| Space Systems Command | |
|---|---|
 Space Systems Command emblem | |
| Founded | 13 August 2021 (4 years, 2 months) as Space Systems Command Established on 20 Mar 1961 and organized on 1 Apr 1961 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Space Force |
| Type | Field command |
| Role | |
| Size | 10,000 personnel[2] |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California, U.S. |
| Colors | Gold[3] |
| Decorations |  Air Force Organization Excellence Award[4] |
| Website | ssc.spaceforce.mil |
| Commanders | |
| Commander |  Lt GenPhilip Garrant |
| Deputy Commander | ColAndrew S. Menschner |
| Senior Enlisted Leader | CMSgt Jacqueline Sauvé[5] |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
Space Systems Command (SSC) is theUnited States Space Force'sspace development,acquisition,launch, andlogisticsfield command. It is headquartered atLos Angeles Air Force Base,California, and manages the United States'space launch ranges.[6]
Air Research and Development Command was redesignated as Air Force Systems Command in 1961. As part of that reorganization, theSpace Systems Division (SSD) was established on 20 Mar 1961 and organized (activated) on 1 Apr 1961. In 1967, the Space Systems Division was reorganized as theSpace and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO), absorbing the Ballistic Systems Division's mission. In 1979, the Space and Missile Systems Organization was renamed theSpace Division and divested itself of ballistic missile development. In 1989, the Space Division returned to its historic name of theSpace Systems Division and regained its ballistic missile development role in 1990.
With the merger of Air Force Systems Command andAir Force Logistics Command in 1992, the Space Systems Division was redesignated theSpace and Missile Systems Center (SMC). In 2001 the SMC was reassigned toAir Force Space Command, remaining attached through its redesignation asSpace Operations Command in October 2020. On 22 April 2021, it changed status from a U.S. Air Force unit to aU.S. Space Force unit and was reassigned from Space Operations Command to Headquarters United States Space Force. On 13 August 2021, the Space and Missile Systems Center was upgraded into a Space Force field command, named Space Systems Command.[7][4]
Following the launch ofSputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in October 1957, theEisenhower administration attempted to centralize all military and civil space programs in theAdvanced Research Projects Agency. Responsibility for those programs was returned to the individual services in September 1959. TheU.S. Army was designated lead service forcommunication satellites, theU.S. Navy fornavigation satellites, and theU.S. Air Force forreconnaissance and surveillance satellites andspace launch vehicles. This split arrangement lasted until March 1961, when Secretary of DefenseRobert McNamara assigned the Air Force a near‑monopoly on military space development, with the exception of reconnaissance programs, which were passed to theNational Reconnaissance Office in 1961.[8]
On 1 April 1961, Air Research and Development Command was reorganized asAir Force Systems Command. Space and missile programs had grown to the point where theAir Force Ballistic Missile Division was split on 1 April 1961, with space systems under the Space Systems Division and missile programs under the Ballistic Systems Division.[4]
The Space Systems Division, still located atLos Angeles Air Force Station, carried on the Ballistic Missile Division's development of theTitan III space launch vehicle, which was initiated in 1961 and first flow on 1 September 1964. TheTitan IIIA consisted of a modified Titan II ballistic missile with aTranstage upper stage. TheTitan IIIC was first launched fromCape Canaveral Space Force Station on 18 June 1965 and used two large solid rocket booster. The Space Systems Division also developed theTitan IIIB and provided NASA withTitan II GLVs forProject Gemini and developed theAgena target vehicle.[9]
In 1963, the Space Systems Division began theDefense Support Program, which was intended to succeed where MIDAS failed and create an orbital constellation of infrared missile warning sensors. It also continued developing theVela nuclear detonation detection satellites. The Vela satellite network came out of an Air Force Ballistic Missile Division–Atomic Energy Commission–NASA agreement in 1960 to develop a high-altitude nuclear detection system to ensure compliance with thePartial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The Atomic Energy Commission flew test detectors on Space Systems Division Discoverer satellites and the first Vela satellites were launched on an Atlas-Agena on 16 October 1963.[10]
