View source for United States Space Force

{{Short description|Space service branch of the U.S. military}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2018}}
{{redirect|Semper Supra|the official march of the United States Space Force|Semper Supra (march)}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = United States Space Force
| image = [[File:United States Space Force logo.svg|frameless]]<br />[[Space Force Delta]]
| start_date = {{start date and age|2019|12|20|df=y}}
| dates = 
| country = {{flagu|United States}}
| type = [[Space force]]
| role =
| size = {{ubl|8,600 military personnel<ref name="fy2023">{{cite web|last=Air Force|first=U.S.|date=18 January 2023|title=Department of the Air Force FY 2023 Budget Overview|url=https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY23/SUPPORT_/BOB_28Mar_1125_LoRes.pdf|access-date=11 March 2023|website=U.S. Air Force|language=en|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311000950/https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY23/SUPPORT_/BOB_28Mar_1125_LoRes.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="afm1">{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/2021-usaf-ussf-almanac-people/ |title=2021 USAF & USSF Almanac: Personnel |work=Air Force Magazine |date=30 June 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=13 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813044753/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/2021-usaf-ussf-almanac-people/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|77 spacecraft<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads/2020/06/Spaceforce.pdf |title=U.S. Space Force brochure |website=www.airforcemag.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027102954/https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads/2020/06/Spaceforce.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| command_structure = [[United States Armed Forces]]<br />[[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]]
| garrison = [[The Pentagon]]<br />[[Arlington County, Virginia]], U.S.<ref name="USSF Fact Sheet">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|title=U.S. Space Force Fact Sheet|date=20 December 2019|work=Spaceforce.mil|publisher=United States Space Force|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116153301/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|url-status=live}}</ref>
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| motto = {{ubl|{{lang|la|Semper Supra}}|"Always above"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2282948/the-us-space-force-logo-and-motto|title=The U.S. Space Force logo and motto.|website=United States Space Force|date=22 July 2020|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722214018/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2282948/the-us-space-force-logo-and-motto|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| colors = 
| colors_label = Colors
| march = "[[Semper Supra (march)|Semper Supra]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3163735/space-force-reveals-official-song-semper-supra/|title=Space Force reveals official song: "Semper Supra"|website=United States Space Force|access-date=20 September 2022|archive-date=14 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014080633/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3163735/space-force-reveals-official-song-semper-supra/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| anniversaries = 20 December
| battles = {{collapsible list
| titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
| title = ''As Air Force Space Command''
|{{ubl|[[File:Streamer AFE.PNG|200px]]|[[Invasion of Grenada|Grenada – Operation Urgent Fury]]|[[Lebanese Civil War]]|[[Operation El Dorado Canyon|Libya – Operation El Dorado Canyon]]|[[Operation Ernest Will|Persian Gulf – Operation Ernest Will]]|[[Invasion of Panama|Panama – Operation Just Cause]]|[[Operation United Shield|Somalia – Operation United Shield]]|[[Operation Uphold Democracy|Haiti – Operation Uphold Democracy]]|[[Operation Joint Endeavor|Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Endeavor]]|[[Operation Joint Guard|Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Guard]]|[[Operation Joint Endeavor|Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Endeavor]]|[[Operation Joint Forge|Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Forge]]|[[Operation Vigilant Sentinel|Southwest Asia – Operation Vigilant Sentinel]]|[[Maritime Intercept Operations|Southwest Asia – Maritime Intercept Operations]]|[[Operation Southern Watch|Southwest Asia – Operation Southern Watch]]|[[Operation Northern Watch|Southwest Asia – Operation Northern Watch]]|[[Operation Desert Fox|Southwest Asia – Operation Desert Fox]]|[[Operation Secure Tomorrow|Haiti – Operation Secure Tomorrow]][[File:Streamer_SAS.PNG|200px]]|[[Persian Gulf War]]|[[File:Streamer_KC.PNG|200px]]|[[Operation Allied Force|Kosovo Air Campaign]]|[[Operation Joint Guardian|Kosovo Defense Campaign]]|[[File:Iraq Campaign streamer (USMC).svg|200px]]|[[Iraq War|Iraq Campaign]]<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Space Power in the Gulf|first=Robert S.|last=Dudney|date=June 1, 2003|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0603edit/|publisher=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429210432/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0603edit/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}}}
''As U.S. Space Force''<br>
{{ubl|[[File:Global_War_on_Terrorism_Service_Medal_streamer.png|200px]]|[[File:Streamer gwotE.PNG|200px]]|[[Global War on Terrorism]]|[[File:Streamer_AFGCS.PNG|200px]]|[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan Campaign]]|[[File:Iraq Campaign streamer (USMC).svg|200px]]|[[Operation Inherent Resolve|Inherent Resolve Campaign]]<ref name="auto1"/>}}
| equipment = See [[#Spacecraft and space systems|spacecraft and space systems]]
| decorations = 
| website = {{URL|www.spaceforce.mil/}} (standard)<br />{{URL|www.spaceforce.com/}} (recruiting)
<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of the United States.svg|size=25px}} [[President of the United States|President]] [[Joe Biden]]
| commander1_label = [[Powers of the president of the United States#Commander-in-chief|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Secretary of Defense.svg|size=25px}} [[Lloyd Austin]]
| commander2_label = [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]]
| commander3 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Secretary of the Air Force.svg|size=25px}} [[Frank Kendall III]]
| commander3_label = [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]]
| commander4 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of Space Operations.svg|size=25px}} [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[B. Chance Saltzman]]
| commander4_label = [[Chief of Space Operations]]
| commander5 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Vice Chief of Space Operations.svg|size=25px}} [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[David D. Thompson]]
| commander5_label = [[Vice Chief of Space Operations]]
| commander6 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force.svg|size=25px}} [[CMSSF]] [[Roger A. Towberman]]
| commander6_label = [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]]
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = <div style="text-align:center">[[File:Flag of the United States Space Force (fringed).svg|border|150px]]</div>
| identification_symbol_label = [[Flag of the United States Space Force|Flag]]
| identification_symbol_2 = <div style="text-align:center">[[File:Seal of the United States Space Force.svg|100px]]</div>
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Seal of the United States Space Force|Seal]]
| identification_symbol_3 = <div style="text-align:center">[[File:DeltaGlobeOrbit.png|100px]]</div>
| identification_symbol_3_label = Delta, Globe, and Orbit
}}

The '''United States Space Force''' ('''USSF''') is the [[Space force|space service branch]] of the [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. Armed Forces]] and the world's only dedicated independent space force.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robitzski|first=Dan|date=18 June 2018|title=The US may soon have the world's first Space Force|url=https://futurism.com/trump-announces-space-force|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Futurism|language=en|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114120130/https://futurism.com/trump-announces-space-force|url-status=live}}</ref> Along with the [[U.S. Air Force]], the Space Force is part of the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], led by the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|secretary of the Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Fact Sheet|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|access-date=27 January 2020|website=United States Space Force|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116153301/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|url-status=live}}</ref> The military heads of the Space Force are the [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]], who is one of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]], and [[vice chief of space operations]].

The Space Force is the smallest U.S. armed service, consisting of 8,600 military personnel.<ref name="fy2023" /> The Space Force operates 77 spacecraft in total across various programs such as [[Global Positioning System|GPS]], [[Space Fence]], military satellite communications constellations, [[Boeing X-37B|X-37B]] spaceplanes, [[United States national missile defense|U.S. missile warning system]], [[United States Space Surveillance Network|U.S. space surveillance network]], and the [[Satellite Control Network]]. Under the [[Goldwater–Nichols Act]], the Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces, which are then presented to the [[unified combatant command]]s, predominantly to [[United States Space Command]], for operational employment.

The U.S. Space Force traces its roots to the beginning of the [[Cold War]], with the first military space programs starting in 1945. In 1954, the Air Force established the Western Development Division, the world's first dedicated space organization, under General [[Bernard Schriever]] and unified its space forces under Air Force Space Command in 1982. U.S. space forces have participated in every U.S. conflict since the [[Vietnam War]], most notably in the [[Persian Gulf War]], often referred to as the first "space war."

The first discussion of a U.S. Space Force occurred under President [[Dwight Eisenhower]]'s administration in 1958 and it was nearly established in 1982 by President [[Ronald Reagan]] as part of the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]]. The 2001 Space Commission argued for the creation of a Space Corps around 2007–2011, but due to the [[September 11 attacks]] and [[war on terror]] any plans were put on hold. On 20 December 2019, the United States Space Force Act, sponsored by Congressmen [[Jim Cooper]] and [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]],{{cn|date=July 2023}} and signed by President [[Donald Trump]], established the U.S. Space Force as the first new independent military service since the Army Air Forces were reorganized as the U.S. Air Force in 1947.

==Mission==
As outlined in {{USC|10|9081}} and originally introduced in the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|United States Space Force Act]], the Space Force is organized, trained, and equipped to:
# Provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space;
# Conduct space operations; and
# Protect the interests of the United States in space.

The [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] further defines the specified functions of the Space Force to:<ref><refname="DoDD5100.01">https://www.esd.whs.mil/portals/54/documents/dd/issuances/dodd/510001p.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326012354/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/510001p.pdf |date=26 March 2023 }}</ref>
# Provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space.
# Provide prompt and sustained space operations.
# Protect the interests of the United States in space.
# Deter aggression in, from, and to space.
# Conduct space operations.

