Summary: SSC achieves second Operations Acceptance of FORGE; FORGE Processing delivers new Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) capabilities to the Space Operations Command and the OPIR Battlespace Awareness Center (OBAC), marking a key advancement in missile threat response.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s System Delta 84 achieved a major milestone delivering the second FORGE Operational Acceptance (OA#2) with new OPIR capabilities to the USSF’s Space Operations Command (SpOC) and the OBAC at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo. This achievement marks a key advancement in missile threat response—accelerating the transition from development to operations, specifically for SpOC’s 11th Space Warning Squadron (11SWS) and a dedicated FORGE workstation at the 26th Intel Squadron.
FORGE Processing, developed by SciTec through an Other Transactional Authority Agreement, is advanced applications that enhance OPIR sensor processing and data exploitation, running natively in the scalable, cyber-resilient FORGE Framework. This milestone builds upon the initial operational delivery of the FORGE Framework, which was developed in partnership with Raytheon Technologies. The FORGE Framework’s open architecture accelerates integration, leverages Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), Government off-the-shelf (GOTS), and free and open-source-software solutions, and expands vendor participation—driving innovation, resilience, and agility. This marks another key step toward full FORGE operational capability.
“The operational acceptance of this robust, innovative, and resilient FORGE warfighting capability is paramount to executing our critical mission set through an ever-evolving threat environment,” said USSF Maj. Peter Spittler, director, SpOC 11SWS operations. “FORGE’s modernized data processing applications enable our operators to provide improved global messaging for missile warning and tracking, missile defense, battlespace awareness, and technical intelligence missions with more accuracy and on faster development timelines.
At the core, FORGE is a government-owned, cyber-secure, and modular open systems architecture, purpose-built to evolve with emerging threats and deliver enduring mission resilience. It consists of four core initiatives: the FORGE Framework, FORGE Processing, FORGE Command and Control, and Relay Ground Stations. Collectively, these efforts deliver a transformational leap in ground-based capabilities across key mission areas, including Missile Warning and Tracking, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, Technical Intelligence, and Civil/Environmental monitoring.
“As a former space operator, it was rewarding to bring that perspective into development,” said USSF Capt. Zachary Schadewald, program manager for the FORGE processing team. “Understanding operator needs has helped us design intuitive, mission-relevant tools that enhance decision-making and responsiveness at the tactical edge. Collaboration between the two field command teams was a significant part of this success and leveraging each Guardian’s experience was a key component and valuable tool in meeting this milestone.”
“Close collaboration with operators and mission partners has been key to FORGE’s development,” said USSF Lt. Col. Dan Groller, program manager, System Delta 84 FORGE System. “Together, we’re delivering advanced missile warning and tracking capabilities with improved sensor processing, extended tracking, and faster threat detection—enhancing the nation’s ability to respond with speed and confidence.”
With the current SSC System Delta (SYD) alignment to meet the Space Force’s Unified Mission Readiness construct, this FORGE milestone is an example of the key integration of System Deltas and Mission Deltas. SSC SYDs perform the materiel solution analysis, technology maturation and risk reduction, engineering and manufacturing development, production, and deployment under a single mission-focused command structure for acquisitions. Sustainment units that have transferred to SpOC, perform mission generation, intelligence support, and cyber defense. This continues and improves upon mission advocacy with a singular focus on mission sets, unity of effort, and properly aligned accountability.
“FORGE delivers advanced capabilities that empower cyber defense operators to maneuver with precision and agility in today’s contested digital battlespace,” said Michael Abbott Jr., technical director, SpOC 64th Cyberspace Squadron. “Integrating tactical cyber expertise, from the start, sets a new benchmark for mission system development. From day one, cybersecurity and tool integration were treated as foundational—not add-ons. FORGE is now the model for how cyber should be embedded into every phase of space mission system design.”
“Rapid exploitation of OPIR sensor data is critical to maintaining decision dominance in today’s contested and dynamic threat environment,” said USSF Col. Stevie Medeiros, commander, System Delta 84 Missile Warning and Tracking. “It’s not just about speed—it’s about delivering timely, actionable intelligence to outpace adversaries and strengthen national security.”
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 Defense, 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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