The Space Systems Division also began development on theDefense Meteorological Support Program (DMSP). The DMSP Block 1 satellites were launched on aScout X-2 rocket in 1962, however the other four launch attempts failed. Further DMSP Block I launches were conducted on theThor-Agena andThor-Burner boosters. The Thor-Burner also launched the DMSP Block II and DMSP Block III satellites, which provided weather reconnaissance during theVietnam War. The Block 4 satellites first launched in 1966. The Army Signal Corps' project SCORE, launched by the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division in 1958, was the world's first communications satellite but intended as a proof of concept. The Army Signal Corps followed by launchingCourier 1B on an Air Force Ballistic Missile DivisionThor-Ablestar in 1960, but it failed after 17 days in orbit. The Space Systems Division began development on theInitial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) in 1962, launching constellations from 1966 to 1968. the IDCSP, also known as the Defense Satellite Communications Program Phase I (DSCS I) once operational, transmitted both voice and images to support the United States during the Vietnam War.[11]
Although almost allcrewed spacecraft programs went to NASA after its creation in 1958, the Air Force retained theBoeing X-20 Dyna-Soar program under theWright Air Development Center, with the Titan IIIC initially intended as its booster. The program, however, was canceled in 1963 when it was determined that theBlue Gemini program would better satisfy its objectives. However, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara announced theManned Orbiting Laboratory program, which was assigned to the Space Systems Division by General Bernard Schriever.Douglas Aircraft Company was responsible for the spacecraft, and the Space Systems Division was developing theTitan IIIM booster. However, the program only had a single test flight,OPS 0855, before being canceled in 1969.[11]
The Space Systems Division also was responsible foranti-satellite weapons development. The first United States ASAT system was the Army'sNike Zeus missiles located atKwajalein Missile Range and declared operational in 1963, but shut down in 1964 by the Defense Department, which favored the Air Force's ASAT efforts. The Space Systems Division'sProgram 437 used Thor boosters and nuclear warheads to destroy a satellite or space-based weapon fromJohnston Atoll. The system was declared operational in 1964 and turned over toAerospace Defense Command, however it was put on standby in 1970 and shut down in 1975. Program 437 also include the Program 437AP configuration, which give it the capability to inspect satellites. The Space Systems Division also managed theSpace Test Program, known as the Space Experiments Support Program until 1971, for the Defense Department since it began in 1965.[11]
In 1965, Space Systems Division replaced the 6594th Aerospace Test Wing with theAir Force Satellite Control Facility. Space launches were also conducted by the Space Systems Division, with the6595th Aerospace Test Wing responsible forVandenberg Air Force Base launches and the6555th Aerospace Test Wing responsible for launches fromCape Canaveral Air Force Station.[11]
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On 1 July 1967, the Space Systems Division and Ballistic Systems Division were remerged, forming the Space and Missile Systems Office (SAMSO).[4] This remerger was prompted by economic reasons and SAMSO was located as Los Angeles Air Force Station. SAMSO did not start any new ballistic missile programs, but did oversee the replacement of the Minuteman I with the Minuteman II, which had improved range and guidance, and the Minuteman III, which more penetration aids to counter anti-ballistic missile defense systems and could be equipped with threemultiple independently targetable reentry vehicles.[11]
The Titan III space launch vehicle family was also expanded to include theTitan IIID andTitan IIIE, which were used to support NASA's launch of theViking program in 1976. The Space and Missile Systems Organization was also the Department of Defense lead for theSpace Transportation System, which would be developed into theSpace Shuttle. As part of its contribution, it built a Space Shuttle launch and recovery site atVandenberg Air Force Base for polar launches and also developed theInertial Upper Stage.[11]
The Space and Missile Systems Organization also oversaw the first launch of the Defense Support Program in 1970 on a Titan IIIC and the development and launch of the Advanced Vela satellites on Titan IIICs in 1967, 1969, and 1970. Three Defense Meteorological Support Program Block 5A, Block 5B, Block 5C, and Block 5D-1 satellites were also launched in the 1970s.[11]
Although not an Air Force program, the Navy'sTransit satellite system was the world's firstsatellite navigation constellation and started development in 1958. It was first launched on an Air Force Ballistic Missile Division booster in 1960 and achieved initial operational capability in 1964 and full operational capability in 1968. Transit used three operational satellites to enable users on ships and submarines to calculate their location in two dimensions and continued to operate until 1996. The Navy and Air Force both began follow on programs, with the Space and Missile Systems Organization developingProject 621B, envisioning a constellation of 20 satellites in synchronous inclined orbits. The Navy'sTimation program instead envisioned a constellation of 21 to 27 satellites in medium altitude orbits. In 1973,Deputy Secretary of DefenseWilliam P. Clements directed the two programs merge into the Space and Missile Systems Organization'sGlobal Positioning System, which used Program 621B's signal structure and frequencies and themedium earth orbits of Timation.[11]