===Cornerstone responsibilities and core competencies===
On 10 August 2020, the Space Force released its capstone doctrine, ''Spacepower: Doctrine for Space Forces'', further expanding on its enumerated missions and duties. In ''Spacepower'', the Space Force defines its three cornerstone responsibilities of military space forces, which it articulates why spacepower is vital to U.S. prosperity and security.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Ashley M.|date=10 August 2020|title=Space Force releases 1st doctrine, defines "spacepower" as distinct form of military power|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227060558/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Starfire Optical Range - three lasers into space.jpg|thumb|Three lasers emitting from the [[Starfire Optical Range]]]]
# Preserve freedom of action: Unfettered access to and freedom to operate in space is a vital national interest; it is the ability to accomplish all four components of [[national power]] – diplomatic, information, military, and economic – of a nation’s implicit or explicit space strategy. Military space forces fundamentally exist to protect, defend, and preserve this freedom of action.
# [[Joint warfare|Enable Joint Lethality and Effectiveness]]: Space capabilities strengthen operations in the other domains of warfare and reinforce every Joint function – the US does not project or employ power without space. At the same time, military space forces must rely on military operations in the other domains to protect and defend space freedom of action. Military space forces operate as part of the closely integrated Joint Force across the entire conflict continuum in support of the full range of military operations.
# Provide Independent Options: A central tenet of military spacepower is the ability to independently achieve strategic effects. In this capacity, military spacepower is more than an adjunct to [[landpower]], [[Naval warfare|seapower]], [[airpower]], and [[cyberpower]]. Across the conflict continuum, military spacepower provides national leadership with independent military options that advance the nation’s prosperity and security. Military space forces achieve national objectives by projecting power in, from, to space.

[[File:Rocketcargo image.jpg|thumb|Concept for a Space Force [[Rocket Cargo]] program conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations]]
The cornerstone responsibilities are executed through the five military spacepower core competencies:<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Ashley M.|date=10 August 2020|title=Space Force releases 1st doctrine, defines "spacepower" as distinct form of military power|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227060558/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita/|url-status=live}}</ref>
# Space Security: establishes and promotes stable conditions for the safe and secure access to space activities for civil, [[Commercial use of space|commercial]], intelligence community, and multinational partners.
# Combat Power Projection: integrates defensive and offensive operations to maintain a desired level of freedom of action relative to an adversary. Combat Power Projection in concert with other competencies enhances freedom of action by deterring aggression or compelling an adversary to change behavior.
# Space Mobility and Logistics (SML): enables movement and support of military equipment and personnel in the space domain, from the space domain back to Earth, and to the space domain.
# Information Mobility: provides timely, rapid and reliable collection and transportation of data across the range of military operations in support of tactical, operational, and strategic decision making.
# [[Space Domain Awareness]] (SDA) encompasses the effective identification, characterization and understanding of any factor associated with the space domain that could affect space operations and thereby impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of our Nation.

== History ==
{{Main|History of the United States Space Force}}

=== Early military space development===
[[File:Launch of Jupiter C with Explorer 1.jpg|thumb|Launch of the [[Army Ballistic Missile Agency]]'s [[Explorer 1]], America's first satellite]]
Following the end of the [[World War II]], each of the military services began to turn to space. [[General of the Army (United States)|General of the Army]] [[Henry H. Arnold]], commander of the [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]] identified spaceflight as a critical military capability, with each of the services developing parallel space and rocket programs.{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=21–24}}

In 1954 the Air Force created the first dedicated space organization in the entire world, creating the [[Western Development Division]] under General [[Bernard Schriever]].{{sfn|Neufeld|1990|pp=107–108}}{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=33–34}} The Army followed shortly after, establishing the [[Army Ballistic Missile Agency]] in 1955, led by General [[John Bruce Medaris]] and former German scientist [[Wernher von Braun]]. Both these organizations, along with the [[Naval Research Laboratory]], were vital in developing the first American rockets and spacecraft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%201.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407084855/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%201.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The launch of [[Sputnik 1]] and the initial failure of the Naval Research Laboratory's [[Project Vanguard]] reinvigorated the military space program, with the Army successfully launching America's first satellite, [[Explorer 1]] on a [[Juno 1]] rocket. Sputnik also prompted a short-lived consolidation of military space under the [[Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency|Advanced Research Projects Agency]]. Despite concerns within the existing military services that the Advanced Research Project Agency would evolve into a U.S. Space Force, space authorities were returned to the Army, Navy, and Air Forces.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

However, the newly established [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] absorbed the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and the Navy's Project Vanguard in 1959, leaving the Air Force mostly unscathed. In 1961, the Air Force was designated the military's executive agent for space, giving it leadership within the Department of Defense.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

===Military space operations in the Cold War===
[[File:MOL USAF.png|thumb|Based on the [[Project_Gemini#Spacecraft|Gemini spacecraft]], the [[Manned Orbiting Laboratory]] was intended to serve as an orbital reconnaissance spacecraft]] 

While the Air Force had overall leadership in space, the Army and Navy still had space missions, with the Army and Navy responsible for operating elements of [[satellite communications]] systems and the Navy leading the development and operation of [[satellite navigation]] systems. Established in 1962 as the world's first military space operations command, the [[Navy Astronautics Group]] was created to operate the Navy's communication and navigation satellites.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/News/News-Detail/Article/3060121/navy-satellite-center-disestablished-us-space-force-assumes-command/ | title=Navy satellite center disestablished; U.S. Space Force assumes command | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530203905/https://cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/News/News-Detail/Article/3060121/navy-satellite-center-disestablished-us-space-force-assumes-command/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The first military employment of space forces occurred during the [[Vietnam War]], with the Air Force using its weather and communications satellites to support ground and air operations in theater. Early military spacecraft included the Air Force's [[Defense Satellite Communications System]], [[Vela (satellite)|Vela]] nuclear detonation detection satellites, the [[Missile Defense Alarm System]], and the Navy's [[Transit (satellite)|Tranit]] and [[Timation]] [[navigation satellite]]s {{Sfn|Spires|1998|p=}} Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy were strong advocates of the United States' space programs – both military and civil. During President Kennedy's [[We choose to go to the Moon]] speech, he declared:
{{blockquote|"Space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man. And only if the United States occupies a position of preeminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new terrifying theatre of war. I do not say that we should or will go unprotected against the hostile misuse of space, any more than we go unprotected against the hostile use of land or sea."<ref>[[JFK Library]], {{YouTube|iiC-E8vl7Fw|Address at Rice University, September 12, 1962 (USG 15 29)}}, [[Houston, Texas]], concerning the nation's efforts in space exploration, minutes 7:16–8:00.</ref>}}

[[File:Deepcold dyna final 240.jpg|thumb|The [[X-20 Dyna Soar]] was intended to be the Air Force's first spaceplane]]
Each of the military services also provided significant support to NASA's civil space program, with the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's Project Adam and Air Force's [[Man in Space Soonest]] programs forming the basis for NASA's [[Project Mercury]]. The Army and Air Force developed all of NASA's pre-Saturn V space launch vehicles, with the Army Ballistic Missile Agency designing the [[Mercury-Redstone Launch Vehicle|Redstone]] and [[Saturn I]], while the Air Force repurposed the [[Mercury-Atlas|Atlas]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%201.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407084855/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%201.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy provided all of NASA's early astronauts and led astronaut rescue and recovery missions. The Air Force also provided range support for NASA launches from [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station]].{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

Concerned by Soviet orbital flights, the Air Force strongly pushed for a crewed military spaceflight program. General [[Curtis LeMay]] drew parallels between space operations in the 1960s and air operations in [[World War I]], describing how airplanes quickly evolved from peaceful chivalric, unarmed reconnaissance flights to combat efforts designed to destroy enemy air superiority and that it would be naïve to believe that the same trends were not expected to be seen and prepared for in space. Although the Air Force made significant progress towards the development of the [[Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar]] [[spaceplane]], [[Manned Orbiting Laboratory]], and [[Blue Gemini]], ultimately political opposition from the Department of Defense prevented them from being operationally fielded.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

[[File:Cobradane.jpg|thumb|[[Cobra Dane]] radar at [[Shemya Air Force Base]], Alaska]]
Although unsuccessful in fielding human military spacecraft, the Air Force and Army successfully led the development of [[anti-satellite weapon]]s. The Air Force's [[Project SAINT]] was an early satellite inspector, which also had "satellite neutralization" capabilities, however it was canceled in 1962 by the Defense Department when details were leaked to ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027201807/https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> As the lead service for missile defense, the Army also developed the [[Nike Zeus]] [[anti-ballistic missile]] to have satellite interception capability. On 23 May 1963, a Nike Zeus launched from Kwajalein Atoll successfully intercepted a [[Agena target vehicle|Agena-D]] target vehicle and was put on ready alert until 1964.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%202.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407103244/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%202.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army's Nike Zeus ASAT was replaced by the Air Force's [[Program 437]], which used nuclear-tipped [[PGM-17 Thor|Thor missile]] to intercept satellites, until the program was deactivated in 1975.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

===The Strategic Defense Initiative and Persian Gulf War===
[[File:STS-44 DSP deployment.jpg|thumb|A [[Defense Support Program]] missile warning spacecraft deploys from the [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Space Shuttle ''Atlantis'']] on the [[STS-44]] mission]]

Dissatisfied with the current status of military space operations within the Air Force, Representative [[Ken Kramer]] introduced a resolution to rename the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Aerospace Force to force a new focus on space and rumors spread that President [[Ronald Reagan]] would announce the establishment of a U.S. Space Force. These two developments spurred Air Force leadership into action, establishing Air Force Space Command in 1982 to consolidate its space forces under a single major command.{{sfn|Spires|1998}} In 1985, President Reagan created [[United States Space Command]] as a unified combatant command for space, with Air Force Space Command as its primary service provider. [[Naval Space Command]] was established 1985 and the [[Army Space Command]] was created in 1988 to serve as their service components to U.S. Space Command.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/f/from-sea-stars.html | title=From the Sea to the Stars | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530215411/https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/f/from-sea-stars.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

