Air Force Space Command

Air Force Space Command
Amber Whittington, U.S. Space Force · Public domain · source
Unit name	Air Force Space Command
Dates	September 1, 1982 - December 20, 2019
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Garrison	Peterson Air Force Base
Notable commanders	John W. Raymond, William L. Shelton

Air Force Space Command was a major command of the United States Air Force responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of nearly all USAF space operations, including spacecraft operations, space situational awareness, space launch, and cyber operations. The command was established on September 1, 1982, and was headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with operations also conducted at Schriever Air Force Base, Buckley Air Force Base, and Vandenberg Air Force Base. The command worked closely with other organizations, including the National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and National Security Agency, to achieve its mission.

● History

The history of Air Force Space Command dates back to the early days of the United States space program, with the establishment of the Western Development Division in 1954, which later became the Ballistic Missile Division. The command was formally established on September 1, 1982, with James V. Hartinger as its first commander, and was responsible for the operation of space-based systems, including the Defense Satellite Communications System and the Global Positioning System. Over the years, the command has played a critical role in several key events, including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, working closely with other organizations, such as the North American Aerospace Defense Command, United States Strategic Command, and United States Northern Command. The command has also worked with international partners, including the Royal Air Force, Canadian Armed Forces, and Australian Defence Force, to achieve its mission.

● Organization

The organization of Air Force Space Command was complex, with several subordinate units, including the Fourteenth Air Force, Space and Missile Systems Center, and Space Innovation and Development Center. The command was also responsible for the operation of several major space systems, including the Space-Based Infrared System and the Advanced Extremely High Frequency system, which were developed in partnership with organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. The command worked closely with other USAF major commands, including the Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, and Air Force Global Strike Command, to achieve its mission, and was also supported by several USAF agencies, including the Air Force Space Command Network Operations and Security Center and the Air Force Space Command Acquisition Management Integration Center.

● Missions_and_Functions

The missions and functions of Air Force Space Command were diverse, including the operation of space-based systems, space launch, and cyber operations. The command was responsible for the development, acquisition, and operation of several major space systems, including the Global Positioning System and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which were developed in partnership with organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The command also worked closely with other organizations, including the National Security Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, to provide space situational awareness and space-based intelligence to support national security operations, such as Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom.

● Equipment_and_Infrastructure

The equipment and infrastructure of Air Force Space Command were extensive, including several major space systems, such as the Space-Based Infrared System and the Advanced Extremely High Frequency system, which were developed in partnership with organizations such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The command also operated several space launch facilities, including Vandenberg Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and worked closely with other organizations, including the United Launch Alliance and SpaceX, to launch spacecraft into orbit. The command's infrastructure also included several major facilities, such as the Cheyenne Mountain Complex and the Schriever Air Force Base, which were used to support the operation of space-based systems and cyber operations.

● Operations_and_Training

The operations and training of Air Force Space Command were critical to the success of its mission, with several major operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, relying on the command's space-based systems and cyber operations. The command worked closely with other organizations, including the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Strategic Command, to provide space situational awareness and space-based intelligence to support national security operations. The command also provided training to USAF personnel, including space operators and cyber operators, at several major facilities, including the Space Training and Readiness Command and the Air Force Cyber College.

● Notable_Commanders

Several notable commanders have led Air Force Space Command, including John W. Raymond, who later became the commander of United States Space Command, and William L. Shelton, who later became the commander of United States Space Command's predecessor, United States Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Space. Other notable commanders include James V. Hartinger, who was the command's first commander, and Donald G. Cook, who played a critical role in the development of the command's space-based systems. The command has also been supported by several notable leaders, including United States Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and United States Air Force Chief of Staff David L. Goldfein, who have worked to ensure the command's success in its mission. Category:Military units and formations of the United States