The 8th works alongside its active duty counterpart, the 2d Space Warning Squadron, on the Defense Support Program and Space-Based Infrared System programs.

[2] While at Eldorado, the unit operated the AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, provided warning of sea-launched or intercontinental ballistic missile attack against the continental United States or southern Canada.

[2] The unit was redesignated as the 8th Space Warning Squadron on 15 May 1992 and reassigned to the 21st Operations Group.

[2] It was redesignated as the 8th Space Operations Squadron on 22 August 1997 and briefly activated in the reserve under the 310th Space Group on 1 September 1997 at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado.

[2] Redesignated as the 8th Space Warning Squadron on 30 July 1999, it was activated in the reserve on 1 October 1999 at Buckley Air National Guard Base, Colorado, under the 310 Space Group, 1 Oct 1999.