The establishment of U.S. Space Command, Air Force Space Command, and the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]] by President Reagan led to a renaissance of military space operations. In September 1985, a U.S. Air Force [[F-15]] conducted a test launch of the [[ASM-135]] anti-satellite missile, destroying the [[Solwind]] satellite. The Air Force and Navy proceeded to deploy modernized satellites, such as the Air Force's [[Global Positioning System]], [[Milstar]] communications satellite, the [[Defense Support Program]] missile warning constellation, and the Navy's [[Fleet Satellite Communications]] system. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198034/vought-asm-135a-anti-satellite-missile/ | title=Vought ASM-135A Anti-Satellite Missile | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530213913/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198034/vought-asm-135a-anti-satellite-missile/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:ASM-135 ASAT 5.jpg|thumb|An [[F-15A Eagle]] launches an [[ASM-135]] ASAT, intercepting the [[Solwind]] satellite on 13 September 1985]]

The [[Persian Gulf War]] proved to be a decisive moment for military space operations, with space forces providing critical tactical support to coalition land, air, and naval forces. Over sixty satellites provided 90% of theater communications and command and control for an multinational army of 500,000 troops, weather support for mission planners, early warning of Iraqi Scud missile launches, and satellite navigation for air and land forces moving across a featureless desert.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/01/2001329745/-1/-1/0/AFD-101001-060.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221193008/https://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/01/2001329745/-1/-1/0/AFD-101001-060.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> This critical degree of support led to the Persian Gulf War being coined "the first Space War."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/161173/smdc_history_25_years_since_first_space_war | title=SMDC History: 25 years since first 'Space War' | access-date=20 November 2021 | archive-date=20 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120164358/https://www.army.mil/article/161173/smdc_history_25_years_since_first_space_war | url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite the decisive role played by space forces during the Persian Gulf War, there were a number of Air Force generals who sought to merge air and space into a seamless aerospace continuum, to the determent of space. This drew the ire of prominent congressmen, with Senator [[Bob Smith (New Hampshire politician)|Bob Smith]], in particular, proposing an independent space force. Congress established the establishing the commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization, better known as the Space Commission, to investigate the matter.<ref>https://www.afspc.af.mil/Portals/3/documents/AFD-110825-027.pdf?ver=2016-04-19-143348-797 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530213921/https://www.afspc.af.mil/Portals/3/documents/AFD-110825-027.pdf?ver=2016-04-19-143348-797 |date=30 May 2023 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

Chaired by [[Donald Rumsfeld]], the Space Commission released its report in 2001. Key recommendations included no longer exclusively assigning pilots to be commander of U.S. Space Command. The commission noted that fewer than 20% of top space leaders had a space background, with the majority being drawn from the pilot, [[Air Defense Artillery Branch|Army Air Defense Artillery]], or nuclear and missile operations and that the average individual had only spent 2.5 years of their careers in space positions. Ultimately, the Space Commission recommended the establishment of a separate Space Force as a military branch in the long term, with the establishment of a Space Corps, analogous to the [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]] within the U.S. Air Force in the between 2007 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0301space/|title=The Space Commission Reports|access-date=30 May 2023|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625165304/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0301space/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Space Force independence===
[[File:NROL-37 launch tower view.jpg|thumb|Launch of a [[Delta IV Heavy]] from [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station]]]]
Despite the recommendations of the Space Commission, the [[September 11 attacks]] and [[Global War on Terror]] prevented the continued evolution of military space forces. To make way for the establishment of U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Space Command was shut down and its functions were merged into [[United States Strategic Command]] in 2002.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/war-terror-supersedes-2001-space-commission-vision/ | title=War on Terror Supersedes 2001 Space Commission Vision | date=23 January 2006 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205059/https://spacenews.com/war-terror-supersedes-2001-space-commission-vision/ | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Naval Space Command]] was shut down shortly prior to U.S. Space Command, transferring the [[Naval Space Surveillance System]] to Air Force Space Command.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/f/from-sea-stars.html | title=From the Sea to the Stars | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530215411/https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/f/from-sea-stars.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Army Space Command was first subordinated to Army Strategic Defense Command in 1992, with Army Space Command still existing under the new Army Space and Strategic Defense Command, renamed [[Army Space and Missile Defense Command]] in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%205.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627150245/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%205.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Certain Space Commission recommendations were implemented, such as transferring the Space and Missile Systems Center from Air Force Materiel Command to Air Force Space Command.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.losangeles.spaceforce.mil/Portals/16/documents/AFD-060912-021.pdf?ver=2016-05-02-112844-290 |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627150233/https://www.losangeles.spaceforce.mil/Portals/16/documents/AFD-060912-021.pdf?ver=2016-05-02-112844-290 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Air Force Space Command provided direct support to [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], enabling satellite communications, global positioning system enhancements, and deployed personnel to support counterterrorism operations. For [[Iraq War|Operation Iraqi Freedom]], the Air Force Space Command deployed space operators to forward operating bases in the Middle East and the Defense Satellite Communications System provided 80% of bandwidth for allied forces in theater, while 85% of Milstar communications capacity was directed towards support of tactical forces.<ref>https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/Portals/17/2019_Heritage_Pamphlet%20pdf.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530220004/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/Portals/17/2019_Heritage_Pamphlet%20pdf.pdf |date=30 May 2023 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

[[File:AN FPS-132 Upgraded Early Warning radar (UEWR) (7414560082).jpg|thumb|[[Upgraded Early Warning Radar]] at [[Thule Air Base]], Greenland]]
Following the inactivation of U.S. Space Command in 2002, Russia and China began developing sophisticated on-orbit capabilities and an array of counter-space weapons. In particular, China conducted the [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test]], destroying its [[Fengyun]] spacecraft, which, according to [[NASA]],  created 2,841 high-velocity debris items, a larger amount of dangerous [[space debris|space junk]] than any other space event in history.<ref>[http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/64242 NASA identifies Top Ten space junk missions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019123913/http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/64242 |date=19 October 2013 }}; Michael Cooney, ''NetworkWorld'', 28 July 2010</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2096883/us-will-not-let-china-russia-deny-its-space-superiority-dod-officials-say/|title=U.S. Will Not Let China, Russia Deny Its Space Superiority, DOD Officials Say|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|access-date=30 May 2023|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805050438/https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2096883/us-will-not-let-china-russia-deny-its-space-superiority-dod-officials-say/|url-status=live}}</ref>  On 29 August 2019, [[United States Space Command]] was reestablished as a geographic combatant command.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/usspacecom-officially-re-established-with-a-focus-on-defending-satellites-and-deterring-conflict/|title=Trump formally reestablishes U.S. Space Command at White House ceremony|date=29 August 2019|website=SpaceNews|access-date=30 May 2023|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205059/https://spacenews.com/usspacecom-officially-re-established-with-a-focus-on-defending-satellites-and-deterring-conflict/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, U.S. Strategic Command conducted [[Operation Burnt Frost]] to destroy a non-functioning [[National Reconnaissance Office]] satellite, before its toxic hydrazine tank could reenter and cause potential harm to human safety, with a [[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3]] launched from the {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70|6}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/340906/jspoc-intergral-to-burnt-frost-success/ | title=JSpOC intergral to Burnt Frost success | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530225326/https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/340906/jspoc-intergral-to-burnt-frost-success/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://appel.nasa.gov/2008/06/01/operation-burnt-frost-the-power-of-social-networks/ | title=Operation Burnt Frost: The Power of Social Networks &#124; APPEL Knowledge Services | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530225532/https://appel.nasa.gov/2008/06/01/operation-burnt-frost-the-power-of-social-networks/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:SM-3 missile launches and intercepts USA 193 satellite.ogv|thumb|[[Operation Burnt Frost]] missile launch and satellite interception]] 

