It performs launch, early-orbit, anomaly resolution and disposal operations for the Global Positioning System.

The radar detected the first Soviet launch missile in June 1955 and the world's first man-made satellite, Sputnik-1, in its initial orbit on 4 October 1957.

In 1964 the Air Force added the first AN/FPS-79 tracking radar, with an 84-foot parabolic antenna, to provide accurate metric data on both missiles and satellites.

[2] During Operation Desert Storm the radar alerted American troops to incoming SCUD missiles.

[1][2] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency