The squadron's mission is to operate and maintain the Space-Based Infrared System.

Additionally, it reports ballistic missile and space launches, nuclear detonations, and infrared data of operational value to the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, combatant commanders, intelligence agencies, and global warfighters.

[1] On 7 January 2020 2nd Space Warning Squadron detected the launches of more than a dozen missiles against US and coalition partners.

[2] The squadron has operated ground stations set up to control the Defense Support Program (DSP) and Space-Based Infrared System, space-based surveillance systems configured to detect and report ballistic missile launches, space launches, and nuclear detonations since 1992.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency