May 29, 2026

The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Center of Excellence, an affiliate of the Air and Space Forces Association, extends its most sincere congratulations to the U.S. Space Force’s 2nd Space Launch Squadron (2SLS) as the recipient of the 2025 General Atomics United States Space Force Unit of the Year Award.

The 2 SLS significantly increased operations despite roughly half its authorized manning. The squadron supports critical launch missions for the Space Development Agency, Missile Defense Agency, NASA, and the National Reconnaissance Office as well as the first recovery of the X-37 at Vandenberg Space Force base in over ten years. Perhaps the squadron’s most significant impact came during a 45-day deployment in extreme conditions with U.S. Army’s $361 million ballistic test program. The squadron’s efforts restored a critical launch transport system and enabled 15 successful operations.

“Our adversaries are not slowing down, so neither can we. The Space Force of tomorrow will require squadrons that can move quickly without sacrificing discipline, innovate without losing rigor, and adapt without losing sight of what matters most. The Ravens have shown the entire service exactly what that looks like.” –Col. Andy Menshner, Deputy Commander, Space Systems Command

“It was an incredible honor to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the men and women of the 2nd Space Launch Squadron. As a nation, we can’t have space superiority without assured access to space. They delivered that and so much more. They are truly second to none.” –Charles Galbreath, Director, Mitchell Institute Spacepower Center of Excellence

Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud of its partnership with the Space Force and General Atomics for helping steward this award. Created in 2024, the General Atomics United States Space Force Unit of the Year Award is presented to tactical level units commanded by board selected O-4 and O-5 commanders and materiel leaders for exceptional contributions to the USSF’s mission to secure our nation’s interests in, from, and to space. The 2025 award was formally presented to the 2nd Space Launch Squadron at the Air and Space Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in February of 2026. The official trophy will reside with the unit until next year’s presentation.

For any questions, please contact Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at Mitchell@afa.org.