17th Test Squadron The 17th Test Squadron ( 17 TS ) is a United States Air Force test and evaluation unit , located at Schriever Air Force Base , Colorado . 17 TS is tasked with testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment . Mission . The mission of the 17th Test Squadron is to enhance the military utility of space power through the Operational Test and Evaluation of space systems . The official 17 TS Vision is " Building a world - class Operational Test and Evaluation team that provides operationally - relevant , timely and unbiased assessments . " History . On 6 April 1990 , at Peterson AFB CO the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron was activated . The mission of the 1017th was to perform Air Staff - directed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation ( IOT & E ) and Follow - on Operational Test and Evaluation ( FOT & E ) of Air Force Space Command space surveillance , missile warning , and command and control systems . The Squadron oversaw two operating locations at Falcon AFB ( since renamed Schriever AFB ) and Buckley ANGB ( since redesignated as an AFB ) . The unit inactivated on 15 October 1992 . On 12 July 1995 , the unit officially reactivated as the 17th Test Squadron . Special Order GD - 018 stated , " The 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron , having been redesignated as the 17th Test Squadron and assigned to Air Force Space Command , is activated at Falcon AFB , Colorado , and further assigned to the Space Warfare Center effective 21 July 1995 . . . Operating Location A , 17th Test Squadron is designated and activated at Cheyenne Mountain AS , Colorado . . . Personnel , supplies , equipment , funds and records will be absorbed by the 17th Test Squadron . " The stand - up ceremony was held on Friday , 21 July 1996 , in the Presentation Center of the Joint National Test Facility at 1300 . The special guests included Col Burkhart , the 50th Space Wing ( 50 SW ) Vice Commander ; Col Deese , the AFSPC Comptroller ; Col Kingsberry , from the AFSPC Division of Space Control ; Col Mercier , Commander of Detachment 4 of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center ; and Col Springer , from AFSPC Division of Training and Standardization . After the reading of the activation orders , the 17 TS guidon was unsheathed , symbolizing the creation of a new USAF squadron . Then the guidon was passed to Col Howard J . Fry , the Commander of the Space Warfare Center and the Presiding Officer for the stand - up . Colonel Fry passed the guidon to Lt Col Carl Cox , the first Commander of the 17 TS , signifying the passing of all legal and operational responsibilities . At the formation of the squadron , manning was at just over ten people . As of 1 April 2013 the 17th Test Squadron was transferred to Air Combat Command under the 53rd Wing , located at Eglin Air Force Base , Fla . , which serves as the focal point for the Combat Air Forces in electronic warfare , armament and avionics , chemical defense , reconnaissance , and aircrew training devices . The wing reports to the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base , Nevada , a Direct Reporting Unit to Headquarters Air Combat Command . The wing is also responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces .