US Space Force Announces Complementary Unit for Integrated Mission Deltas

The U.S. Space Force will prototype a new “System Delta” concept that would complement an organizational structure being tested.

According to Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations and 2023 Wash100 awardee, System Deltas would complement Integrated Mission Deltas to test an organizational structure revolving around specific missions rather than functions. Saltzman, a past Potomac Officers Club speaker, explained that each IMD would have a SYD counterpart within the Space Systems Command, ensuring that guardians would be ready to address threats as they emerge.

SYDs are designed so weapons system adjustments would be synchronized with real-time operator input, the Space Force said.

Saltzman introduced the IMD concept during the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber conference in September. He promoted two IMDs: one to tackle space electronic warfare and another for position, navigation and timing satellites.

The Space Force chief said during the event that the PNT Delta will maintain and operate positioning satellites for the United States and its allies while the EW Delta will oversee all satellite jamming and anti-jamming missions. He noted that reorganization is necessary to keep abreast with the demand for space services worldwide.

The provisional IMDs for PNT and electronic warfare were established on Oct. 12.