DELTA MISSION:
Space Delta 9 generates, presents, sustains, and improves combat-ready forces to conduct full-spectrum orbital warfare operations, experimentation, and technology demonstrations. The purpose of Space Delta 9 is to generate combat-ready orbital warfare forces and to serve as the combat forces proponent for the orbital warfare mission area. Orbital warfare forces provide Combatant Commanders with the combat power to defeat space and counterspace threats.
ORGANIZATION:
Space Delta 9 consists of four active-duty squadrons and one detachment headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, which are the 1st and 3rd Space Operations Squadrons, and 9th Combat Training Squadron and Delta 9 Detachment 1, as well as the 5th Space Operations Squadron headquartered at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C.
The 1st Space Operations Squadron (1 SOPS) generates, presents, sustains, and improves combat-ready forces to conduct space-based surveillance and close-proximity reconnaissance to safeguard freedom of action for US interests across all warfighting domains. 1 SOPS contributes to space domain awareness (SDA) by conducting Resident Space Object (RSO) characterization operations and by providing metric observations of Geosynchronous Orbit-based RSOs to USSF space catalog systems of record. 1 SOPS also assists in spacecraft anomaly resolution and baseline spacecraft configuration by conducting characterization operations of cooperative spacecraft.
The 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) generates, presents, sustains, and improves combat-ready forces that can close with and defeat enemy forces in space. 3 SOPS defends freedom of action for military forces in every domain through full-spectrum orbital warfare operations. Furthermore, 3 SOPS generates an Orbital Warfare Contingency Response Force that provides flexible combat power to support full-spectrum orbital warfare missions on contingency timelines. 3 SOPS performs space operations; spacecraft and ground system sustainment; develops orbital engagement concepts and training; validates TTPs; and conducts live on-orbit experiments, demonstrations, and proof-of-concepts.
The 5th Space Operations Squadron (5 SOPS) generates, sustains, and improves forces to demonstrate experimental reusable space technologies. 5 SOPS oversees the operations of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, an experimental program designed to demonstrate technologies for reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the USSF.
Space Delta 9 Detachment 1 provides leading-edge space threat analysis and direct support to orbital warfare operations and warfighters by delivering cryptologic, all-source, and cross-functional intelligence to drive mission planning and operations across the range of USSF capabilities.
The 9th Combat Training Squadron (9 CTS) 9 CTS generates and improves combat-ready orbital warfare forces, empowered with the tactical skills and innovative mindset necessary to defend and secure our nation’s interests. 9 CTS conducts training, relates intelligence, builds weapons and tactics understanding, and delivers operational support understanding necessary to generate combat ready orbital warfare forces. 9 CTS was activated to prepare U.S. Spacecrew professionals within Space Delta 9 to be Basic Mission Qualified through Orbital Defense Initiation; integrated academics, and combat fundamentals training. Additionally, 9 CTS supports Space Delta 9’s operational units with Recurring Training; Combat Training; exercise support and coordination; and crew position evaluations in support of CCMD requirements.
HISTORY:
Space Delta 9, a component of the U.S. Space Force, was established and activated July 24, 2020.
Space Delta 9 was previously designated as the 750th Operations Group, which was established June 19, 2020. The group was re-designated Space Delta 9 on July 24, 2020, as part of the U.S. Space Force’s structure change. Space Delta 9 has no heraldry associated with former Air Force units.