The Space and Missile Systems Organization also led the development of theDefense Satellite Communications System Phase II (DSCS II). DSCS II had increased communications capacity, greater transmission strength, and longer lifetimes. As well, they also had steerable antennas. The first developmental contract was issued in 1969 and the first launch togeosynchronous orbit occurred in 1971, with the full constellation being formed in 1979. SAMSO also operationalized theLincoln Experimental Satellites and Tactical Communications Satellite, building theFleet Satellite Communications System (FLTSATCOM). Although the FLTSATCOM program was owned by the Navy, SAMSO managed the satellite acquisition, which started in 1971. It also managed theAir Force Satellite Communications system which became operational in 1978 and relied on transponders on FLTSATCOM and enabled the Air Force control over its strategic forces. SAMSO also managed the acquisition and launch ofSkynet 1, which was launched on behalf of theRoyal Air Force in 1969 and 1970. SAMSO also assisted the United Kingdom with the development of Skynet 2, which launched in 1974 and was turned over to the Royal Air Force in 1975. SAMSO also acquired and launched the NATO II and NATO III satellites. DSCS II, Skynet, and the NATO satellites were designed to be compatible with each other.[11]
During the 1970s, the Space and Missile Systems Organization began a follow-on ASAT program to Program 437 that did not use nuclear warheads. The first, Project Spike, used a two-staged missile launched from aConvair F-106 Delta Dart. Project Spike did not enter development, however it served as a proof of concept for theAir-launched ASAT, which entered development in 1976.[11]
In 1970, SAMSO's 6555th Aerospace Test Wing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station became the6555th Aerospace Test Group and realigned under its6595th Aerospace Test Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The6595th Aerospace Test Wing was then realigned under SAMSO's new Space and Missile Test Center (SAMTEC), which oversaw launches at both Vandenberg Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and operated theWestern Test Range. In 1977, it gained theEastern Test Range. On 1 August 1971, the 6592nd Support Group for Los Angeles Air Force Station was redesignated the 6592nd Air Base Group.[11]
On 1 October 1979, the Space and Missile Systems Organization was redesignated as the Space Division and split off its ballistic missile functions into the Ballistic Missile Office due to growth in both mission areas.[4]
Starting in 1982, the Ballistic Missile Office assisted Strategic Air Command in deactivating the remaining Titan II missiles and placing them into storage for possible conversion into space launch vehicles. Under theStrategic Arms Limitation Talks, both the United States and Soviet Union were limited in the number of missiles they could deploy. This shifted the focus to quality. In 1973, the Space and Missile Systems Organization started the MX program, which looked at traditionally silo-based, ground-mobile, andair-launched ballistic missile options. In 1982, it was named theLGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM by PresidentRonald Reagan and was capable of launching ten reentry vehicles at different targets more than 6,000 miles away. In 1983, the Peacekeeper had its first test launch fromVandenberg Air Force Base to a target in theKwajalein Missile Range and the first went on alert with Strategic Air Command in 1986, being fully deployed in 1988. The permanent basing construct including making the Peacekeeper rail-mobile on trains, but with the end of the Cold War those plans were canceled by PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush in 1991. The Ballistic Missile Office also started development on theMGM-134 Midgetman ICBM in 1986, also known as the Small ICBM, which would be held in road-mobile launchers. Its first test flight occurred in 1991 fromVandenberg Air Force Base to a target in theKwajalein Missile Range, but was canceled in 1992 due to the end of the Cold War.[11]
