USSF bolsters cyberwarfare ranks, focus on launch defence

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California in November 2021. (NASA)

The US Space Force (USSF) has stood up two brand-new squadrons, specifically tasked with defending service-led space launch operations from cyberattack.

USSF leaders officially activated the new 630th Cyberspace Squadron (CYS) at Vandenberg Space Force Base and reassigned the 645th CYS from Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado to Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, according to a statement in March.

“The squadrons were established to defend the ranges in real time from any adversaries attempting a cyber-attack during launch, among other defensive tasks”, service officials said in the statement. The squadrons will “actively monitor” all launch ranges at Vandenberg SFB and Patrick SFB for signs of potential cyberattack against any launch ranges or against launch operations led by USSF's Space Systems Command (SSC), according to service officials.

The creation of the new cybersecurity squadrons is a reflection of how USSF and other service branches are adapting force protection strategies for digital threats.

“Years ago, launch sites were mainly concerned with physical security [such as] keeping unauthorized personnel out of sensitive areas and to prevent sabotage or espionage of critical equipment,” noted USSF Lieutenant Colonel John Quinn. “But as space operations have become more digitized, we've had to increase our security protection against a host of potential cyber-attacks”, Lt Col Quin, who commands the 645th CYS, added in the statement.

“Much like the anti-jamming capabilities we build into our modern satellites, our new Cyberspace Squadrons will work to secure our launch systems from a myriad of potential threats, from hijacking satellites or ground systems to using malware to gain unauthorized access to our systems”, Lt Col Quinn noted.