The squadron supports more than 150 DOD, allied, civil and national satellites by monitoring, maintaining and updating status of SCN communication resources, and providing configuration and readiness condition of controlled resources to multiple users and command centers.

The unit is responsible for operating and maintaining two 38-foot Defense Information Systems Agency satellite communication antennas.

Each provides telemetry, tracking and commanding for high-priority DOD, NASA, and NATO spacecraft.

Recently declassified, this program convinced the Air Force a dedicated unit was needed to provide satellite tracking.

In April 1959, the 6594th Test Wing was activated with temporary headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif.

At this time, 21 SOPS absorbed maintenance, quality assurance and real property responsibilities for GPS sites at Kwajalein Atoll, Diego Garcia Tracking Station and Kaena Point Tracking Station.