Growing impatient with the Air Force, Representatives [[Jim Cooper]] (D-TN) and [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]] (R-AL) unveiled a bipartisan proposal in the House of Representatives to establish the United States Space Corps as a separate military service within the Department of the Air Force to give space a greater cultural focus and help develop a leaner and faster space acquisitions system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/congressman-rogers-a-space-corps-is-inevitable/|title=Congressman Rogers: A space corps is 'inevitable'|date=2 December 2017|website=SpaceNews.com|access-date=2 January 2019|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205128/https://spacenews.com/congressman-rogers-a-space-corps-is-inevitable/|url-status=live}}</ref> The proposal passed in the House of Representatives, but was cut from the final bill in late 2017 during negotiations with the U.S. Senate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensetech.org/2017/11/08/space-corps-crashes-to-earth-in-negotiated-defense-bill/|title=Space Corps Crashes to Earth in Negotiated Defense Bill|date=8 November 2017|website=Defensetech.org|access-date=8 November 2017|archive-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109081153/https://www.defensetech.org/2017/11/08/space-corps-crashes-to-earth-in-negotiated-defense-bill/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Space Corps proposal was, in large part, spurred on by the development of the [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]] and the [[Russian Space Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/chairman-rogers-space-corps-needed-more-than-ever-air-force-in-denial/|title=Chairman Rogers: space corps needed more than ever, Air Force 'in denial'|date=1 March 2018|website=SpaceNews|access-date=19 January 2021|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205059/https://spacenews.com/chairman-rogers-space-corps-needed-more-than-ever-air-force-in-denial/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Legislative provisions for creation of the Space Force, via the United States Space Force Act, were included in the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|2020 National Defense Authorization Act]], which was signed into law by President [[Donald Trump]] on 20 December 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Macias |first1=Amanda |title=Trump signs $738 billion defense bill. Here’s what the Pentagon is poised to get |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/21/trump-signs-738-billion-defense-bill.html |access-date=July 8, 2023 |work=[[CNBC]] |date=December 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Keller |first1=Jared |title=It’s official: the Space Force is here to bring freedom and liberty to the stars |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/space-force-defense-budget-2020/ |access-date=8 July 2023 |work=[[Task & Purpose]] |date=10 December 2019}}</ref> The Space Force was established as the sixth armed service branch, with Air Force General [[John W. Raymond]], the commander of Air Force Space Command and U.S. Space Command, becoming the first [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]].<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |author=Ryan Browne |title=With a signature, Trump brings Space Force into being |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/20/politics/trump-creates-space-force/index.html |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=CNN |date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008080514/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/20/politics/trump-creates-space-force/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 January 2020, Raymond was officially sworn in as chief of space operations by Vice President [[Mike Pence]].<ref>{{cite news |title=New Space Force uniforms are camo, but why? |url=https://www.abc12.com/content/news/New-Space-Force-uniforms-are-camo-but-why-567106481.html |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=ABC12.com |agency=CNN\Gray News |date=18 January 2020 |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119132009/https://www.abc12.com/content/news/New-Space-Force-uniforms-are-camo-but-why-567106481.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===The sixth service===
[[File:Launch of Atlas V carrying AEHF-6 (200326-F-KD758-1007).jpg|thumb|An [[Atlas V]] conducts the first U.S. Space Force space launch on 26 March 2020]]
Following independence, all of Air Force Space Command's 16,000 active duty and civilian airmen were transferred to the U.S. Space Force, including the [[21st Space Wing]], [[30th Space Wing]], [[45th Space Wing]], [[50th Space Wing]], [[460th Space Wing]], and the [[614th Air Operations Center]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Myers|first=Meghann|date=20 December 2019|title=The Space Force is officially the sixth military branch. Here's what that means.|work=Air Force Times|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2019/12/21/the-space-force-is-officially-the-sixth-military-branch-heres-what-that-means/|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205101/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2019/12/21/the-space-force-is-officially-the-sixth-military-branch-heres-what-that-means/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wings and groups were replaced by deltas in 2020 and the Space Force's field commands were activated in 2020 and 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=United States Space Force|first=Public Affairs|date=24 June 2020|title=Space Force begins transition into field organizational structure|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2287005/space-force-begins-transition-into-field-organizational-structure|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US|archive-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115194754/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2287005/space-force-begins-transition-into-field-organizational-structure/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the first Air Force space bases were renamed to Space Force bases.<ref>{{cite web|last=Joy|first=Rachael|date=9 December 2020|title=Vice President Pence announces official name change of Patrick Space Force Base|url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2020/12/09/vice-president-pence-announces-official-name-change-patrick-space-force-base/6506564002/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Florida Today|language=en-US|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119150223/https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2020/12/09/vice-president-pence-announces-official-name-change-patrick-space-force-base/6506564002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2020, the Space Force and NASA signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] formally acknowledging the joint role of both agencies. This new memorandum replaced a similar document signed in 2006 between NASA and Air Force Space Command.<ref>{{cite web|title=Memorandum of Understanding Between The National Aeronautics And Space Administration and The United States Space Force|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_ussf_mou_21_sep_20.pdf|access-date=22 September 2020|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|language=en|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125145450/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_ussf_mou_21_sep_20.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

General Jay Raymond was followed into the service by on 3 April 2020 by Chief Master Sergeant [[Roger A. Towberman]], who became the Space Force's first enlisted member and [[senior enlisted advisor of the Space Force]], and 86 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets who became the first Space Force lieutenants on 18 April 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Erwin|first1=Sandra|date=18 April 2020|title=U.S. Space Force adds 86 new officers after academy graduation|work=SpaceNews.com|url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-adds-86-new-officers-after-academy-graduation/|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205100/https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-adds-86-new-officers-after-academy-graduation/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=18 April 2020|title=U.S. Space Force adds 86 new officers after academy graduation|url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-adds-86-new-officers-after-academy-graduation/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=SpaceNews|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701205100/https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-adds-86-new-officers-after-academy-graduation/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Space Force also gained its first astronaut, with Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]], the commander of [[SpaceX Crew-1]], swearing into the Space Force from the [[International Space Station]] on 18 December 2020.<ref name=":82">{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=1 October 2020|title=Space Force members can go to the moon, if they're picked by NASA|url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-members-can-go-to-the-moon-if-theyre-picked-by-nasa/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=SpaceNews|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927131853/https://spacenews.com/space-force-members-can-go-to-the-moon-if-theyre-picked-by-nasa/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":92">{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=28 October 2020|title=NASA's Crew-1 commander to be sworn into U.S. Space Force from the International Space Station|url=https://spacenews.com/nasas-crew-1-commander-to-be-sworn-into-u-s-space-force-from-the-international-space-station/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US|archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20201105173541/https://spacenews.com/nasas%2Dcrew%2D1%2Dcommander%2Dto%2Dbe%2Dsworn%2Dinto%2Du%2Ds%2Dspace%2Dforce%2Dfrom%2Dthe%2Dinternational%2Dspace%2Dstation/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":72">{{cite web|last=Kramer|first=Miriam|date=18 December 2020|title=Astronaut Mike Hopkins sworn into the Space Force from orbit|url=https://www.axios.com/astronaut-mike-hopkins-space-force-7891a73d-33a8-4b3f-8437-72f502ecce37.html|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Axios|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120025438/https://www.axios.com/astronaut-mike-hopkins-space-force-7891a73d-33a8-4b3f-8437-72f502ecce37.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:15th SPSS- The neighborhood watch of space (7542481).jpeg|thumb|[[15th Space Surveillance Squadron]] [[Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance]] telescope at [[White Sands Missile Range]]]]
The Space Force's first combat operations as a new service included providing early warning of Iranian [[Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force]] [[Operation Martyr Soleimani|missile strikes]] against U.S. troops at [[Al Asad Airbase]] on 7 January 2020 through the [[2nd Space Warning Squadron]]'s [[Space Based Infrared System]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Strout|first=Nathan|date=12 January 2021|title=Exclusive: How the Space Force foiled an Iranian missile attack with a critical early warning|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/01/07/exclusive-how-the-space-force-foiled-an-iranian-missile-attack-with-a-critical-early-warning/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=C4ISRNET|language=en-US|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203075058/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/01/07/exclusive-how-the-space-force-foiled-an-iranian-missile-attack-with-a-critical-early-warning/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Space Force also monitored Russian Space Forces spacecraft which had been tailing U.S. government satellites.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hennigan|first=W.J.|date=10 February 2020|title=Exclusive: Russian Craft Shadowing U.S. Spy Satellite, Space Force Commander Says|url=https://time.com/5779315/russian-spacecraft-spy-satellite-space-force/|access-date=3 February 2021|magazine=Time}}</ref>

One of the major reasons for creating the Space Force was consolidating military space activities across the Department of Defense. The [[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]] was established in 2020 to bring over the remaining operational Air Force space activities spread across [[Air Education and Training Command]] and [[Air Combat Command]], while Space Systems Command brought over the [[Air Force Life Cycle Management Center]]'s Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems Division in 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2426219/star-delta-provisional/ | title=STAR Delta (Provisional) | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530231335/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2426219/star-delta-provisional/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/08/13/space-force-establishes-space-systems-command/ | title=Space Force establishes Space Systems Command | date=13 August 2021 | access-date=19 August 2021 | archive-date=19 August 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819042952/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/08/13/space-force-establishes-space-systems-command/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force accepted a record number of interservice transfers from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-recruiting-interservice-transfers/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530231335/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-recruiting-interservice-transfers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, in 2022 the Space Force accepted the transfer of the [[Naval Satellite Operations Center]] from the U.S. Navy and the Army's Satellite Operations Brigade, putting satellite communications under a single service for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/navy-unit-transfers-into-space-force-becomes-10th-space-operations-squadron/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226213523/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/navy-unit-transfers-into-space-force-becomes-10th-space-operations-squadron/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3128682/army-transfers-satellite-communications-mission-to-ussf-all-military-satcom-und | title=Army transfers satellite communications mission to USSF: All military SATCOM under one ser | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530231336/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3128682/army-transfers-satellite-communications-mission-to-ussf-all-military-satcom-und | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, the Space Force assumed responsibility for the Army's [[Joint Tactical Ground Station]], putting all missile warning under the Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-to-take-on-the-armys-missile-warning-ground-stations-in-october/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324092552/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-to-take-on-the-armys-missile-warning-ground-stations-in-october/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Organization ==
{{main|Structure of the United States Space Force|List of active duty United States Space Force general officers}}
[[File:U.S. Space Force patch shapes.png|thumb|U.S. Space Force patch shapes, 2021]]

The Space Force's field organizations consist of three different echelons of command:<ref name="ussf-structure">{{cite web |last=Kirby |first=Lynn |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter |title=USSF field command structure reduces command layers, focuses on space warfighter needs |work=United States Space Force |date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=8 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408005609/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Command (military formation)|Field commands]] (FLDCOM): Align with a specific mission focus and are typically led by a [[lieutenant general (United States)|lieutenant general]] or [[major general (United States)|major general]], although smaller component field commands and Space Force elements may have officers ranging from [[lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]] to [[major general (United States)|major general]] in command. Component field commands are the Space Force component to a [[unified combatant command]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/SDP%201-0%20Personnel%207%20September%202022.pdf?ver=erudfM8rwArAPlxplIu47g%3D%3D |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415074145/https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/SDP%201-0%20Personnel%207%20September%202022.pdf?ver=erudfM8rwArAPlxplIu47g%3D%3D |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Deltas are organized around a specific function, such as operations, training, or installation support and are typically led by a [[colonel (United States)|colonel]]. In rare cases, a delta may be commanded by a higher ranking officer, such as a major general in the case of Space Launch Delta 45. Deltas are equivalent to an Air Force [[Wing (military unit)|wing]] or an Army [[brigade combat team]].
* Squadrons are focused on specific tactics and are led by a [[lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]].

