Space Systems Command establishes new pair of defensive cyber squadrons to protect launch operations

WASHINGTON - U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) has established two Defensive Cyber Operations Squadrons to protect launch infrastructure from cyber threats during space launch operations at major U.S. ranges.

The new units are assigned to Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and Space Launch Delta 45 at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida. Their mission is to monitor SSC launch ranges in real time and defend against cyber attacks targeting launch systems and supporting infrastructure.

Squad goals

The Defensive Cyber Operations Squadrons act as mission assurance teams for launch infrastructure, providing continuous monitoring and active cyber defense before and during launches. During critical countdown and launch windows, they analyze network activity, telemetry, and command-and-control systems to detect anomalies, unauthorized access, or malware, and respond immediately to isolate and neutralize threats before they can disrupt operations. This real-time protection is designed to safeguard increasingly networked and software-defined launch systems from cyber intrusion.

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Beyond live operations, the squadrons focus on hardening launch range systems and reducing vulnerabilities across ground infrastructure. Their work includes vulnerability assessments, system patching, configuration validation, and integration of cyber threat intelligence to anticipate adversary tactics. They are tasked with defending against a range of threats, including denial-of-service attacks, command-link spoofing, and attempts to compromise ground systems or mission data, while coordinating closely with engineers, operators, and mission partners to ensure secure, resilient launch readiness.

The most recent unit, the 630th Cyberspace Squadron, was activated 10 March 2026 at Vandenberg and aligned under Space Launch Delta 30. The squadron is focused on defending critical launch systems against adversaries seeking to disrupt or degrade U.S. access to space.

"Access to space is critical for our Nation’s national security, national defense, and our economy," said Maj. Torius Davis, commander of the 630th Cyberspace Squadron. "Our adversaries know this, and are constantly looking for ways to deny, disrupt, or destroy our ability to launch. Our new Defensive Cyber Operations Squadrons are just one of the ways the U.S. Space Force is staying ahead of the threat."

The 645th Cyberspace Squadron, the first of the two units, was reassigned from Space Delta 6 to Space Launch Delta 45 at Patrick Space Force Base effective 22 September 2025. The squadron is commanded by Lt. Col. John Quinn and provides cyber defense for launch operations on the Eastern Range.

"Years ago, launch sites were mainly concerned with physical security: keeping unauthorized personnel out of sensitive areas and to prevent sabotage or espionage of critical equipment," Quinn said. "But as space operations have become more digitized, we’ve had to increase our security protection against a host of potential cyber-attacks. Much like the anti-jamming capabilities we build into our modern satellites, our new Cyberspace Squadrons will work to secure our launch systems from a myriad of potential threats, from hijacking satellites or ground systems to using malware to gain unauthorized access to our systems."