The United States Space Force has started a new unit tasked with providing “critical intelligence on threat systems, foreign intentions, and activities in the space domain.”
Pentagon leaders have asserted that the creation of this new unit is significant for shaping the future of the Space Force’s innovation and technology acquisition.
The new unit, called the Space Delta 18, will be assigned to identify threats to the United States space assets, both kinetic and non-kinetic. “Kinetic” in this sense refers to dangers that can physically damage or degrade U.S. satellites and other properties. At the same time, “non-kinetic” generally includes anti-satellite weapons that utilize directed energy, signal jamming, or other means to stop a satellite’s operations.
Delta 18 will regulate the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC).it is a new intelligence hub founded out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. “Space Delta 18 will eventually be staffed by 345 civilian and military personnel, “military officials said.
At a ceremony commemorating the creation of the new unit, United States Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said that “Space Delta 18 and NSIC are vital for driving innovation and development in space. “
“As the Service Intelligence Center for the U.S. Space Force, NSIC will be well positioned to support U.S. and allied space decision makers at an absolutely critical moment in the history of space development,” announced Haines. “In the years ahead, the environment will only become more contested. And as we move forward, NSIC will be relied upon to produce and analyze scientific and technical intelligence related to space for the entire nation.”
