5th Space Control Squadron

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.

The dual LASS/DSTS operation supported USAF space intelligence requirements, while being assisted by the 18th Intelligence Squadron's Det 4 for SIGINT support.[2] 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.[3]

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.[4]

The 5 SSS was inactivated in 2003, with administration of RAF Feltwell transferred to Detachment 4, 18th Intelligence Squadron.

• 5th Space Surveillance Squadron (1989–2003)

• RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom (1989–2003)

• Lt Col Ronald P. Mitchell, 1 October 1990 – ???
• Lt Col James L. Burling, Jr., August 1994 – 28 September 1996
• Lt Col Steven R. Prebeck, 28 September 1996 – ???[5]
• Lt Col John Amrine, June 1999 – July 2000[6]
• Lt Col John W. Raymond, April 2000 – June 2001[7]
• Lt Col Susan Bedell, 10 October 2019 – present[1]

• Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) (1989–2003)
• Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) (1989–2003)

• 1st Space Surveillance Squadron
• 3d Space Experimentation Squadron
• 18th Intelligence Squadron
• 21st Space Wing

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
  • 1 January 2000 – 31 August 2001[8]
  • 1 January 1999 – 31 December 1999[9]
  • 1 January 1998 – 31 December 1998[10]
  • 1 October 1997 – 30 September 1999[11]
  • 1 October 1995 – 30 September 1997[12]