US Space Systems Command (Space Systems Command) officially announced the creation of specialized cyber units to protect missile launches in real time. The decision is due to the growth of digital threats to the physical and software infrastructure of spaceports.
New units and their tasks
Two squadrons of defense cyber operations have been deployed to protect key launch sites (Defensive Cyber Operations Squadrons):
630-and the Cyberspace Squadron (630 CYS): Activated 10 March 2026 year at the Vandenberg base, California. It is subordinate to the 30th space delta of launches (Space Launch Delta 30).
645-and the Cyberspace Squadron (645 CYS): In September 2025 was transferred to the 45th space delta of launches at the Patrick base and Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Modern launch complexes have become critically dependent on software and interconnected systems. The main areas of protection include:
Monitoring in real time: Teams track activity during pre-launch preparation and launch itself, to detect tampering attempts.
Protection of critical systems: Radars are under surveillance, telemetry antennas, flight termination systems, керування заправкою та командні мережі.
Countering complex threats: Instead of only physical protection of the perimeter, the focus has shifted to preventing the use of malicious software and attempts to seize control of ground systems or satellites.
This initiative is part of the Space Systems Command's broader strategy to ensure the resilience of US space operations in the face of threats from technologically advanced adversaries.
Source: https://spacenews.com