Magenta Stars' High-Fidelity Cyber Training
by U.S. Space Force April Crew-Kelly
Space Training and Readiness Command
October 29, 2026 In a successful demonstration of operational cyber readiness, the U.S. Space Force 33rd Range and Aggressor Squadron executed Magenta Stars in partnership with the U.S. Space Force 392nd Combat Training Squadron late last month. The exercise put the 69th Cyberspace Squadron’s operators through rigorous, high-fidelity threat scenarios testing their ability to safeguard operational space networks. 
September 25, 2026 - Operating under Space Delta 11, the 33rd Range and Aggressor Squadron executed Magenta Stars in partnership with the 392nd Combat Training Squadron. The exercise, conducted in late September, put 69th Cyberspace Squadron operators through rigorous, high-fidelity threat scenarios testing their ability to safeguard operational space networks. (Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Space Force photo by Isaac Blancas, Space Training and Readiness Command.)
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Space Delta 11’s 33rd RGS designed the exercise to support the Space Force Generation readiness validation cycle for the 69th CYS. Over three days of simulated adversarial intrusions, two defensive cyber crews met the challenge detecting, tracking, and neutralizing persistent adversarial presence across simulated operational space networks.
“We asked our mission partners for unmet training requirements, and the 69th CYS responded,” said Maj. Eric A. Merris, 33rd RGS deputy commander. “The 392nd Combat Training Squadron and 33rd RGS combined efforts to dynamically plan and execute a high-impact exercise on an exceptionally condensed timeline. It was impressive how fast the teams adapted to meet rapidly evolving operational demands.”
The 69th CYS conducts defensive cyber operations in support of Space Delta 9’s orbital warfare mission. To help defenders protect critical space-domain mission terrain, the 33rd RGS engineering team deployed a simulated environment: a high-fidelity live cyber range designed to replicate space mission architectures.
The exercise relied on coordination across multiple specialty teams. The 392nd CTS provided the space and equipment for the event, while the 33rd RGS delivered the range environment and aggressor support.
The aggressors employed realistic tactics, techniques and procedures based on active, real-world advanced persistent threats. Working through each phase of the cyber kill chain, the aggressors conducted sustained attacks to test and evaluate the blue team’s defensive posture. The 69th CYS Guardians responded by characterizing malicious network activity, maintaining situational awareness and mitigating threats.
By combining higher-fidelity range virtualization with realistic threat emulation, Magenta Stars reinforced the link between space mission assurance and operationally relevant training that develops combat credibility. The exercise’s goal was to prepare Guardians to remain vigilant, resilient and ready to defend the nation’s space assets in cyberspace, according to the exercise organizers.
“This exercise provided an excellent opportunity for our operators to flex their detection and remediation skills,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin Pederson, 69th CYS. “It also allowed our operators to receive an in-depth walkthrough at the end of execution to collaborate with the aggressors on techniques for improving our threat detection.” U.S. Space Force | U.S. Department of War Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Uncommon Valor | Veterans | Citizens Like Us | Spouses Serve Too | |
