BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.-- -- Space Operations Command recently took control of the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Satellite-6 from Space Systems Command on March 24, 2023.
“Space Delta 4 and the 2nd Space Warning Squadron are honored to add SBIRS GEO-6 to our repertoire of missile warning and tracking sensors,” said Col. Miguel Cruz, Space Delta 4 commander. “Our mission area has never been more capable than it is today and GEO-6 is a testament to that.”
Buckley Space Force Base is home to Space Delta 4’s 2nd Space Warning Squadron. The team of Guardians here are now responsible for operating the satellite and all systems are performing normally.
The 2 SWS mission is to defend and deliver trusted, persistent space-based global missile warning and battlespace awareness in support of U.S. and allied forces. SBIRS GEO-6 is significant to the missile warning mission because it is the last of a total six missile detection and early warning SBIRS satellites.
SBIRS GEO-6 is essential to the mission because it is equipped with scanning and infrared surveillance sensors. These satellites are the tip of the spear as they collect data that Airmen and Guardians use to detect missile launches, support missile defense and foster a lethal force in space domain awareness.
“To our teammates who made this tremendous capability a reality, we salute you,” Cruz said.