USSF Space Systems Command Announces Formation of Defensive Cyber Squadrons

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  • By SSC Public Affairs
Summary: Two new Defensive Cyber Operations Squadrons are actively monitoring SSC’s Launch Ranges during Launch Operations to defend in real time from any adversaries attempting a cyber-attack during launch. The squadrons are located at Space Launch Delta (SLD) 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base and SLD 45 at Patrick Space Force Base.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – U.S. Space Force’s SSC Space Launch Delta (SLD) 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base and SLD 45 at Patrick Space Force Base have stood up two new Defensive Cyber Operations Squadrons to actively monitor SSC’s Launch Ranges during Launch Operations.

The squadrons were established to defend the ranges in real time from any adversaries attempting a cyber-attack during launch, among other defensive tasks.

The newest squadron, 630 CYS, was activated March 10, 2026 at Vandenberg. The official activation of the 630 Cyberspace Squadron (CYS) aligns the unit under SLD 30.

"Access to space is critical for our Nation’s national security, national defense and our economy,” said Maj. Torius Davis, commander of 630 CYS. “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 first squadron, 645 CYS was reassigned from Delta 6 to SLD 45 at Patrick Space Force Base effective September 22, 2025. Lt. Col. John Quinn is the squadron commander.

"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.”

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of War (DoW) working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations. For more information, visit ssc.spaceforce.mil and follow @USSF-SSC on LinkedIn. 
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