3d Space Experimentation Squadron

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 3d Space Experimentation Squadron


caption= 3d Space Experimentation Squadron emblem
dates= 19xx-Present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Air Force
type= Space Control
role= Experimentation
size=
command_structure=21st Space Wing
current_commander= Lt Col Jeffrey Hokett [http://petersonspaceobserver.com/images/satelliteflyer/satelliteflyer_2007-06-14.pdf Peterson AFB Space Observer: "3rd SES welcomes new commander from AFSPC"]
garrison= Schriever AFB, Colorado
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname=
patron=
motto=UNEQUALED EXCELLENCE
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles=
anniversaries=

The United States Air Force's 3d Space Experimentation Squadron is a space control unit located at Schriever AFB, Colorado.

Mission

The 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron is AFSPC's premier organization for space-based demonstrations, pathfinders and experiments. The unit identifies concepts of employment, training, education and technical skill sets required to field selected future AFSPC missions. The 3rd SES will develop a core cadre of space professionals to serve as subject matter experts for all future AFSPC space-based endeavors, demonstrate operational utility of selected demonstrations and apply lessons learned from demonstrations and pathfinders for use in future initiatives. [http://www.afspc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3651 Air Force Space Command: Space Innovation and Development Center Factsheet]

History

The 3d SES began its existence as the 3d Surveillance Squadron on 10 August 1990, at Misawa AB, Japan. It was later renamed Det. 3, 73d Space Group in January 1991. The home for the 3rd SS (project name RINGO) was completed on March 16, 1991. Two antennas, an operations building, support building, pump housing and entry control point were constructed beginning on 1 October 1991, and was completed on May 31, 1992. Later that year, the unit was redesignated 3rd Space Surveillance Squadron, while their Deep Space Tracking System obtained initial operating capability in April 1994.

The current designation of the unit, the 3d Space Experimentation Squadron began on 10 Mar 2006, with its new home at Mod 9, Schriever AFB, Colorado.

Assignments

* 50th Space Wing (10 Mar 2006 - Present)
* 21st Space Wing (26 Apr 1995-???)
* 73d Space Group (??? - 26 Apr 1995)

Previous designationsRogers, B. (2006). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. ISBN 1-85780-197-0

* 3d Space Experimentation Squadron (10 March 2006-Present) [http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123017086 AirForceLink: "What's in a Name?" ]
* 3d Space Surveillance Squadron (1 Oct 1992-???)
* 3d Surveillance Squadron (10 Aug 1990 - 1 Oct 1992)

Bases stationed

* Schriever AFB, Colorado (10 Mar 2006 - Present)
* Misawa AB, Japan (1 Oct 1992- ???)

Equipment OperatedWorld Airpower Journal. (1992). US Air Force Air Power Directory. Aerospace Publishing: London, UK. ISBN 1-880588-01-3

* Deep Space Tracking System (1992-????)

References

External links

* []