U.S. Space Force Col. Marqus Randall, Space Delta 18 commander, takes Space Delta 18’s guidon for the first time at the activation ceremony for Space Operations Command’s newest Delta, Space Delta 18. Photo: U.S. Space Force photo by SrA Jack Gardner

The U.S. Space Force established the National Space Intelligence Center in Dayton, Ohio on Friday, to provide intelligence and technical expertise in the space domain. NSIC is led by the Space Force’s newest unit, Space Delta 18, also established on Friday. 

Space Delta 18 is named in honor of the U.S. Space Force’s role as the 18th member of the intelligence community. The new Delta at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base consists of Space Delta 18 headquarters staff and two squadrons, the 1st Space Analysis Squadron and the 2nd Space Analysis Squadron, which transitioned from under the National Air and Space Intelligence Center to the National Space Intelligence Center. 

Delta 18’s mission is as follows: “Deliver unparalleled technical expertise and game-changing intelligence — empowering national leaders, joint force warfighters, and acquisition professionals to outwit, outreach and win in the space domain.” 

Avril Haines, director of National Intelligence, said the intelligence center will “shape the future of the Space Force, improve acquisitions, and drive innovation across the intelligence community.”

Space Force Col. Marqus Randall was activated as commander of Delta 18. 

“A building is only as strong as its foundation, and we will build this center and propel it forward through the symbiosis of strong values and unmatched space intelligence and expertise critical to the ever increasing importance of space to our nation and its allies and in the face of current and future threats and challenges,” Randall said.