United States Space Force

United States Space Force
Name	United States Space Force
Caption	Delta symbol insignia
Start date	20 December 2019
Country	United States
Branch	Department of the Air Force
Type	Space service
Role	Space operations
Garrison	The Pentagon
Commander1	President Joe Biden
Commander2	Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall
Commander3	Chief of Space Operations John W. Raymond
Identification symbol	Delta and globe

United States Space Force is the space service branch of the United States Armed Forces established in 2019 to organize, train, and equip forces for space operations. It was created by legislative action following decades of evolving space programs involving National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, and Air Force Space Command. The service operates alongside the United States Air Force, United States Army, and United States Navy within the Department of the Air Force and supports national objectives related to space situational awareness, satellite operations, and missile warning.

History

The genesis traces to Cold War initiatives such as the Sputnik crisis, the establishment of Air Force Systems Command, and programs like Defense Support Program and Global Positioning System. Post–Cold War restructuring included the creation of Air Force Space Command and consolidation during operations with United States Strategic Command and United States Northern Command. Debates through the administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump culminated in the passage of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 and the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (2019) which authorized the new service. Early organizational milestones referenced cooperation with National Reconnaissance Office, coordination with North American Aerospace Defense Command, and international incident responses such as those involving SpaceX launches and Iridium Communications satellite operations.

Mission and Roles

The statutory mission aligns with space superiority, space domain awareness, and protection of national and allied interests in space. Core roles mirror responsibilities undertaken during campaigns like Operations Desert Storm (satellite communications), strategic deterrence activities tied to Mutual Assured Destruction doctrines, and support to civil agencies including Federal Aviation Administration in range safety coordination. The service contributes to missile warning systems derived from programs such as Defense Support Program and supports navigation through the Global Positioning System constellation. It also interfaces with international partners like North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and bilateral arrangements with countries such as Australia and Japan.

Organization and Personnel

Organizational design incorporated elements from legacy commands and created field commands and deltas patterned on units like Space Launch Delta 45 and headquarters elements at The Pentagon. Senior leadership includes civilian oversight via the Secretary of the Air Force and military leadership by the Chief of Space Operations. Personnel recruitment and career management drew on systems used by United States Air Force personnel centers, while integrating specialties akin to Naval Officer technical tracks and Army Signal Corps expertise. Rank structure parallels existing services with unique insignia inspired by historical emblems such as the Delta symbol and links to heraldry like the Department of the Air Force seal.

Operations and Capabilities

Operational capabilities encompass space domain awareness, satellite command and control, missile warning, and support for terrestrial forces in contingencies like Operation Inherent Resolve. Surveillance relies on networks descended from Space-Based Infrared System and on commercial partnerships with firms such as SpaceX, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. Tactical operations include close coordination with United States Cyber Command for defensive measures, and cooperative engagements with National Reconnaissance Office for reconnaissance missions. Exercises and wargames have involved entities like U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and scenarios modeled on conflicts including tensions in regions involving People's Republic of China and Russian Federation space activities.

Equipment and Spacecraft

Inventory incorporates satellites from programs like Wideband Global SATCOM, AEHF, and experimental constellations derived from collaborations with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Launch services utilize vehicles such as Falcon 9, Atlas V, and Delta IV Heavy, and facilities at sites like Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base. Ground systems include mission control centers analogous to Mission Control Center (Johnson Space Center) operations, and sensor networks built from technologies in projects like AN/TPY-2 radar and SBIRS arrays. Procurement involves major contractors including Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Training, Doctrine, and Education

Training pipelines draw on manuals and doctrine development influenced by Joint Publication series and collaborative education with institutions like the United States Air Force Academy, Air University, and National War College. Professional military education includes specialized courses adapted from United States Naval War College curricula and partnerships for technical certifications with National Aeronautics and Space Administration flight operations. Doctrine publications address space control, resilience, and integration with joint force concepts developed in exercises with United States Central Command and United States European Command.

Controversies and Policy Issues

Contested issues include debates over weaponization of space tied to treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty and concerns raised in hearings by congressional committees like the House Armed Services Committee. Budgetary disputes have involved appropriations in the National Defense Authorization Act cycles and condemnation or support from political figures including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mitch McConnell. International reactions include statements from European Union officials and responses by Russian Federation and People's Republic of China regarding space norms. Other controversies cover recruitment and symbolism disputes, oversight of classified programs coordinated with the National Reconnaissance Office, and procurement controversies involving contractors highlighted in investigations by the Government Accountability Office.

Category:United States military branches Category:Space programs