EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AFNS) -- Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for developing and delivering resilient space capabilities, stood up its newest Systems Delta through an activation and assumption of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base Aug. 8. The new Systems Delta 85 delivers integrated Space Domain Awareness, missile warning/tracking, missile defense, Command, Control and Communication, Battle Management and Space Intelligence capabilities for the U.S. Space Force and joint warfighters.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michelle Idle, mobilization assistant to the commander, SSC, presided over the ceremony at which Col. Jason West assumed command of SYD 85. “The Space Force’s System Delta framework aligns our acquisition programs within mission areas, allowing us to synchronize efforts and streamline the work between acquisitions and operations with our Mission Delta counterparts,” Idle said. “The framework consolidates and unifies existing command authorities and activities to foster unit cohesion, align command priorities and optimize the force.”
The new SYD 85 contains three System Program Directors corresponding to Battlespace Awareness, Battle Management and Space Access and Networked Services. In addition to the SPDs, there is a direct report System Program Manager supporting Space Intelligence efforts within the PEO BMC3I portfolio. The SPDs and SPMs are focused on developing and fielding sensors, satellite control antennas, data systems and software capabilities to counter adversary actions and threats in and through the space domain.
“Our mission in SYD 85 is to deliver effective, integrated and supported capabilities to enable space superiority and to forge a new generation of acquisitions professionals to defend our forces, homeland and allies,” West said. “In close collaboration with the PEO BMC3I, Space Operations Command Mission Deltas, combatant commands, intelligence community and other partners, SYD 85 is leading the way to rapid and effective fielding of new capabilities and cross-cutting integration of weapon systems critical to our national security.”
SYDs consolidate the design, development and delivery of systems under a mission-focused command structure for acquisitions. The SYDs are complementary to SpOC’s Mission Deltas, which are responsible for the sustainment of space systems, and will consolidate all aspects of mission-area readiness under SSC’s current PEO organizational construct. This new alignment combines current Acquisition Deltas into SYDs that have mission sets aligned to SpOC MDs performing mission generation, intelligence support and cyber defense.
The aligned MD and SYD organizations are structured to work together to improve mission readiness, achieve unity of command and effort and ensure the nation’s interests in, from and to space. Additional SSC SYDs slated for activation in the coming months completing the synchronization of acquisition efforts for new capabilities include:
Sept. 9 – SYD 81 for Test and Training
Sept. 12 – SYD 88 for Satellite Communications
Sept. 30 – SYD 89 for Combat Power
Oct. 2 – SYD 831 for Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT)
Oct. 7 – SYD 80 for Assured Access to Space
The U.S. Space Force anticipates minimal changes in physical relocation of personnel and the SYD activations do not change the core missions of SSC and other field commands. The basic field command structure – SpOC, SSC and STARCOM remain the same.
“Our systems are the foundation that makes all other systems work. Without battle space awareness, we are blind, without intelligence, we are lost,” West said. “On Day One, I have one standing order for SYD 85, I want you to seize the opportunities that this SYD affords. SYD 85 strengthens connections that enable the warfighter mentality and empowers combatant commands to win the strategic advantage for the first move.”
SSC is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia and allied nations.