The U.S. Space Force announced Friday that Counter Communication System Block 10.2 achieved Initial Operating Capability earlier on March 9,. It was transferred from the Los Angeles AFB to Peterson AFB, Colorado, after being declared operational by the Air Force Space and Missile Center’s special programs directorate. The portable CCS temporarily denies satellite communications of adversaries, and was first deployed in 2004 after hostile nations began attempting to disrupt American satellite transmissions.
An upgraded version, CCS Block 10.1, was developed in 2014. L3Harris is the prime contractor for both versions 10.1 and 10.2. The newest version of the system was given to the 4th Space Control Squadron at Peterson AFB in a brief handover ceremony. It followed a certified training program for space control operators and satellite communications maintenance personnel. The system includes additional frequency bands and other features, with more options to disrupt enemies’ satellite communications, and can be updated with agile software development methods.
The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is a new branch of the Armed Forces. It was established on December 20, 2019 with enactment of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and will be stood-up over the next 18 months. The USSF was established within the Department of the Air Force, meaning the Secretary of the Air Force has overall responsibility for the USSF, under the guidance and direction of the Secretary of Defense. Additionally, a four-star general known as the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) serves as the senior military member of the USSF.
The USSF Headquarters and Office of the CSO are located in the Pentagon, just like the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. This staff will focus on establishing a fully-functioning headquarters; preparing to execute the full scope of its organize, train, and equip responsibilities; and, in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force, developing a detailed plan to transfer forces into the U.S. Space Force. As a new military service, the U.S. Space Force will leverage the Department of the Air Force for more than 75 percent of its enabling functions to significantly reduce cost and avoid duplication.
