1st Space Launch Squadron
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 1st Space Launch Squadron (1 SLS) was a space launch unit located at Patrick AFB, Florida
. It was responsible for USAF Delta II
launches from its activation in October 1990 to its deactivation in August 2009.
to Air Force Space Command
in the early 1990s. Phase I of the Launch Transfer Plan began on 1 October 1990, with the elimination of the Eastern and Western Space and Missile Centers, and the creation of the 30th Space Wing
and the 45th Space Wing
.
The 1st SLS was activated on 1 October 1990 and became Air Force Space Command
's first Delta II launch squadron. It was deactivated on 18 August 2009, following the final USAF launch of a Delta II which had occurred the previous day. Its final launch successfully placed the USA-206
, or GPS IIR-21(M) navigation satellite into orbit.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's 1st Space Launch Squadron (1 SLS) was a space launch unit located at Patrick AFB, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. It was responsible for USAF Delta II
Delta II
Delta II was an American space launch system, originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas. Delta II is part of the Delta rocket family and was in service from 1989 until November 1, 2011...
launches from its activation in October 1990 to its deactivation in August 2009.
History
Air Force launch operations were transferred from Air Force Systems CommandAir Force Systems Command
Air Force Systems Command is a former United States Air Force command. Its headquarters was located at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland...
to Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
in the early 1990s. Phase I of the Launch Transfer Plan began on 1 October 1990, with the elimination of the Eastern and Western Space and Missile Centers, and the creation of the 30th Space Wing
30th Space Wing
The 30th Space Wing is an air force wing forming a subordinate unit of the Fourteenth Air Force of the Air Force Space Command of the United States Air Force...
and the 45th Space Wing
45th Space Wing
The 45th Space Wing is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the Fourteenth Air Force, stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. It is also the host unit at Patrick AFB.-Overview:...
.
The 1st SLS was activated on 1 October 1990 and became Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
's first Delta II launch squadron. It was deactivated on 18 August 2009, following the final USAF launch of a Delta II which had occurred the previous day. Its final launch successfully placed the USA-206
USA-206
USA-206, also GPS SVN-50 and PRN-05, and known before launch as GPS IIR-21, GPS IIRM-8 or GPS IIR-21, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Navstar Global Positioning System...
, or GPS IIR-21(M) navigation satellite into orbit.