The Space Division continued the Space and Missile Systems Organization's military development of theSpace Shuttle alongside NASA, however in 1986 theSpace ShuttleChallengerexploded during launch, forcing NASA to suspend all launches until 1988. Not only did it suspend the development of Shuttle launch and recovery facilities at Vandenberg Air Force Base, but also delayed all military payloads that were scheduled to be launched on the shuttle. The Space Division had been developing theTitan 34D as a backup in the event that there were any issues with the Shuttle program and after two launch failures in 1985 and 1986 suspended Titan 34 Launches, they resumed in 1987, restoring the only launch alternative to the Space Shuttle for large payloads. TheTitan IV had already started development in 1985, but theChallenger disaster reinforced the need to have a diverse fleet of space launch vehicles. The Titan IV had its first launch in 1989 and could use either theInertial Upper Stage or an upgradedCentaur stage. It also began the development of two new medium launch vehicles, with theDelta II intended to launch theGlobal Positioning System and theAtlas II intended to launch theDefense Satellite Communications System.[11]
The Space Division launched the first Defense Meteorological Support Program Block 5D-2s and started the procurement process for DMSP Block 5D-3s, as well as starting the deployment of the Global Positioning System constellation. It also continued theDefense Satellite Communications System Phase III deployment, launching the first in 1982 and the full constellation was completed in 1993. TheMilitary Strategic and Tactical Relay, or Milstar, strategic satellite communication program was started in 1982.[11]
The Space Division initiated the largest change to theAir Force Satellite Control Network since its inception, with Secretary of DefenseHarold Brown authorizing the construction of a Consolidated Space Operations Center atFalcon Air Force Base in 1979. It was intended to comprise two parts, a Satellite Operations Complex to replaceOnizuka Air Force Base and a Shuttle Operations and Planning Center to replaceJohnson Space Center for military missions. The Shuttle Operation and Planning Center was canceled in 1987, while the Consolidated Space Operations Center gradually came online in 1989 and was fully transferred toAir Force Space Command in 1993.[11]
The Space Division also continued the air-launched ASAT program that SAMSO started in 1976, culminating in the development of theASM-135 ASAT. Its first test was on 21 January 1984 and on 13 September 1985, it was launched from aMcDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle to destroy theSolwind research satellite. The program was terminated in 1988 due to budgetary and congressional restrictions. Starting in 1983, the Department of Defense announced theStrategic Defense Initiative to provide missile defense, with the Space Division responsible for its space-based and Air Force components. In 1987, the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization selected the Space Division'sBoost Surveillance and Tracking System,Space Surveillance and Tracking System, andSpace-Based Interceptor for demonstration.[11]
Immediately following the establishment of the Space Division on 1 October 1979, the Space and Missile Test Center was redesignated as the Space and Missile Test Organization, comprising theEastern Space and Missile Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and theWestern Space and Missile Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base. On 1 September 1982,Air Force Space Command was activated as the Air Force's first major command for space and on 1 October 1987 theAir Force Satellite Control Facility was inactivated, with its functions being replaced by Air Force Space Command's wings. The Space and Missile Test Organization was inactivated on 1 October 1989, and on 1 October 1990 the Eastern Space and Missile Center and Western Space and Missile Center were transferred to Air Force Space Command's9th Space Division, making it responsible for space launch.[11]
However, the Space Division did gain responsibility for some research and development functions, gaining theAir Force Space Technology Center atKirtland Air Force Base in October 1982. The Air Force Space Technology Center consisted of theAir Force Weapons Laboratory, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, andAir Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. In 1990, the Air Force Space Technology Center was renamed thePhillips Laboratory and its three sub-laboratories were directly incorporated into it.[11]
On 15 March 1989, the Space Division reassumed its historical name of the Space Systems Division and the Ballistic Missile Office also was renamed the Ballistic Systems Division. Due to cutbacks in the ballistic missile program due to the end of the Cold War, the Ballistic Systems Division was renamed the Ballistic Missile Organization and realigned under the Space Systems Division on 5 May 1990.[11][4]
