location and tracking of man-made objects, and supports the commander, Air Force Space Command, and theater warfighters’ requirements through continuous surveillance of orbiting satellites. The 20th SPCS operates and maintains the AN/FPS-85 Phased Array Radar which is the only phased array radar dedicated to tracking more than 16,000 near-earth and deep-space objects.
The AN/FPS-85 Phased Array Space Surveillance Radar provides space situational awareness for U.S. STRATCOM’s space control mission area. It is one of 29 sensors that comprise the global Space Surveillance Network, or SSN, and is the only phased array radar dedicated to space surveillance. It collects more than 16 million observations of satellites per year, accounting for 30 percent of the SSN’s total workload.
The AN/FPS-85 can detect, track and identify up to 200 satellites simultaneously. The maximum beam deflection is 60 degrees on either side of the antenna center line which provides 120 degrees azimuth of azimuth coverage. The antenna is inclined +45 degrees for scan coverage of +3 to +105 degrees elevation. Generating a combined output of 32 megawatts, the AN/FPS-85 is the most powerful radar in the world and is the only phased array radar capable of tracking satellites in deep space orbit. The radar can track an object the size of a basketball at a distance of more than 22,000 nm.
Data from the system is forwarded to U.S. STRATCOM’s Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and the Alternate Space Control Center at Dahlgren, VA.
Background. The AN/FPS-85 radar is employed by the 20th Space Control Squadron, or 20th SPCS, at site C-6 on Eglin AFB, FL.
Radar construction began in Oct 1962 and testing was scheduled for May 1965; but four months prior, the building and all equipment were destroyed in a fire caused by arcing electrical equipment. The Air Force took ownership of the site in September 1968 with the 20th Surveillance Squadron, or 20th SURS, as the primary operator.
Space operations began in February 1969. Initially designed to track satellites, new software installed in 1975 enabled the unit to track submarine launched ballistic missiles, or SLBMs. This became the unit’s primary mission, while space surveillance became secondary. From 1971 to 1984 the 20 SURS served as the Alternate Space Surveillance Center, providing computational support to the Space Surveillance Center at Cheyenne Mountain AS, CO. If the need arose, the squadron could assume command and control of worldwide SSN.
In 1979, the 20 SURS was renamed the 20th Missile Warning Squadron, or 20th MWS, and four years later, with deactivation of Strategic Air Command, the squadron was transferred to Air Force Space Command. During this time, the AN/FPS-85 was the proving ground for development of phased array radars designed specifically for early warning of SLBM attacks. These PAVE Phased Array Warning System radars assumed missile warning responsibilities from the 20th MWS and in 1987, the unit returned to its original mission of space surveillance with a corresponding name change to the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron.
In February 2003, the unit was again redesignated, this time as the 20th SPCS. In October 2004, a detachment was activated under the 20th SPCS at Dahlgren, VA., and the unit assumed control of the U.S. Navy’s AN/FPS-133 Space Surveillance Radar Fence and the Alternate Space Control Center. Nearly 40 years after operational acceptance, the unit’s mission is more robust and critical than ever.
Dimensions: Total Length – 318 feet, Total Height – 143 feet, Total Floor Space – 250,000 square feet, Volume of Radar Building – 2,500,000 cubic feet.
Weight: Structural steel – 1,250 tons, Concrete – 1,400 cubic yards.
Electrical Power: Prime power generated from commercial sources. Two 250 KVA Uninterruptible Power Supplies and three emergency diesel generators – 500 KW and two 400 KW – provide backup facility power.
Crew: Three military and three DoD civilians – crew commander (officer), crew chief (NCO), space console operator (airman, radar maintenance technician (DoD civilian), computer/communications center operator (DoD civilian), and motor control center operator (DoD civilian).