18th Space Defense Squadron

The mission of the 18th SDS is to provide and advance a continuous, comprehensive, and combat-relevant understanding of the space situation.[1]

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, the 18 SDS also executes U.S. Space Command’s Space Situational Awareness sharing program, which provides tracking data of resident space objects to DoD, interagency, commercial, international and academic partners to:

• Promote peaceful and responsible use of space by tracking more than 45,000 man-made objects and sharing space data with the world
• Reduce uncertainty in space domain to minimize risk of misunderstanding and miscalculations[2]

The 18th Space Surveillance Squadron (SPSS) was the optical portion of the United States Space Force's Space Surveillance Network. They were responsible for operating four worldwide GEODSS sites, in addition to the Transportable Optical System (TOS), and the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC). The focal point for all optical command and control was centralized at the Optical Command, Control and Communications Facility (OC3F). The 18 SPSS became part of the 1st Space Wing, Air Force Space Command, on 1 February 1990.

The unit was reassigned from the 1st Space Wing to the 73d Space Group on 15 May 1992.

The 18th SPSS relocated to Edwards Air Force Base, California in July 1995. The 73rd Space Group was deactivated in May 1995 and all units were then assigned to the 21st Space Wing. With a force-wide renaming of space units, the 18th SPSS became the 18th Space Control Squadron (18 SPCS) in February 2003. This renaming did not last long, however, since the unit was deactivated in June 2004, with all detachments falling under the 21st Operations Group.

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.[2]

On 22 July 2016, the 18th Space Control Squadron was reinstated at Vandenberg Air Force Base.[3] The squadron had a mission focused on space situational awareness in support of launches, object and debris tracking, and human spaceflight.[4][5]

On 13 April 2022, the 18th Space Control Squadron was re-designated to the 18th Space Defense Squadron. [6] The change was to signify the squadron’s focus on the increasingly congested and contested space domain and their critical role in providing data and information to ensure the safety, security, and sustainability of the space environment.

• Lt Col T. Simpson[7]
• Lt Col Scott G. Putnam, 22 July 2016 – July 2017[8]
• Lt Col Mia Walsh, July 2017 – 18 June 2019[9]
• Lt Col Justin Sorice, 18 June 2019 – ~June 2021[10]
• Lt Col Matthew Lintker, June 2021 – present

• 18 SPCS, Detachment 1 – Dahlgren, Virginia
• 18 SPSS, Detachment 1 – Socorro, New Mexico
• 18 SPSS, Detachment 2 – Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territories
• 18 SPSS, Detachment 3 – Maui, Hawaii
• 18 SPSS, Detachment 4 – Morón AB, Spain[11]

• 18th Space Control Squadron (February 2003 – June 2004, 22 July 2016 – 13 Apr 2022)
• 18th Space Surveillance Squadron (1 November 1966 – 1 October 1975; 1 February 1990 – 1994)

[12]

• Vandenberg Space Force Base, California (22 July 2016 – Present)
• Edwards AFB, California (1 November 1994 – 2004)
• Peterson AFB, Colorado (1 February 1990 – 1 November 1994)
• Edwards AFB, California (1 January 1967 – 1 October 1975)

• Ground-based Electro Optical Deep Space Surveillance System (February 1990 – 2004)
• Baker-Nunn satellite tracking cameras (January 1967-October 1975)

[13]

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[14]
  • 1 October 1997 – 30 September 1999[15]
  • 1 January 1998 – 31 December 1998[16]
  • 1 October 1995 – 30 September 1997[17]
  • 8 July 1970 – 7 July 1971[18]