21st Space Operations Squadron The 21st Space Operations Squadron ( 21 SOPS ) is a satellite control unit of the 50th Network Operations Group of the United States Air Force located at Vandenberg Air Force Base , California . It formerly operated Onizuka Air Force Station . Mission . The mission of the 21st Space Operations Squadron is to plan and conduct specialized communications for a wide spectrum of DoD , allied , civil and commercial space systems . The squadron is rich in tradition . Every space shuttle mission in history has been supported from Onizuka AFS . It schedules , allocates and configures Air Force Satellite Control Network common user resources ; monitors , maintains and updates the status of AFSCN resources ; and provides status , configurations and readiness of controlled resources to multiple users and command centers . Operations . The squadron supports DoD - assigned space missions by operating , maintaining and providing logistical support for the common user resources of the AFSCN . The 21st SOPS Network Operations Center at Onizuka AFS is the prime AFSCN resource for fault isolation / detection for the primary and additional operational switch replacement communication links . It monitors , maintains and updates the status of AFSCN communication resources ; and provides status , configurations and readiness of controlled resources to multiple users and command centers . It also manages communications systems for network operations and maintains and operates base communications . Further , the squadron provides base support to some activities on Moffett Federal Airfield . 21st SOPS provides access to the worldwide AFSCN and specialized support to the international space community by providing network communications . The unit is also responsible for maintaining Onizuka AFS ' two satellite communication antennas and one Data Link Terminal . Its sister unit , 22nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB , schedules tracking station usage for satellite operators at Schriever AFB and other locations , which ensures users can communicate ( through the tracking stations ) with the satellites for which they are responsible . A standby system at Onizuka AFS mirrors the scheduling area at 22nd SOPS , providing back up for this important mission . 21st SOPS provides resources to operate and maintain the Onizuka AFS facility and to provide limited administrative and support services to base units and agencies , including security , civil engineering and safety . A small Services contingent is also maintained , including the Space Place snack bar , fitness facility , Moffett Field golf course , and support of in - home family child care . The 21st SOPS commander was designated the installation commander for Onizuka AFS until its closure . History . The birth of the nation ' s military presence in space was the Corona spy - satellite program . Recently declassified , this program convinced the Air Force that a dedicated unit was needed to provide satellite - tracking support for the military . In April 1959 , the 6594th Test Wing was activated with its temporary headquarters in Palo Alto , Calif . In 1960 , land was purchased in Sunnyvale to form the Air Force Satellite Test Center . Construction on the " Blue Cube " was completed in 1968 , and on January 1 , 1971 , the Sunnyvale facilities became Sunnyvale Air Force Station . The installation was renamed to Onizuka Air Force Station on July 24 , 1986 , in honor of Lt . Col . Ellison Onizuka , who lost his life in the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion . 21st SOPS rose out of this rich history . It was activated on October 1 , 1991 , and within one year , 21st SOPS absorbed the roles of the 2nd Satellite Tracking Group Operations Division and the 1999th Communications Squadron Operations Division . After the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure Committee directed realignment of Onizuka AFS , 21st SOPS absorbed the roles of the 750th Space Group and all subordinate units and the 5th Space Operations Squadron .