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As part of the Air Force's restructuring in the early 1990s, Air Force Systems Command merged withAir Force Logistics Command to formAir Force Materiel Command on 1 July 1992. As part of this merger, the Space Systems Division was redesignated as the Space and Missile Systems Center on the same date.[4] On 1 October 1993, the 6592nd Air Base Group was redesignated the 655th Air Base Squadron as part of an Air Force-wide restructuring of support groups. In January 1993,Kirtland Air Force Base and the377th Air Base Wing were directly assigned to the Space and Missile Systems Center and the61st Air Base Group atLos Angeles Air Force Base was activated on 1 October 1994, replacing the 655th Air Base Squadron. On 8 April 1997, the Philips Laboratory was merged with other Air Force laboratories to form theAir Force Research Laboratory and Kirtland Air Force Base and its 377th Air Base Wing was transferred to theAir Armament Center on 1 October 1998. The remaining space functions at Kirtland AFB, including test and evaluation, launch of experimental payloads, and Space Shuttle Operations were consolidated into Detachment 12 which activated on 29 June 2001.[11]
TheSTART I treaty of 1991 andSTART II treaty of 1993 between the United States and the Soviet Union and its successor, the Russian Federation, dramatically reduced the amount of nuclear warheads in each superpower's arsenal. This resulted in the U.S. Air Force reducing the amount of Minuteman missiles, reconfiguring its missiles to have only one warhead, and scrapping the Pershing missiles. Due to the dramatic reduction in ballistic missiles, the Space and Missile Systems Center's Ballistic Missile Organization was officially inactivated in September 1993.[11]
The Space and Missile Systems Center followed up on the Space Division's development of theDelta II andAtlas II space launch vehicles, procuring launches using the upgradedAtlas III, which used the RussianRD-180 engine. Following six launch failures from April 1998 to May 1999 the Department of Defense started the Launch Broad Area Review, releasing its report in November 1999 and recommending that the Space and Missile Systems Center have broadened responsibility for all Department of Defense launches, from acquisition to deliver of spacecraft on-orbit.[11]
In August 1994, PresidentBill Clinton signed a National Transportation Space Policy, assigning responsibility for expendable launch vehicles to the Defense Department and directed it to develop improved variants of current vehicles. In response, the Space and Missile Systems Center built theEvolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program and awarded the first contracts in 1995. One went toMcDonnell Douglas for theDelta IV andDelta IV Heavy, while the other went toLockheed Martin for theAtlas V.[11] In 2006, the two launch providers merged to formUnited Launch Alliance.[12] In 2016,SpaceX was awarded its first military launch under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, using itsFalcon 9 andFalcon Heavy boosters.[13][14] In 2019, in part due to SpaceX's success with reusable rockets, the program's name was changed toNational Security Space Launch.[15]
In 1994, the Space and Missile Systems Center had started theSpace-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program to replace theDefense Support Program. SBIRS was built upon technology tested for theStrategic Defense Initiative, launching its first satellite in 2011.[16] Since the 1970s, proposals were made to merge the military andNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather satellites. In 1994, President Clinton directed that the programs eventually be merged. In 1995, the Air Force, NASA, and NOAA started theNational Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System which was intended to replace the Defense Metrological Support Program and be operated by NOAA, but the program collapsed due to cost overruns in 2010 and a full merging of the programs has not occurred. A second Defense Department-only effort, theDefense Weather Satellite System, was canceled by Congress in 2012.[17]
TheGlobal Positioning System constellation became fully completed in 1994 and achieved initial operational capability in 1995.Milstar had its first launch in 1995 and the Space and Missile Systems Center started development on theWideband Global SATCOM system to replace theDefense Satellite Communications System and theAdvanced Extremely High Frequency to replace Milstar. TheBrilliant Pebbles space-based anti-missile interceptor was transferred to the Space and Missile Systems Center in 1993 from theBallistic Missile Defense Organization, but was terminated in 1994.[11]
In 2001, the Space Commission came out with its report on national security space. A major recommendation was realigning the Space and Missile Systems Center from Air Force Materiel Command toAir Force Space Command to consolidate management of space programs to one major command. This occurred on 1 October 2001.[11]
