US Space Force Expands Capabilities with New Laboratory and Redesignated Mission Delta

The US Space Force has made significant strides in enhancing its capabilities, marked by the inauguration of a new innovative laboratory in California and the redesignation of a key mission unit. On November 28, 2024, the US Space Force opened a new facility dedicated to the collaborative development of advanced military capabilities. This laboratory is designed to foster innovation and cooperation among various stakeholders to advance the Space Force’s technological edge.

In another development, the Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Provisional Delta was officially redesignated as Mission Delta 31 during a ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, on October 15, 2024. Mission Delta 31 will continue to provide, operate, and sustain high-integrity PNT capabilities, ensuring the global utility of the Global Positioning Satellite constellation. Additionally, the unit will now include additional resources dedicated to future capability development, further enhancing the nation’s space operations.

The redesignation ceremony was attended by U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., the commander of Space Operations Command, and U.S. Space Force Colonel Andrew Menschner, the commander of Mission Delta 31. This move underscores the Space Force’s commitment to evolving its mission to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in the space domain.

These developments align with the broader mission of the US Space Force, which includes planning, integrating, conducting, and assessing global space operations to deliver combat-relevant space effects. The Space Force also emphasizes the importance of strengthening allied and partner integration, as highlighted by recent visits from international military leaders to key Space Force facilities.