1st Space Launch Squadron

1st Space Launch Squadron

1st Space Launch Squadron emblem
Active 1991-2009
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Type Squadron
Role Space launch
Part of 45th Space Wing/AFSPC
Garrison/HQ Patrick AFB, Florida

The United States Air Force's 1st Space Launch Squadron (1 SLS)[1] 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 inactivation in August 2009.

History

Air Force launch operations were transferred from Air Force Systems Command 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.[2]

The 1st SLS was activated on 1 October 1990 and became Air Force Space Command's first Delta II launch squadron.[3] It was inactivated 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.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Rogers, B. (2006). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. ISBN 1-85780-197-0
  2. ↑ The Cape: Military Space Operations 1971-1992
  3. ↑ World Airpower Journal. (1992). US Air Force Air Power Directory. Aerospace Publishing: London, UK. ISBN 1-880588-01-3
  4. ↑ Ray, Justin (2009-08-17). "Bittersweet launch ends several chapters of history". Spaceflight Now. Archived from the original on 15 September 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-19.
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