MISSION STATEMENT: Provide, operate, and sustain Satellite Control & Navigation Warfare to protect our Nation’s interests.
ORGANIZATION:
Mission Delta 31 consists of five squadrons and 12 detachments/operating locations, across geographically separated locations. Squadrons include 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron (2 NWS), 31st Capability Development Squadron (31 CDS), 31st Sustainment Squadron (31 STS), 22nd Space Operations Squadron (22 SOPS), and 631 Cyberspace Squadron (631 CYS).
Specific mission responsibilities are accomplished through the Delta's squadrons, detachments and geographically separated operating locations.
2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron (2 NWS): Operates the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation delivering the world’s gold standard for positioning, navigation, and timing data to military and civilian users globally.
31st Capability Development Squadron (31 CDS): Responsible for development and fielding of the next generation software for all modernized and legacy GPS satellites, laying the groundwork for the future of GPS operations.
31st Sustainment Squadron (31 STS): Provides sustainment support, delivering updates and modifications to improve operational capabilities of fielded systems.
31st Sustainment Squadron, Detachment 1 Launch Operations: Manages, plans, and executes all activities form the satellite leaving the factory through launch and on-orbit checkout, handing the operations over to 2 NWS once the satellite meets operational acceptance criteria.
22nd Space Operations Squadron: Executes command and control of the Satellite Control Network (SCN) by developing, executing, and enforcing the Space Access Tasking Order (SpATO) and providing space safety analysis to conduct satellite operations for more than 190 Department of Defense, Allied and national agency satellites. 22 SOPS operates and maintains seven remote tracking stations worldwide for the SCN.
631st Cyberspace Squadron: Presents defensive cyber warfare forces capable of denying, degrading, disrupting, and defeating adversarial cyber enabled threats to Satellite Control and Space Control capabilities
HISTORY:
Mission Delta 31 is dedicated to Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) and the Satellite Control Network (SCN). Its history can be traced back to the growing importance of reliable navigation and timing systems for military operations, particularly with the advent of satellite technology.
The provisional Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta was activated on Oct. 13, 2023. The Delta was officially designated as Mission Delta 31 on Oct. 15, 2024. In February 2025, Mission Delta 31 absorbed the Satellite Control Network mission, taking on the responsibility of ensuring uninterrupted Satellite Control access for hundreds of satellites. In May 2025, the Delta gained the 631st CYS, charged with providing cyber defense to the SCN and eventually GPS.
Key Milestones in the History of Mission Delta 31:
- Origins in GPS: The foundation of Mission Delta 31's mission is closely linked to the Global Positioning System (GPS), which began development in the 1970s. GPS revolutionized navigation for both civilian and military applications.
- U.S. Air Force’s Role: Prior to the establishment of the Space Force, the U.S. Air Force managed PNT missions, focusing on the development and operation of GPS satellites.
- Creation of the Space Force: In December 2019, the U.S. Space Force was established as an independent military branch, taking over various space-related missions from the Air Force, including PNT operations.
- Formation of Mission Delta 31: Mission Delta 31 was formally activated to specifically focus on PNT capabilities. Its mission is to ensure that U.S. and allied forces have access to resilient navigation and timing data, crucial for modern military operations.
- Modern Enhancements: Mission Delta 31 is involved in ongoing efforts to enhance GPS capabilities, including the development of next-generation satellites, improved ground systems, and integrating emerging technologies to counter potential threats.
Current Focus:
Mission Delta 31 continues to evolve, addressing challenges posed by anti-satellite weapons and cyber threats, while working to ensure that PNT services and Satellite Control remains robust and reliable for U.S. military and civil operations.
Current as of Oct 2025