Each of the three major field commands has a distinctive color which is share by its subordinate units. Space Operations Command is platinum, Space Systems Command is gold, and Space Training and Readiness Command is Cannes Blue.

===Headquarters Space Force===
[[File:Organization of U.S. Space Force.png|thumb|Organization of the United States Space Force within the Department of Defense]]

The U.S. Space Force is organized under the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], alongside the U.S. Air Force. Civilian leadership is provided by the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] and [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|under secretary of the Air Force]]. The most important assistant secretary of the Air Force for the Space Force is the [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration]], who is the only assistant secretary of the Air Force focused entirely on space and serves as the Space Force's service acquisition executive.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/calvelli-to-assume-duties-as-u-s-air-forces-space-acquisition-executive/ | title=Calvelli to assume duties as U.S. Air Force's space acquisition executive | date=2 May 2022 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210603/https://spacenews.com/calvelli-to-assume-duties-as-u-s-air-forces-space-acquisition-executive/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Military leadership is provided by the [[chief of space operations]] and [[vice chief of space operations]], who are advised by the [[chief master sergeant of the Space Force]].<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Space Force Organization|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/Space-Force-Organization/|access-date=6 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213050506/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/Space-Force-Organization/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Leadership|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Leadership/|access-date=6 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303203318/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Leadership/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Headquarters Space Force'', also known as the ''Office of the Chief of Space Operations'' or [[Space Staff]], serves as the service's highest staff and headquarters element, is located at [[the Pentagon]]. It is led by the chief of space operations and the vice chief of space operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/Office-of-the-Chief-of-Space-Operations/|title=United States Space Force > About Us > About Space Force > Office of the Chief of Space Operations|website=United States Space Force|access-date=29 November 2020|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130020014/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/Office-of-the-Chief-of-Space-Operations/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=David D. Thompson > United States Space Force > Biographies|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2368490/david-d-thompson/|access-date=|website=United States Space Force|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201033813/https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2368490/david-d-thompson/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Title
![[Staff (military)#Continental staff system|Office]]
!Current holder
|-
!colspan=4|  [[File:Seal of the United States Department of the Air Force.svg|35px]] Department of the Air Force
|-
|
|[[File:Flag of the United States Secretary of the Air Force.svg|40px]] [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]]
|SecAF
|[[Frank Kendall III]]
|-
|
|[[File:Flag of the Under Secretary of the Air Force.svg|40px]] [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|Under Secretary of the Air Force]]
|USecAF
|[[Kristyn E. Jones]]
|-
|[[File:SAF AQ Logo.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the General Counsel and Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.png|40px]] [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics)]]
|SAF/AQ
|[[Andrew P. Hunter]]
|-
|[[File:Seal of SAFFM.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the General Counsel and Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.png|40px]] [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management & Comptroller)]]
|SAF/FM
|[[Kristyn E. Jones]]
|-
|[[File:SAF-IE Logo ASAF Round.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the General Counsel and Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.png|40px]] [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Installations, Environment & Energy)]]
|SAF/IE
|[[Ravi Chaudhary]]
|-
|
|[[File:Flag of the General Counsel and Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.png|40px]] [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower & Reserve Affairs)]]
|SAF/MR
|Alex Wagner
|-
|[[File:Seal of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the General Counsel and Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.png|40px]] [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration|Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition & Integration)]]
|SAF/SQ
|[[Frank Calvelli]]
|-
!colspan=4|  [[File:Patch of the Office of the Chief of Space Operations.png|25px]] Headquarters Space Force [[File:Space Staff Identification Badge.png|40px]]
|-
|[[File:Office of the Chief of Space Operations emblem (2).png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the Chief of Space Operations.svg|40px]] [[Chief of space operations]] || CSO ||[[General (United States)|Gen]] [[B. Chance Saltzman]]
|-
|[[File:Office of the Vice Chief of Space Operations.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the Vice Chief of Space Operations.svg|40px]] [[Vice chief of space operations]] || VCSO || [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[David D. Thompson]]
|-
|
|[[File:Flag of the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Space Force.svg|40px]] [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] || CMSSF || [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force|CMSSF]] [[Roger A. Towberman]]
|-
|[[File:USSF Director of Staff.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|40px]] [[Director of Staff of the United States Space Force|Director of staff]] || SF/DS || [[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[Nina M. Armagno]]
|-
|[[File:Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Personnel patch.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the United States Senior Executive Service.svg|40px]] [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations#Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital|Deputy chief of space operations for human capital]] / [[Chief human resources officer|Chief Human Capital Officer]] || S1 || Katharine Kelley
|-
|
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force major general.svg|40px]] [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations#Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence|Deputy chief of space operations for intelligence]] || S2 ||[[Major general (United States)|Maj Gen]] [[Gregory Gagnon]]
|-
|[[File:Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear emblem.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|40px]] [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations#Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear|Deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear]] / [[Chief operating officer|Chief Operations Officer]] || S3/4/6/7/10 ||[[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[DeAnna M. Burt]]
|-
|[[File:Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements, and Analysis emblem.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|40px]] [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations#Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements, and Analysis|Deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, requirements, and analysis]] / [[Chief strategy officer|Chief Strategy and Resourcing Officer]] || S5/8 || [[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[Philip Garrant]]
|-
|[[File:Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Technology and Innovation emblem.png|40px]]
|[[File:Flag of the United States Senior Executive Service.svg|40px]] [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations#Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Technology and Innovation|Deputy chief of space operations for technology and innovation]] / [[Chief innovation officer|Chief Technology and Innovation Officer]] || S9 || [[Lisa A. Costa]]
|-
|}
</div>

===Field commands, Space Force elements, and direct reporting units===
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
!colspan=4|Field commands
|-
|[[File:Emblem of the Space Operations Command.svg|40px]]
|[[Space Operations Command]] (SpOC)
|[[U.S. Space Command]] component field command; Space Force operations, cyber, and intelligence command 
|[[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Space Systems Command emblem.png|40px]]
| [[Space Systems Command]] (SSC)
| Engineering, acquisitions, and launch command
| [[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California 
|-
| [[File:Space Training and Readiness Command emblem.png|40px]]
| [[Space Training and Readiness Command]] (STARCOM) 
| [[Military education and training|Space training]], test and evaluation, and doctrine development command
|[[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:U.S._Space_Forces_Indo-Pacific_emblem.png|40px]]
| [[United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific]] (SPACEFOR-INDOPAC)
| [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]] component field command
|[[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]], [[Hawai'i]]
|-
| [[File:United States Space Forces Korea emblem.png|40px]]
| [[United States Space Forces Korea]] (SPACEFOR-KOR)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3249547/space-force-activates-component-field-command-for-us-forces-korea/ | title=Space Force activates component field command for U.S. Forces Korea | date=14 December 2022 | access-date=27 May 2023 | archive-date=27 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527182352/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3249547/space-force-activates-component-field-command-for-us-forces-korea/ | url-status=live }}</ref> 
|[[United States Forces Korea|U.S. Forces Korea]] component field command  (suboridnated to SPACEFOR-INDOPAC) 
|[[Osan Air Base]], [[Korea]]
|-
| [[File:United_States_Space_Forces_Central_emblem.png|40px]]
| [[United States Space Forces Central]] (SPACEFOR-CENT)
| [[United States Central Command|U.S. Central Command]] component field command
|[[MacDill Air Force Base]], [[Florida]]
|-
! colspan="4" |Space Force elements<ref name=":7">{{cite web|last=Strout|first=Nathan|date=13 August 2021|title=Space Force establishes Space Systems Command|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/08/13/space-force-establishes-space-systems-command/|access-date=19 August 2021|website=C4ISRNet|language=en|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819042952/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/08/13/space-force-establishes-space-systems-command/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:Space Force Element to the National Reconnaissance Office emblem.png|40px]]
|[[National Reconnaissance Office|Space Force Element, National Reconnaissance Office]] (SFELM NRO)
|[[National Reconnaissance Office]] Space Force component<ref>https://www.nro.gov/Portals/65/documents/about/leadership/bios/Major_General_Christopher_S_Povak_bio.pdf?ver=Xl0BhACsBe5LE21mmLpDLA%3d%3d {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627234912/https://www.nro.gov/Portals/65/documents/about/leadership/bios/Major_General_Christopher_S_Povak_bio.pdf?ver=Xl0BhACsBe5LE21mmLpDLA== |date=27 June 2023 }} {{bare URL inline|date=April 2023}}</ref>
|Chantilly, Virginia
|-
! colspan="4" |Direct reporting units<ref name=":7" />
|-
|[[File:Space Rapid Capabilities Office logo.png|40px]]
|[[Space Rapid Capabilities Office]]
|Expedited research, development and delivery of space capabilities.
|[[Kirtland Air Force Base]], New Mexico
|-
| [[File:US Space Development Agency logo.jpg|40px]]|| [[Space Development Agency]]|| Employment of the [[National Defense Space Architecture]] through commercial research, development and procurement ||[[The Pentagon]], Washington, D.C. 
|-
|[[File:Space Warfighting Analysis Center emblem (2).png|40px]]
|[[Space Warfighting Analysis Center]]
|[[Wargame|Wargaming]], force design
|Washington, D.C.
|}
</div>