On 1 August 2006, the Space and Missile Systems Center reorganized itself along a traditional Air Force wing and group construct. These included theMilitary Satellite Communications Systems Wing which replaced the MILSATCOM Joint System Program Office (JPO), theLaunch and Range Systems Wing, which replaced the Launch and Ranges JPO, theGlobal Positioning Systems Wing, which replaced the Navstar GPS JPO, theSpace-Based Infrared Systems Wing, which replaced the SBIRS System Program Office (SPO), theSpace Superiority Systems Wing, theSpace Development and Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, which included the former SMC Detachment 12, the61st Air Base Wing, which replaced the 61st Air Base Group, the Satellite Control and Network Systems Group, which replaced the Air Force Satellite Control Network SPO, the Space Logistics Group, which replaced the SMC Logistics Support Squadron, and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Systems Group, which replaced the DMSP SPO.[18] On 31 March 2008, the Missile Defense Systems Group was activated.[4]
However, in response to the lead of Air Force Materiel Command, on 10 November 2010 the wings and groups redesignated as directorates and divisions as part of an Air Force acquisitions wide effort.[19] This resulted in the 61st Air Base Wing being inactivated and replaced with the 61st Air Base Group, the GPS Wing becoming theGlobal Positioning Systems Directorate, the Launch and Range Systems Wing becoming theLaunch Enterprise Directorate, the MILSATCOM Wing becoming theMilitary Satellite Communications Directorate, the Space Superiority Systems Wing becoming theSpace Superiority Systems Directorate, the SIBRS Wing becoming theInfrared Space Systems Directorate, the Space Development and Test Wing becoming the Space Development and Test Directorate, the Space Logistics Group becoming the Space Logistics Directorate, the DMSP Group becoming the Defense Weather Systems Directorate, the Missile Defense Systems Group becoming the Missile Defense Systems Division, and the Satellite Control and Network Systems Group becoming the Satellite Control and Network Systems Division[20]
In 2014, the Space and Missile Systems Center combined its Developmental Planning Directorate and the Space Development and Test Directorate to form the Advanced Systems and Development Directorate.[21] The Range and Network Systems Division was eventually stood up to replace the functions of the Satellite Control and Network Systems Division and in 2015 the Defense Weather Systems Directorate and Infrared Space Systems Directorate were combined into theRemote Sensing Systems Directorate.[22][23] In 2019, these directorates were all replaced as part of the SMC 2.0 reorganization, which instead established the Development Corps, which was responsible for innovation and prototyping, a Production Corps, an Enterprise Corps, which conducted support for products and launch, and an Atlas Corps which provided personnel management.[24]
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When the United States Space Force was established as an independent service on 20 December 2019, Air Force Space Command was redesignated as United States Space Force, but functionally remained a major command within the Air Force. The Space and Missile Systems Center remained a part of United States Space Force as it was redesignated asSpace Operations Command, until it was reassigned to Headquarters Space Force on 22 April 2021 and officially transferred from the U.S. Air Force center to a U.S. Space Force field command, although it continued to use the Space and Missile Systems Center name.[4]
In July 2021, PresidentBiden nominated Deputy Director of theNational Reconnaissance OfficeMaj GenMichael Guetlein to lead Space Systems Command. He wasconfirmed with a promotion tolieutenant general on 29 July 2021 which became effective on 13 August 2021.[25]
On 13 August 2021, the Space and Missile Systems Center was redesignated as Space Systems Command on 13 August 2021. The commander is a Space Force lieutenant general, while the deputy command is a Space Force major general and is also responsible for space launch. In addition to Space and Missile Systems Center units realigning, the 61st Air Base Group was redesignated theLos Angeles Garrison. Space Systems Command also gainedSpace Launch Delta 30 andSpace Launch Delta 45, which they had given up to Air Force Space Command in 1990. The commander of Space Launch Delta 45, a brigadier general, is the Space Systems Command operations director and range acquisitions lead.Air Force Research Laboratory space units, such as the Space Vehicles Directorate, Space Electro-Optical Division, Rocket Propulsion Division, and Space Systems Technology Division, administratively report to Space Systems Command, while remaining under the aligned under Air Force Research Labs. TheAir Force Life Cycle Management Center's Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems Division, responsible for ground-based radars, missile warning, space domain awareness, missile defense systems, and shared early warning capabilities, transferred to Space Systems Command.[7] Space Systems Command also provides support to theSpace Rapid Capabilities Office andSpace Development Agency (to be transferred in 2022), which are direct reporting units to theChief of Space Operations.[7]
One 8 December 2023, SSC stood up the first two provisional System Deltas (SYDs) in an activation and assumption of command ceremony at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.
