Space Force stands up third ‘system delta’ acquisition unit, plans to activate five more in 2025

As part of its ongoing effort to reorganize its acquisition arm, the Space Force has formed another unit under its new “system delta” (SYD) structure — with plans to stand up at least five more in the coming months.

Space Systems Command (SSC) activated System Delta 85 on Aug. 8 to deliver combined capabilities for space domain awareness; missile warning and tracking; missile defense; and battle management, command, control, communication and space intelligence (BMC3I), according to the service. The new unit structure brings together acquisition professionals with Space Operations Command (SpOC) to improve procurement efforts.

“The Space Force’s System Delta framework aligns our acquisition programs within mission areas, allowing us to synchronize efforts and streamline the work between acquisitions and operations with our Mission Delta counterparts,” Brig. Gen. Michelle Idle, mobilization assistant to SSC commander Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, said in a statement. “The framework consolidates and unifies existing command authorities and activities to foster unit cohesion, align command priorities and optimize the force.”

SYD 85 is the third unit under the new structure activated by the Space Force. SSC launched the reorganization effort in July when it created System Delta 84 and System Delta 810 — with the former concentrating on missile warning and tracking, and the latter on space-based sensing and targeting. 

Following the stand-up of SYD 85, the Space Force intends to activate five more system deltas before the end of the year that each focus on different mission areas: test and training; satellite communications; combat power; position, navigation and timing; and assured access to space, according to the service.

The system delta construct consolidates acquisition program offices that develop and deliver mission systems and partners them with operators from SpOC’s corresponding integrated mission deltas, responsible for system sustainment and training. The goal is to develop capabilities and train guardians around the service’s mission areas, rather than functional specialties such as cyber or intelligence.

Col. Jason West will lead SYD 85 and work closely with SSC’s program executive office for BMC3I, SpOC’s mission deltas, combatant commands, the intelligence community and others, according to the service.

The unit also comprises three “system program directors” and a direct report “system program manager” that will focus on “developing and fielding sensors, satellite control antennas, data systems and software capabilities to counter adversary actions and threats in and through the space domain,” a Space Force press release stated.

“Our mission in SYD 85 is to deliver effective, integrated and supported capabilities to enable space superiority and to forge a new generation of acquisitions professionals to defend our forces, homeland and allies,” West said in a statement.