DELTA MISSION: The provisional Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta was activated on Oct. 13, 2023, in a ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. The Delta was officially stood up as Mission Delta 31 on 15 Oct 2024.
The goal of the IMD concept is to foster unity of command for readiness while simultaneously streamlining unity of effort for capability development. The PNT IMD will function as a vital bridge connecting our operations, engineering and capability development experts.
Mission Delta 31 consists of six 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), 21st Space Operations Squadron (21 SOPS), 22nd Space Operations Squadron (22 SOPS), and 23rd Space Operations Squadron (23 SOPS).
MISSION STATEMENT: Mission Delta 31 emphasizes providing, operating, and sustaining high-integrity Positioning, Navigation, & Timing capabilities to protect our Nation’s interests and assure an unparalleled global unity. Mission Delta 31 will deliver resilient and adaptable Positioning, Navigation, & Timing for all users, in all places, at all times.
ORGANIZATION:
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.
21/22/23 Space Operations Squadrons: Schedule satellite contacts through the Satellite Control Network for more than 190 Department of Defense, Allied and national agency satellites; publish the daily Space Access Tasking Order; and provide real-time support for satellite anomaly resolution. Provide frequency interference and space safety analysis. Operate and maintain seven worldwide remote tracking stations for the SCN.
HISTORY:
Mission Delta 31 is dedicated to Position Navigation and Timing (PNT). 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.
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 remain robust and reliable for U.S. military operations.