Space Systems Command, Detachment 1 at Kirtland Air Force Base, continues to advance the nation’s space capabilities, driving innovation and accelerating technologies critical to U.S. security in orbit.
Colonel Joseph J. Roth, director of the Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta and commander of Space Systems Command, Detachment 1 at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Operating under a $1.05 billion portfolio, the Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta, the unit leads efforts in on-orbit experimentation, spaceflight testing, and rapid technology development aimed at outpacing global threats in the increasingly contested space domain.
Roth, who took command in mid-2020, led a combined force of 650+ military, government civilians and contractors across three geographically separated units. The Delta, operating under Space Systems Command, located in Los Angeles, CA., leads the way on enabling and delivering next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative and affordable technology that leverages international, commercial, and interagency partnerships to outpace emerging threats.
“Our mission is clear—bridge innovation and warfighter capability with speed and precision,” said Col. Joseph J. Roth.
The Delta’s portfolio includes the Department of Defense’s Space Test Program, the longest-running space initiative in U.S. military history. The program plays a vital role in testing experimental payloads, launching prototype demonstrations, and fostering partnerships with agencies such as NASA to support missions from low Earth orbit (LEO) to the International Space Station. Additionally, the Ground Development team and Operations team under Col Roth enable and execute space operations, to conduct experimentation and prototyping from the Kirtland Air Force Base.
Under Roth’s leadership, the team set a record by launching 49 payloads in a single year in support of 21 mission partners— which included all aspects of development, launching, and operations managed right here from Kirtland Air Force Base.
“This is where space innovation happens,” Roth said. “Not only can we build satellites here, but we can launch and operate them, all from right here in New Mexico.”
As space emerges as a contested warfighting domain, Space Systems Command’s efforts to deploy resilient, next-generation technologies remain critical to deterring conflict and protecting vital space infrastructure.
“Space must remain usable,” Roth said. “That means staying ahead of adversaries with cutting-edge systems that can defend and support joint warfighters around the globe.”
The unit’s work contributes directly to the Space Force’s broader vision of ensuring U.S. freedom of action in space, supporting everything from national defense to exploration beyond Earth.
“Space is no longer the final frontier—it’s the next operational domain,” Roth said. “And Kirtland is at the forefront of that future.”
After over 28 years of military service which includes his last seven years being at Kirtland Air Force Base, Roth retired on June 27 after helping position Kirtland as a cornerstone of U.S. space experimentation and defense readiness.