The two SYDs will prototype a new concept to maximize the recently announced provisional Integrated Mission Deltas (IMDs), which are organized around mission areas (e.g. position, navigation, and timing; electromagnetic warfare) instead of functional ones (e.g. intelligence, operations, cyber effects). The new Deltas were announced by the Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman in a CSO Notice To Guardians published 13 October 2023.[26]
SYDs will consolidate program offices in SSC that design, develop, and deliver mission systems under a mission-focused command structure for acquisitions. IMDs will consolidate all aspects of mission-area readiness into a single organization, combining units in Space Operations Command (SpOC) that perform mission generation, intelligence support, and cyber defense with program offices at SSC that handle sustainment.
Pairing IMDs in SpOC with complementary SYDs in SSC will streamline unity of effort for capability development.[27]
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At the top of the design, rising into space, is a delta riding on an ignition plume. The delta and plume represent thelaunch vehicles need to place Space Force assets into orbit and signifies launch operations fromWest andEast coast ranges. The constellationAquila symbolizes the space environment, reflecting Space Systems Command's developing and fielding of space warfighting capabilities. The primary star represents the Space Force's on-orbit capabilities. The sweeping orbit and thunderbolt represent the Space Force's space assets safeguarding the Earth.[3]
Gold is Space Systems Command's distinguishing color and signifying the excellence and intelligence required to identify, prototype, and field innovative space capabilities.[3]
The Space Systems Command emblem and flag were unveiled on 13 April 2021, replacing the Space and Missile Systems Center emblem.[28]
After space and missiles functions were reunited under the Space and Missile Systems Center, it continued to use the old Space and Missile Systems Organization emblem for 10 years. However, when the Space and Missile Systems Center transferred from Air Force Materiel Command to Air Force Space Command it adopted a new emblem on 2 August 2002 to better express its mission and allegiance to Air Force Space Command.[11]
Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe represents the night and day missions that the satellite and missile systems must perform. The four pole stars symbolize thecommunication,navigation,surveillance andweather satellites utilized by the Center. The flight symbol stands for deployedmissile systems.[11]
When the Space and Missile Systems Organization was activated in 1967, it determined it needed a new emblem to represent its space and missile missions. The SAMSO emblem was first approved on 22 May 1968. When the Space Division was established in 1979, it continued to use the SAMSO emblem but reinterpreted it. When the Space and Missile Systems Center was established in 1992, the dual space and missile symbiology was restored. The emblem was replaced in 2002 when the Space and Missile Systems Center transferred to Air Force Space Command.[29]
The Space and Missile Systems Center Organizational emblem represents the cooperation of science, industry, and the military in advancing the defense technology of the United States, and the role of SMC in unifying and directing this effort. It also symbolizes the two major elements of the Organization's mission--missile andspace booster power andsatellites in orbit.[30]
In the first symbolism, the diagonal lines represent the role of science, industry, and the military, respectively, in advancing defense technology; and the triangle depicts the function of SMC in directing and managing the work of these elements in the pursuit of desired military objectives. The circle surrounding the diagonal lines represents the total integrating role of SMC in planning, developing and testing military systems and in acquiring them for the national defense.[30]
In the second symbolism, the triangle joined by the three lines symbolizes rocket booster power for payloads as the basis for both ballistic missile and space systems, while the circle represents both satellites and their orbital traces.[30]
When the Western Development Division was first established in 1954, it used the emblem of its major command,Air Research and Development Command. This was carried over by the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division until it created its own emblem on 2 November 1960, which was based on Air Research and Development Command's. However, with the activation of Air Force Systems Command in 1961, the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division was split.[11]
