11th Space Warning Squadron
- 11th Space Warning Squadron
The 11th Space Warning Squadron (11 SWS) is a squadron of the 460th Space Wing of the United States Air Force that operates the latest Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite payload. The squadron resides at Schriever Air Force Base.
The 11th SWS was originally activated in 1994 and used infrared data from the constellation of Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites to warn deployed troops in theater of short-range missile launches, as well as significant other events around the globe. [cite web|url=http://www.buckley.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123077959|title=11th SWS reactivated as Buckley plays host|publisher=www.buckley.af.mil|accessdate=2008-08-28|last=Allen|first=Sanjay]
The 11th SWS formerly operated and maintained the Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater, or ALERT, system. That system provided continuous surveillance and early warning of theater missiles and other threats in direct support of theater warfighters worldwide.
When the Mission Control Station was completed at Buckley Air Force Base late in 2001, the 11th SWS was deactivated as part of the transition to the DSP follow-on, SBIRS. The 11th SWS was deactivated on December 31, 2002.
DSP, which is still operational, uses satellites operating in geosynchronous equatorial orbit more than 22,000 miles above the earth. The system was designed to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles, space launches and nuclear detonations in near-real time.
References
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