6595th TEG

• Origins: The 6595th Test and Evaluation Group (TEG) was established in 1960 as part of the Air Force Systems Command, in support of the United States Air Force’s missile and space programs. • Location: The 6595th TEG was based at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, a key site for space and missile testing on the West Coast. • Mission: The unit was primarily responsible for testing, evaluating, and supporting Air Force ballistic missile and space vehicle launches. • Satellite Support: The group played a crucial role in the early years of military satellite launches, including missions related to the CORONA reconnaissance program. • Missile Programs: The 6595th TEG supported test launches of Atlas, Titan, and Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). • Tracking and Recovery: The unit operated tracking stations and recovery teams, essential for monitoring and retrieving payloads from test flights. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 6595th increased its alert status, supporting the nation’s readiness posture. • Technological Innovations: The group contributed to advancements in telemetry, tracking, and data collection technologies for missile and space operations. • Deactivation: The 6595th TEG was inactivated in 1979 as part of an Air Force reorganization, with its functions absorbed by other units. • Legacy: The history and accomplishments of the 6595th TEG laid the groundwork for modern Air Force Space Command and the United States Space Force's operations today.