=== Deltas and program executive offices ===
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!Function
!Headquarters
|-
!colspan=4|Space Operations Command
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 2.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 2]] || [[Space domain awareness]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 3.svg|40px]]|| [[Space Delta 3]] || [[Electronic warfare|Space electromagnetic warfare]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 4.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 4]] || [[Missile warning]] || [[Buckley Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 5.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 5]] || [[Combined Space Operations Center]] || [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], California 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 6.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 6]] || [[Cyberwarfare|Cyberspace operations]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 7.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 7]] || [[Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 8.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 8]] || [[Satellite communication]] and [[Satellite navigation|navigation warfare]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 9.svg|40px]]|| [[Space Delta 9]] || [[Space warfare|Orbital warfare]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
| [[File:Space Delta 15 emblem.png|40px]] || [[Space Delta 15]] || [[National Space Defense Center]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 18 emblem.png|frameless|40px]]
|[[Space Delta 18]]
|National Space Intelligence Center
|[[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], Ohio
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|40px]] || [[Space Base Delta 1]] || [[Combat service support (United States)|Mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado  
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 2.svg|40px]] || [[Space Base Delta 2]] || [[Combat service support (United States)|Mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]] || [[Buckley Space Force Base]], Colorado 
|-
! colspan="4" | Space Systems Command
|-
|[[File:Assured Access To Space Directorate.png|40px]]
|[[Assured Access to Space Directorate]]
|Space mobility and logistics
|
|-
|
|[[Military Communications & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Directorate]]
|Military satellite communications and positioning, navigation, and timing acquisition and sustainment
|
|-
|[[File:Space Sensing Directorate emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Sensing Directorate]]
|Military space sensing acquisition 
|
|-
|[[File:Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications Directorate.png|40px]]
|[[Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications Directorate]]
|Command and control / [[Satellite Control Network]] modernization
|
|-
|[[File:Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate.png|40px]]
|[[Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate]]
|Space domain awareness and combat power acquisition 
|
|-
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 30 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 30]]
|[[Space launch]], [[Western Range (USSF)|Western Range]] administration, and [[Combat service support (United States)|mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]]
|[[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], California
|-
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 45]]
|[[Space launch]], [[Eastern Range]] administration, and [[Combat service support (United States)|mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]]
|[[Patrick Space Force Base]], Florida
|-
|| [[File:Space Base Delta 3 emblem.png|40px]] 
|| [[Space Base Delta 3]]
|| [[Combat service support (United States)|Mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]]
|| [[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
! colspan="4" | Space Training and Readiness Command
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 1 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Delta 1]]
|[[Military education and training|Space training]]
|[[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], [[California]]
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 10 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Delta 10]]
|Space [[Military doctrine|doctrine]] and [[Military wargaming|wargaming]]
|[[United States Air Force Academy]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 11 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Delta 11]]
|[[Aggressor squadron|Space range and aggressor]]
|[[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 12 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Delta 12]]
|[[Independent test organization|Space test and evaluation]]
|[[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 13 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Delta 13]]
|[[Military education and training|Space education]]
|[[Maxwell Air Force Base]], [[Alabama]]
|}
</div>

==Relationships with other space organizations==
===Department of the Air Force and U.S. Air Force===
{{main|United States Department of the Air Force|United States Air Force}}
{{Image frame|align=left |total_width=100|content=[[File:US Air Force Logo Solid Colour.svg|100px]]|border=no}}

The U.S. Space Force derives a significant degree of support from the Department of the Air Force and the U.S. Air Force. The Space Force only consist of operators and acquisitions, relying on the Air Force to provide airmen in support or other niche specialties. [[Air Force Materiel Command]] provides major command support to airmen assigned to the Space Force. The Space Force and Air Force continue to share a number of different organizations, such as the [[United States Air Force Academy]] and [[Air Force Research Laboratory]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3051233/servicing-support-for-airmen-assigned-to-space-force-fully-operational/ | title=Servicing support for Airmen assigned to Space Force fully operational | date=4 June 2022 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=31 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531031230/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3051233/servicing-support-for-airmen-assigned-to-space-force-fully-operational/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Starfire Optical Range telescope.jpg|thumb|The [[Air Force Research Laboratory]]'s [[Starfire Optical Range]], used for real-time high-fidelity tracking and imaging of satellites]]
Following the United States Space Force's establishment, calls have been made for the Department of the Air Force to rename itself the '''Department of the Air and Space Forces''' to acknowledge the Space Force, similar to calls made for the [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]] to rename itself the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. [[SpaceNews]] reported that a proposed name change was considered in 2018 and in 2019 the [[Air Force Association]] also called for renaming the department.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://spacenews.com/space-force-proposal-could-create-a-broader-military-department-for-both-air-and-space/|title = Space Force proposal could create a broader military department for both air and space|date = 30 November 2018|access-date = 31 May 2023|archive-date = 1 July 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210603/https://spacenews.com/space-force-proposal-could-create-a-broader-military-department-for-both-air-and-space/|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afa.org/publications-news/news/2019-12-23/fighting-and-winning-in-space-with-our-new-u-s--space-force|title=Fighting and Winning in Space with Our New U.S. Space Force &#124; Air Force Association|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504073722/https://www.afa.org/publications-news/news/2019-12-23/fighting-and-winning-in-space-with-our-new-u-s--space-force|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, the Air Force Association renamed itself the [[Air & Space Forces Association]], internally acting on its proposal to reflect the Space Force in the organization's name.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afa.org/news/afa-rebrands-become-air-space-forces-association | title=AFA Rebrands to Become the Air & Space Forces Association &#124; Air & Space Forces Association | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=31 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531031235/https://www.afa.org/news/afa-rebrands-become-air-space-forces-association | url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2021 article in the [[Space Force Association|Space Force Journal]], two Space Force officers also proposed a name change for the department.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-space/2021/07/23/the-faas-top-space-official-outlines-progress-493703|title = The FAA's top space official outlines progress|website = [[Politico]]|date = 23 July 2021|access-date = 31 May 2023|archive-date = 31 May 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230531031236/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-space/2021/07/23/the-faas-top-space-official-outlines-progress-493703|url-status = live}}</ref>

===National Aeronautics and Space Administration===
{{main|NASA|List of United States Space Force astronauts}}
{{Image frame|align=left |total_width=100|content=[[File:NASA logo.svg|100px]]|border=no}}

The U.S. Space Force and [[NASA]] have a long history of cooperation, as the lead government agencies for military and civil spaceflight. The Space Force's predecessors in the Air Force, Navy, and Army provided NASA with its early space launch vehicles and most of its astronauts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027201807/https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{multiple image
 | width = 125
 | direction=horizontal
 | image1 = Mike Hopkins official portrait 2020.jpg
 | image2 = Tyler N. Hague official portrait.jpg
 | footer = The Space Force's first two astronauts, Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]] (left) and Colonel [[Nick Hague]] (right)}}

The Space Force hosts NASA launch operations at [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]] and [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/ | title=About Us | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=31 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531223348/https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.patrick.spaceforce.mil/Portals/14/SLD%2045%20Fact%20Sheet%20Brochure%20-May%2031%202022_1.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=31 May 2023 |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531223355/https://www.patrick.spaceforce.mil/Portals/14/SLD%2045%20Fact%20Sheet%20Brochure%20-May%2031%202022_1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> NASA occasionally hosts U.S. Space Force heavy launches out of [[Kennedy Space Center]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/01/15/pictures-spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-on-ussf-67/ | title=Pictures: SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch on USSF-67 | date=15 January 2023 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=31 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531223347/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/01/15/pictures-spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-on-ussf-67/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force continues to support NASA's human spaceflight missions with range support of [[Space Launch Delta 45]] and tracks threats to the [[International Space Station]] and other crewed spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/eastern_range.html | title=NASA - What is the "Range?" | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=26 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426194022/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/eastern_range.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html | title=Space Debris and Human Spacecraft | date=13 April 2015 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=22 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322131144/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Space Force and NASA partner on matters such as [[space domain awareness]] and [[planetary defense]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Marcia|date=5 May 2020|title=NASA and Space Force to Work Together on Planetary Defense|url=https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-and-space-force-to-work-together-on-planetary-defense/|access-date=2 February 2021|website=SpacePolicyOnline.com|language=en-US|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226165823/https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-and-space-force-to-work-together-on-planetary-defense/|url-status=live}}</ref> Space Force members can be NASA astronauts, with Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]], the commander of [[SpaceX Crew-1]], commissioned into the Space Force from the [[International Space Station]] on 18 December 2020.<ref name=":82"/><ref name=":92"/><ref name=":72"/>

===National Reconnaissance Office===
{{main|National Reconnaissance Office}}
{{Image frame|align=left |total_width=100|content=[[File:NRO.svg|100px]]|border=no}}

