SSC stands up new operational test, training infrastructure system Delta

Published Sept. 18, 2025
Space Systems Command Public Affairs

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AFNS) -- Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing and delivering resilient space capabilities, stood up its newest System Delta through a stand-up and assumption of command ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sept. 9. The new System Delta 81, headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado delivers capability in support of STARCOM’s mission to develop Guardians and validate capabilities and concepts to ensure U.S. Space Force combat effectiveness.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michelle Idle, SSC’s mobilization assistant to the SSC commander, presided over the ceremony at which Col. Corey Klopstein assumed command of SYD 81.

“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 and Space Delta counterparts,” Idle said. “The framework consolidates and unifies command authorities and activities to foster unit cohesion, align command priorities and optimize the force.”

USSF Col. Corey Klopstein, SSC System Delta 81 commander, address members of the SYD 81 System Delta at a stand-up ceremony on Sept. 9, 2025. (USAF Photo by Senior Airman William Pugh) — Col. Corey Klopstein, Space Systems Command System Delta 81 commander, address members of the SYD 81 System Delta during an assumption of command ceremony Sept. 9, 2025. The new System Delta 81 delivers capability in support of Space Training and Readiness Command’s mission to develop Guardians and validate capabilities and concepts to ensure U.S. Space Force combat effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman William Pugh)

SYD 81 advances High-End Advanced Test, Training and Tactics development, distributed training capabilities and live test and training ranges. It also builds out the underlying infrastructure to connect and integrate test and training events as well as provide the rapid delivery of products and services to support wargames and exercises.

“Our mission in SYD 81 is to build and field capabilities so Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Operations Command can successfully meet their readiness needs,” Klopstein said. “We leverage partnerships across field commands, the intelligence community, laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers and University Affiliated Research Centers, to rapidly deliver capabilities needed to support operational testing, combat training and tactics validation. SYD 81 members come to work every day with a laser focus — every system tested, every tactic proven and every Guardian ready!”

The new SYD 81 contains one system program director, formerly known as a senior materiel leader. In addition to the SPD, there are five system program managers, formerly known as materiel leaders. The SPD and SPMs are focused on supporting cross mission tactics, ensure Guardians are able to counter a thinking and motivated adversary and validate weapon systems performance while training Guardians for combat.

SYDs consolidate the design, development, and delivery of systems under a mission-focused command structure for acquisitions and are complementary to the Delta constructs across the field commands.

The new alignment combines current SSC acquisition organizations into SYDs that have mission sets aligned to SpOC Mission Deltas performing mission generation, intelligence support and cyber defense, and STARCOM’s Space Deltas executing Training (Delta 1), Doctrine and Wargaming (Delta 10), Range and Aggressors (Delta 11) and Test and Evaluation (Delta 12) and Education (Delta 13).

A group photo of the Airmen, Guardians, civilians and space professionals who support the newest Space System Command System Delta 81, after a ceremony on Sept. 9, 2025. (USAF Photo by Senior Airman William Pugh) — U.S. Air Force Airmen, Guardians, civilians and space professionals who support the newest Space System Command System Delta 81 pose for a photo after an assumption of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. Sept. 9, 2025. The new System Delta 81 delivers capability in support of Space Training and Readiness Command’s mission to develop Guardians and validate capabilities and concepts to ensure U.S. Space Force combat effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman William Pugh)

The aligned Mission Deltas, Space Deltas and SYDs 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 are slated for stand-up in the coming weeks completing the synchronization of acquisition efforts for new capabilities.

Minimal changes in physical relocation of personnel are anticipated, and the SYD stand-ups do not change the core missions of SSC or other field commands. U.S. Space Force field command structure – SpOC, SSC and STARCOM remain the same.

“The efforts across SYD 81 will ensure our Guardians are equipped with the right tools, able to validate capabilities and enhance combat effectiveness,” Klopstein said. Since Day One, we have embraced change as an opportunity and know our team will work tirelessly to ensure our Guardians are ready.”