The Space Systems Division was established in 1961 and modified the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division's emblem to form its own, was used from 5 July 1962 until the Space and Missile Systems Organization was formed in 1967. The Ballistic Systems Division also modified elements of the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, having its emblem approved on 14 February 1962. The Ballistic Systems Division's emblem was retired following the Space and Missile Systems Organization's establishment in 1967, but the Ballistic Missile Office received authorization to use it starting on 1 December 1980, and it was continuously used by the Ballistic Systems Division and Ballistic Missile Organization until it was inactivated on 2 September 1993.[11]
| Delta | Headquarters | Current commander |
|---|---|---|
| Space Systems Command | ||
 Space Base Delta 3 (SBD 3) | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Mia L. Walsh |
 Space Acquisition Management Delta[31] | Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado | |
 Assured Access To Space Directorate (AATS or SSC/AA) | ||
| Acquisition Delta – Mission Solutions (AAM)[32] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Chad W. Melone |
| Acquisition Delta – Launch Execution (AAL)[33] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col James T. Horne[34] |
 Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) | Vandenberg Space Force Base,California | Col Mark A. Shoemaker |
 Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) | Patrick Space Force Base,Florida | Brig GenKristin Panzenhagen |
 Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications Directorate (BMC3 or SSC/BC)[33] | ||
| Acquisition Delta – Operational Command and Control | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Cecilia Montes de Oca[35] |
| Acquisition Delta – Tactical Command and Control | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Peter C. Mastro |
| Product Support Delta – Data Transport[36] | Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado | Shawn Sawyer |
 Military Communications & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Directorate (MCPNT or SSC/CG)[33] | ||
| Acquisition Delta – Tactical SATCOM (CGT)[36] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Charlotte M. Gerhart |
| Acquisition Delta – Strategic SATCOM (CGS)[36] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col A. J. Ashby[35] |
| Acquisition Delta – Narrowband SATCOM (CGN)[36] | Naval Base Point Loma,California[37] | Capt Peter J. Sheehy |
| Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System Delta (PNT SYD)[27] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Matthew L. Spencer |
 Space Sensing Directorate (SSC/SN) | ||
| Acquisition Delta – Commercial Space | Washington, D.C. | Col Richard Kniseley[35] |
 Acquisition Delta – Resilient Missile Warning, Tracking, Defense (SNR)[33] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Heather B. Bogstie |
 Acquisition Delta – Environmental and Tactical Surveillance (SNS)[38] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Daniel J. Visosky[35] |
| Acquisition Delta – Strategic Missile Warning[39] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Daniel T. Walter |
| Product Support Delta – Space Sensing (SNP)[33] | Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado | Anita J. McCorvey |
 Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate (SDACP or SSC/SZ)[33] | ||
 Acquisition Delta – Innovation and Prototyping (SZI)[40] | Kirtland Air Force Base,New Mexico | Col Joseph J. Roth |
| Acquisition Delta – Warfighter Enterprise | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Corey J. Klopstein |
| Acquisition Delta – Space Warfighting (SZA) | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Col Erik S. Stockham |
| Acquisition Delta – Advanced MILSATCOM | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | John Kirkemo |
 Acquisition Delta – Space Domain Awareness (SZG) | Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado | F. Schnell |
 Acquisition Delta – Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems (SZQ) | Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado | Col Jason E. West |
| Electromagnetic Warfare System Delta[27] | Los Angeles Air Force Base,California | Jordan Riedel |
Denotes planned unit but not yet activated.
| No. | Commander | Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | Name | Took office | Left office | Duration | |
| 1 |  | Lieutenant General Michael Guetlein | 13 August 2021 | 21 December 2023 | 2 years, 130 days |
| - |  | Joy M. White Acting | 21 December 2023 | 1 February 2024 | 42 days |
| 2 | _(cropped).jpg) | Lieutenant General Philip Garrant | 1 February 2024 | Incumbent | 1 year, 259 days |
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