The [[National Reconnaissance Office]] (NRO) is a Department of Defense agency and a member of the [[United States Intelligence Community]], responsible for designing, building, launching, and maintaining intelligence satellites.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=About the NRO: Develop. Acquire. Launch. Operate.|url=https://www.nro.gov/About-NRO/|access-date=|website=National Reconnaissance Office|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128045346/https://www.nro.gov/About-NRO/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Space Force executes National Reconnaissance Office space launches and consists of 40% of the agency's personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/11/16/national-reconnaissance-office-launches-new-intelligence-satellite/|title=National Reconnaissance Office launches new intelligence satellite|first=Nathan|last=Strout|date=16 November 2020|website=C4ISRNET|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202042922/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/11/16/national-reconnaissance-office-launches-new-intelligence-satellite/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/space-force-nrol-129-spy-satellite-launch-webcast.html|title=The Space Force will launch 4 secret satellites from Virginia Wednesday and you can watch it live|first=Tariq Malik 14|last=July 2020|website=Space.com|date=14 July 2020|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101014236/https://www.space.com/space-force-nrol-129-spy-satellite-launch-webcast.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2019/04/11/national-reconnaissance-office-could-join-space-force-down-the-road-shanahan-says/|title=National Reconnaissance Office could join Space Force down the road, Shanahan says|first=Aaron Mehta, Joe|last=Gould|date=11 April 2019|website=Defense News|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210605/https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2019/04/11/national-reconnaissance-office-could-join-space-force-down-the-road-shanahan-says/|url-status=live}}</ref> Proposals have been put forward, including by the [[Air Force Association]] and retired Air Force Lieutenant General [[David Deptula]], to merge the NRO into the Space Force, transforming it into a Space Force Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance Command and consolidating the entire national security space apparatus in the Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hitchens|first=Theresa|date=22 April 2020|title=Battle For NRO Takes Shape As Space, Air Forces Grapple With Acquisition|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/battle-for-nro-takes-shape-as-space-air-forces-grapple-with-acquisition/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Breaking Defense|language=en-US|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208013812/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/battle-for-nro-takes-shape-as-space-air-forces-grapple-with-acquisition/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Bruce "Orville"|date=23 December 2019|title=Fighting and Winning in Space with Our New U.S. Space Force|url=https://www.afa.org/publications-news/news/2019-12-23/fighting-and-winning-in-space-with-our-new-u-s--space-force|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Air Force Association|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504073722/https://www.afa.org/publications-news/news/2019-12-23/fighting-and-winning-in-space-with-our-new-u-s--space-force|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Deptula|first=Dave|date=18 May 2020|title=Setting Up The Space Force For Success|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davedeptula/2020/05/18/setting-up-the-space-force-for-success/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Forbes|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207071700/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davedeptula/2020/05/18/setting-up-the-space-force-for-success/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Rocket Launch 201211-X-DM484-001M.jpg|thumb|Launch of the NROL-44 mission from [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]]]]

The USSF's [[Space Systems Command]] (SSC), in partnership with the [[National Reconnaissance Office]], manages the [[National Security Space Launch]] (NSSL) program, which uses government and [[Private spaceflight|contract spacecraft]] to launch sensitive [[Federal government of the United States|government]] [[payloads]].<ref name=NDM1>{{cite news |last=Tadjdeh |first=Yasmin |date=20 July 2021 |title=JUST IN: National Reconnaissance Office Embracing Commercial Tech |url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/7/20/national-reconnaissance-office-embracing-commercial-tech |work=[[National Defense Industrial Association#National Defense magazine|National Defense Magazine]] |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720210743/https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/7/20/national-reconnaissance-office-embracing-commercial-tech |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CRS1>{{Cite news|last=McCall|first=Stephen|date=30 December 2020|title=Defense Primer: National Security Space Launch|work=[[Congressional Research Service]]|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/IF11531.pdf|access-date=21 July 2021|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710211710/https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/IF11531.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> NSSL supports both the USSF and NRO.<ref name=CRS1/> NRO director Scolese has characterized his agency as critical to American space dominance and the Space Force, stating that NRO provides "unrivaled situational awareness and intelligence to the best [[Imagery intelligence|imagery]] and [[Signals intelligence|signals data]] on the planet."<ref name=NDM1/> Additionally, in August 2021, former NRO deputy director Lt Gen [[Michael Guetlein]] became commander of Space Systems Command.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/07/14/biden-nominates-deputy-director-of-the-national-reconnaissance-office-to-lead-new-space-systems-command/ |title=Biden nominates deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office to lead new Space Systems Command |last=Strout |first=Nathan |publisher=[[Defense News]] |date=14 July 2021 |website=[[C4ISRNET]] |access-date=17 July 2021 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814034453/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/07/14/biden-nominates-deputy-director-of-the-national-reconnaissance-office-to-lead-new-space-systems-command/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration===
{{main|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}
{{Image frame|align=left |total_width=100|content=[[File:NOAA logo.svg|100px]]|border=no}}
The Space Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) jointly operate the military's weather satellites.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-weather-ams/ | title=U.S. Space Force considers a second NOAA weather satellite | date=12 January 2023 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210610/https://spacenews.com/space-force-weather-ams/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, NOAA's [[Office of Space Commerce]] is responsible for civilian [[space situational awareness]] and [[space traffic management]]. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/noaa-seeking-information-on-commercial-space-situational-awareness-data/ | title=NOAA seeking information on commercial space situational awareness data | date=23 February 2022 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210604/https://spacenews.com/noaa-seeking-information-on-commercial-space-situational-awareness-data/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The decision to transition space traffic management from the military to the Department of Commerce was made due to the significant growth in commercial spacecraft and to mirror how the [[Federal Aviation Administration]], rather than the U.S. Air Force, handles air traffic management.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-official-we-need-the-commerce-departments-space-traffic-office-to-be-successful/ | title=Space Force official: We need the Commerce Department's space traffic office to be successful | date=7 November 2022 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210616/https://spacenews.com/space-force-official-we-need-the-commerce-departments-space-traffic-office-to-be-successful/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personnel and culture==
===Symbols===
====The Delta Symbol====
{{main|Space Force Delta|Seal of the United States Space Force}}
[[File:The Delta Symbol- An Origin Story.webm|thumb|The Delta Symbol - An Origin Story]]
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, scientists derived the [[Tsiolkovsky rocket equation|rocket equation]], which made spaceflight possible. In this equation, <math>\Delta v</math> represents the change in velocity. In the 20th century, the Delta is used to represent a stylized aircraft, missile, or arrow. In 1940, the [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[36th Fighter Group]] used the delta on its shield, which is still used by the U.S. Air Force [[36th Fighter Wing]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/825791/delta-symbol-origin-story | title=The Delta Symbol: An Origin Story | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530035643/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/825791/delta-symbol-origin-story | url-status=live }}</ref> 

After World War II, the delta began to be used by the space program, appearing on the joint [[U.S. Air Force]]-[[NASA]] [[X-15]]. In 1962, the [[Air Force Ballistic Missile Division]] became the first of a long line of international military space organizations to use the delta, which, in the Air Force Space Command shield represented the Air Force's upward thrust into space and the launch vehicles used to place satellites into orbit. This delta later evolved into the U.S. Space Force's seal and its logo in 2020, becoming the basic shape for field command and delta emblems.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/825791/delta-symbol-origin-story | title=The Delta Symbol: An Origin Story | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530035643/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/825791/delta-symbol-origin-story | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Guardians====
[[File:4th Space Operations Squadron (7141781).jpeg|thumb|A Space Force specialist with the [[4th Space Operations Squadron]] pulls armed security]]
Space Force service members have the title of Guardians, similar to how members of the U.S. Marine Corps are called Marines and members of the Air Force are called Airmen. The title of guardian has a long history in military space, tracing its heritage to Air Force Space Command's 1983 motto ''Guardians of the High Frontier''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Secretary of the Air Force|first=Public Affairs|date=18 December 2020|title=U.S. Space Force unveils name of space professionals|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2452593/us-space-force-unveils-name-of-space-professionals|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203074114/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2452593/us-space-force-unveils-name-of-space-professionals/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the announcement of Guardian as the service title on 18 December 2020, members of the Space Force were referred to as space professionals.<ref name="Guardians">{{cite web|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=18 December 2020|title='Guardians' of the Galaxy: Pence Announces Name of Space Force Members|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/18/guardians-of-galaxy-pence-announces-name-of-space-force-members.html|access-date=19 December 2020|website=Military.com|language=en|archive-date=18 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218232340/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/18/guardians-of-galaxy-pence-announces-name-of-space-force-members.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===={{lang|la|Semper Supra}}====

The Space Force's motto, {{lang|la|Semper Supra}} – "Always Above."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-unveils-logo-semper-supra-motto/ | title=Space Force unveils logo, 'Semper Supra' motto | date=22 July 2020 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210604/https://spacenews.com/space-force-unveils-logo-semper-supra-motto/ | url-status=live }}</ref> It mirrors the mottos of the Marine Corps ({{lang|la|Semper Fidelis}} – Always Faithful) and Coast Guard ({{lang|la|Semper Paratus}} – Always Ready).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/who-are-the-marines/semper-fidelis.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530180132/https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/who-are-the-marines/semper-fidelis.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://uscga.edu/careers/roles-and-missions/ | title=Coast Guard Roles and Missions | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530180133/https://uscga.edu/careers/roles-and-missions/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force's [[Semper Supra (march)|service song]] takes its name from the motto.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3163735/space-force-reveals-official-song-semper-supra/ | title=Space Force reveals official song: "Semper Supra" | access-date=20 September 2022 | archive-date=14 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014080633/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3163735/space-force-reveals-official-song-semper-supra/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Specialties and badges===
{{main|List of United States Space Force astronauts|Badges of the United States Space Force}}

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
![[File:Basic Space Badge.jpg|200px|center]]<br>[[Space Operations Badge|Space Operations]]
![[File:United States Air Force Intelligence Badge.svg|150px|center]]<br>Intelligence
![[File:Basic Cyberspace Operator Badge.jpg|200px|center]]<br>Cyberspace Operations
![[File:United States Air Force Acquisition and Financial Management Badge.svg|150px|center]]<br>Acquisition and engineering
|-
! colspan="4" |Officer
|-
|
*13A – [[Astronaut]]
*13S – Space Operations Officer
|
*14N – [[Intelligence Officer]]
|
*17S – Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer
|
*62EXA – [[Aeronautical Engineer]]
*62EXB – [[Astronautical Engineer]]
*62EXC – [[Computer Systems Engineer]]
*62EXE – [[Electrical engineering|Electrical/Electronic Engineer]]
*62EXH – [[Mechanical Engineer]]
*62EXI – [[Human factors|Human Factors Engineer/Human Systems Integration]]
*63A – Acquisitions Manager
|-
! colspan="4" |Enlisted
|-
|
*5S – Space Systems Operator
|
*5I0 – [[All-source intelligence|All Source Intelligence Analyst]]
*5I1 – [[Geospatial intelligence|Geospatial Intelligence Analyst]]
*5I2 – [[Signals intelligence|Signals Intelligence Analyst]]
*5I3 – Fusion Analyst
*5I8 – [[Targeting (warfare)|Targeting Analyst]]
|
*5C – Cyberspace Operations
|}
</div>

