PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In the approximate six months since being operationally accepted, Combat Forces Command’s Mission Delta 2 – Space Domain Awareness has used the Advance Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS) to process more than 120 launches, catalog more than 1,883 objects, process at least 474 re-entries, and generate more than 22.4 million orbital element sets.
ATLAS is a scalable, modular, resilient and flexible modern architecture used to access, understand, and apply space domain information. It serves as a primary tool for Mission Delta 2’s 18th Space Defense Squadron operators for space catalog administration and maintenance, observation association, maneuver and de-orbit detection and characterization, sensor planning, tasking, and calibration.
Since operational acceptance in late September 2025, ATLAS has been used operationally enabling Combat Forces Command and Space Systems Command to develop a deliberate decommissioning plan for the legacy Space Defense Operations Center
"SPADOC, while reliable, was increasingly challenged to keep pace with the continued and intensifying growth of Space Domain Awareness requirements,” shared Col. Gina Peterson, Mission Delta 2 deputy commander. “ATLAS is a modern, advanced system providing the flexibility to respond to emerging threats and continuously enhance space sensing data ensuring our dominance in the space domain."
By employing ATLAS, the 18th SDS is modernizing how it tracks, analyzes, and protects space operations. A critical application of this technology is the use of ATLAS to deliver enhanced space domain awareness data for Artemis II, ensuring space flight safety for astronauts conducting a lunar flyby for the first time in more than 50 years. MD support to Artemis II
ATLAS enables the 18 SDS to integrate data faster and provide more precise tracking during critical launch and mission phases.
The system is undergoing regular enhancements to improve usability, increase automation, and strengthen integration across the broader Space Domain Awareness ecosystem. The ATLAS team recently delivered a new suite of capabilities to Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, including improved calibration through the Hyperion application. The team is now working to close on the next increment of software delivery, which includes test, train, and exercise capabilities; an improved visualization and processing capability; and critical updates requested by the CFC combat forces.
“Through its consistent and reliable performance, ATLAS enables the 18th Space Defense Squadron to maintain persistent awareness of the space domain, ensuring we can rapidly identify, characterize, and respond to potential threats,” said Lt. Col. Laurel Jodice, 18th SDS commander. “This system is critical to our mission of preserving the safety, stability, and security of operations in space for the U.S. and our allies.
“The system is performing as intended, allowing us to provide operational value as we continue to modernize our space domain awareness capabilities,” she added.
Continuous user feedback and planned improvements actively shape the system’s evolution to ensure it remains aligned with operational demands. The system’s architecture is postured to evolve as the threat changes, enabling faster, more informed operational decisions. As the prime contractor, L3Harris has been a partner throughout development and fielding, supporting the system’s performance and operability.
"The direct feedback loop facilitates real-time problem solving and innovation, fostering a culture of trust between developers and operators,” said Lt Col. Amber Johnson, Mission Delta 2’s 2nd Sustainment Squadron commander. “This allows the development team to provide rapid, responsive adjustments to the software enabling improved tactics, techniques, and procedures. This is especially critical in today’s complex and rapidly evolving battlefield."
Development teams, operators, and mission partners are working together to ensure ATLAS remains resilient, scalable, and ready to support emerging mission demands. The system is on track, performing as expected, and steadily improving—strengthening the Space Force’s ability to see, understand, and respond within the space domain.