MISSION
The 18th Space Control Squadron, a component of Space Delta 2, is the U.S. Space Force’s premier Space Domain Awareness squadron and provides and advances a continuous, comprehensive, and combat-relevant understanding of the space situation. The squadron is located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., and executes command and control of the U.S. Space Force Space Surveillance Setwork (SSN) – a global collection of ground and space-based sensors that track all man-made objects in Earth’s orbit.
The squadron processes SSN data to monitor all activity to, in, and from space, and maintains custody of all resident space objects. Primary mission functions include launch detection and tracking, conjunction assessment and collision avoidance, human spaceflight support, maneuver detection, breakup identification, and reentry assessment. These functions ultimately enhance an information advantage and enable space superiority in the defense of U.S. and allied interests. Additionally, 18th Space Control Squadron also executes U.S. Space Command’s Space Situational Awareness sharing program, which provides tracking data of resident space objects to commercial, international and academic partners.
- Promote peaceful and responsible use of space by tracking more than 37,500 man-made objects and sharing space data with the world via the website: www.space-track.org
- Reduce uncertainty in space domain to minimize risk of misunderstanding and miscalculations
LOCATIONS
The 18th Space Control Squadron is jointly located with the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) at Vandenberg SFB. The squadron also has a detachment located at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in Virginia, and two operating locations in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 18th Space Control Squadron, Detachment 1 at Dahlgren serves as a primary backup and performs the same mission functions as the Vandenberg team, as well as tailored space support to the Navy. Among these four locations, the 18th Space Control Squadron has approximately 140 military and civil service personnel permanently assigned, as well as exchange officers from Canada and the United Kingdom.
HISTORY
The squadron enjoys a rich history of service. In 1966, the 18th Space Surveillance Squadron (SPSS) was activated at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and operated the BakerNunn Camera satellite tracking system until the deactivation of the squadron in 1975. The 18 SPSS was then activated in 1990 to become part of the 1st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colo., and manage the worldwide GEODSS detachments. Following its activation, 18 SPSS was relocated to Edwards AFB, Calif., in 1995, renamed 18th Space Control Squadron in 2003, and deactivated in 2004. From 2004 to 2016, the space surveillance mission was executed by other USAF organizations located at Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station in Colorado, and within the CSpOC in California. On July 22, 2016, the 18th SPCS was reactivated at Vandenberg SFB, to perform the space domain awareness mission.
Updated Nov. 2021