Guardians of the Galaxy: Inside the U.S. Space Force's Missile Defense Operations**

The U.S. Space Force, operating from Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, is on high alert to track missile launches worldwide, showcasing the essential role of space in national defense amidst increasing threats from adversaries like Russia and China.**

The command center at Buckley Space Force Base near Denver, Colorado is alive with focus and urgency. "Launch Yemen!" shouts a commander, and the response is immediate: "Copy, launch Yemen." Here, personnel known as Guardians monitor screens and satellite feeds that track missile launches from across the globe, ensuring swift responses to potential threats.

Recently the BBC gained rare insights into this high-stakes world, where international journalists were given access to the operations room of the U.S. Space Force—a center dedicated to 24/7 missile warning and tracking. The Guardians, embodying a blend of technology and vigilance, initiate drills aimed at maintaining a high level of readiness. In a notable drill, they simulated tracking missiles launched from Iran, highlighting the real threats being confronted.

Colonel Ann Hughes, overseeing operations, expressed relief when they successfully monitored a recent Iranian missile launch aimed at U.S. forces in Qatar. "We saved the entire installation and personnel that were there," she noted, emphasizing the critical role of their work.

With ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, the U.S. Space Force's operations have intensified. While specific details remain classified, there are indications that this division provides tactical warnings to allied forces, including Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Their technological capabilities are bolstered by an ambitious U.S. missile defense project, dubbed "Golden Dome," which aims to enhance national defense in response to evolving missile threats.

General David Miller, head of U.S. Space Operations Command, recognizes that adversaries like China and Russia have developed sophisticated missile technologies, including hypersonic capabilities. The creation of the Space Force itself, initiated under President Trump, underscores the emerging importance of space as a battleground.

Intelligence operations led by Colonel Phoenix Hauser's unit monitor thousands of satellites, forecasted to increase dramatically over the next decade as space becomes more contested. "We're already sparring in space," she states, indicating the escalating tensions and potential for conflict beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Emerging technologies, including jamming and weaponized satellites, present new challenges for the Guardians. While acknowledging that traditional dogfights may not yet be occurring, Colonel Hauser insists that readiness for such scenarios is imperative.

The U.S. Space Force's evolution includes a focus on offensive capabilities. General Miller suggests that strength is key to deterrence, and recent operations, such as the strikes against Iran's nuclear program, illustrate the importance of maintaining dominance in space.

With their advanced technical ability, U.S. Space Force personnel have ensured the operational integrity of critical missions by monitoring and countering electronic interference, significantly contributing to the Armed Forces' overall success and strategic advantages.

As the youngest branch of the U.S. military, the Space Force's prominence continues to grow, with General Miller asserting that America's military capabilities rely heavily on their expertise in space. The nature of future conflicts may increasingly unfold beyond our skies, and the Guardians are preparing for all possibilities.