Space operators are the largest career field in the Space Force and comprise much of its senior leadership.<ref name="airspace">{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2022/06/Almanac2022_USSF_NEW.pdf|title=U.S. Space Force Metrics at Establishment|website=airandspaceforces.com|access-date=May 30, 2023|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231131/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2022/06/Almanac2022_USSF_NEW.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Space operations officers are responsible for leading the Space Force's space operations forces. Space operations officers (13S) are responsible for planning and leading space combat operations across orbital warfare, space electromagnetic warfare, space battle management, and space access and sustainment spacepower disciplines. They also formulate space operations policy, coordinate space operations, and plan, organize, and direct space operations programs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/space-operations-officer | title=Space Operations Officer - Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232236/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/space-operations-officer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232239/https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Enlisted Space Systems Operators (5S) are responsible for conducting orbital warfare, space electromagnetic warfare, space battle management, and space access and sustainment operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/space-systems-operator | title=Space Systems Operator - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232236/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/space-systems-operator | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=csSHRIrRU8c%3D&portalid |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925004815/https://www.spaceforce.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=csSHRIrRU8c%3D&portalid |url-status=live }}</ref> Space operations officers and enlisted space systems operators are awarded the [[Space Operations Badge]] after completing the [[533rd Training Squadron]]'s Undergraduate Space Training program at [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], with follow-on education provided by the [[319th Combat Training Squadron]] and [[National Security Space Institute]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2149464/undergraduate-space-training-evolves-to-tackle-space-threats/ | title=Undergraduate Space Training evolves to tackle space threats | date=15 April 2020 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2149464/undergraduate-space-training-evolves-to-tackle-space-threats/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:US Air Force Senior Astronaut Observer Navigator Combat System Officer Badge.png|thumb|Senior observer badge with the [[United States Astronaut Badge|astronaut device]] as awarded to Space Force astronauts]]
The Space Force currently has two [[astronauts]] (13A) who flew as Space Force officers on assignment to [[NASA]]. Space Force astronauts command, operate, and pilot [[crewed spacecraft]], accomplish on-orbit duties on the [[International Space Station]] or other spacecraft, operate Department of Defense payloads, and provide spaceflight consultation to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Space Force astronauts must complete [[NASA Astronaut Corps|NASA Astronaut Candidate]] (ASCAN) training at [[Johnson Space Center]]. Once completing a spaceflight, Space Force astronauts are awarded the observer badge with astronaut rating. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232239/https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Intelligence officers (14N) lead the Space Force's [[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] enterprise, performing intelligence activities and analysis.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/intelligence-officer | title=Intelligence Officer - Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232234/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/intelligence-officer | url-status=live }}</ref> They lead enlisted [[All-source intelligence|All Source Intelligence Analysts]] (5I0), [[Geospatial intelligence|Geospatial Intelligence Analysts]] (5I1), [[Signals intelligence|Signals Intelligence Analysts]] (5I2), and Fusion Analysts (5I4), and [[Targeting (warfare)|Targeting Analysts]] (5I8).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/all-source-intelligence-analyst | title=All Source Intelligence Analyst - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232234/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/all-source-intelligence-analyst | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/geospatial-intelligence-analyst | title=Geospatial Intelligence Analyst - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232242/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/geospatial-intelligence-analyst | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/signals-intelligence-analyst | title=Signals Intelligence Analyst - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/signals-intelligence-analyst | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/intelligence-analyst | title=Intelligence Analyst - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232234/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/intelligence-analyst | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/targeting-analyst | title=Targeting Analyst - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232235/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/targeting-analyst | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=csSHRIrRU8c%3D&portalid |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925004815/https://www.spaceforce.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=csSHRIrRU8c%3D&portalid |url-status=live }}</ref> Intelligence officers and enlisted analysts are awarded their intelligence badge after completing intelligence training with the [[533rd Training Squadron|533rd Training Squadron Detachment 1]] at [[Goodfellow Air Force Base]], with follow-on education provided by the [[319th Combat Training Squadron]] and [[National Security Space Institute]]. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goodfellow.af.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/3069397/space-force-det-1-activates-on-goodfellow-afb/ | title=Space Force Det 1 activates on Goodfellow AFB | date=21 June 2022 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.goodfellow.af.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/3069397/space-force-det-1-activates-on-goodfellow-afb/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Mike_Hopkins_Space_Force_transfer.jpg|thumb|Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]] became the U.S. Space Force's first astronaut when he transfers from the U.S. Air Force on the [[International Space Station]] on 18 December 2020]]

Cyberspace effects operations officers (17S) are responsible for operating cyberspace weapons systems, satellite communications systems, and commanding cyber crews.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232239/https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> They lead enlisted Cyberspace Operations guardians.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/cyber-operations | title=Cyber Operations - Enlisted Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232236/https://www.spaceforce.com/enlisted-careers/cyber-operations | url-status=live }}</ref> Cyberspace effects operations officers and enlisted cyberspace operators are awarded the cyberspace operator badge after completing Undergraduate Cyber Training with the Air Force's [[81st Training Wing]] at [[Keesler Air Force Base]], with follow-on education provided by the [[319th Combat Training Squadron]] and [[National Security Space Institute]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/cyberspace-effects-operations-officer | title=Cyberspace Effects Operations - Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232244/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/cyberspace-effects-operations-officer | url-status=live }}</ref>

Acquisition and engineering are officer only career fields within the Space Force. Specific developmental engineers (62E) include [[aeronautical engineer]]s (62EXA), [[astronautical engineer]]s (62EXB), [[computer systems engineers]] (62EXC), [[electrical engineering|electrical/electronic engineer]] (62EXE), [[mechanical engineer]] (62EXH) and the [[human factors|human factors engineer/human systems integration]] (62EXI). Space Force engineers graduate from the [[Defense Acquisition University]] and the [[U.S. Air Force Flight Test Engineer]] course, or a comparable program.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/aeronautical-engineer | title=Aeronautical Engineer - Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/aeronautical-engineer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/astronautical-engineer | title=Astronautical Engineer Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232234/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/astronautical-engineer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/computer-systems-engineer | title=Computer Systems Engineer - Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232242/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/computer-systems-engineer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/electrical-electronic-engineer | title=Electrical/Electronic Engineer - Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232237/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/electrical-electronic-engineer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/mechanical-engineer | title=Mechanical Engineer Officer - Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232244/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/mechanical-engineer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/human-factors-engineer-human-systems-integration | title=Human Factors Engineer/Human Systems Integration - Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232232/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/human-factors-engineer-human-systems-integration | url-status=live }}</ref> Acquisition managers (63A) are responsible for the Space Force's acquisition process.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/acquisition-manager | title=Acquisition Manager - Officer Careers - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232239/https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/acquisition-manager | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Spacepower disciplines====
[[File:4th Space Operations Squadron (7141773).jpeg|thumb|Members of the [[4th Space Operations Squadron]] Mobile Operations Flight conducting armed convoy operations]]
The U.S. Space Force has seven core spacepower disciplines which its personnel gain experience in:<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Ashley M.|date=10 August 2020|title=Space Force releases 1st doctrine, defines "spacepower" as distinct form of military power|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227060558/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita/|url-status=live}}</ref>
# [[Space warfare|Orbital Warfare]]: Knowledge of [[Orbital spaceflight|orbital maneuver]] as well as [[Fires (military)|offensive and defensive fires]] to preserve freedom of access to the domain. Skill to ensure United States and coalition space forces can continue to provide capability to the Joint Force while denying that same advantage to the adversary.
# [[Electronic warfare|Space Electromagnetic Warfare]]: Knowledge of [[electromagnetic spectrum|spectrum]] awareness, maneuver within the spectrum, and [[Fires (military)|non-kinetic fires]] within the spectrum to deny adversary use of vital links. Skill to manipulate physical access to communication pathways and awareness of how those pathways contribute to enemy advantage.
# [[Battle management|Space Battle Management]]: Knowledge of how to orient to the [[outer space|space domain]] and skill in making decisions to preserve mission, deny adversary access, and ultimately ensure mission accomplishment. Ability to identify hostile actions and entities, conduct [[combat identification]], target, and direct action in response to an evolving threat environment.
#Space Access and Sustainment – Knowledge of processes, support, and [[military logistics|logistics]] required to maintain and prolong operations in the space domain. Ability to resource, apply, and leverage spacepower in, from, and to the space domain.
# [[Military Intelligence]] – Knowledge to conduct intelligence-led, threat-focused operations based on the insights. Ability to leverage the broader [[United States Intelligence Community|Intelligence Community]] to ensure military spacepower has the [[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] capabilities needed to defend the space domain.
# [[Military acquisition|Engineering and Acquisition]] – Knowledge that ensures military spacepower has the best capabilities in the world to defend the space domain. Ability to form science, technology, and acquisition partnerships with other national security space organizations, commercial entities, Allies, and academia to ensure the warfighters are properly equipped.
# [[Cyberwarfare|Cyber Operations]] – Knowledge to defend the global networks upon which military spacepower is vitally dependent. Ability to employ [[cyber security]] and [[cyber defense]] of critical space networks and systems. Skill to employ future [[cyber attack|offensive capabilities]].

===Rank structure===
{{main|United States Space Force rank insignia}}
====Officers====
[[File:Space Force officer service cap badge.png|left|100px|Officer service cap badge]]
[[File:SpaceForceCadets_USAFA2020.jpg|thumb|250px|The first 86 Space Force lieutenants being commissioned from the [[United States Air Force Academy]] on 18 April 2020.]]
[[Military officer|Officers]] are the leaders of the U.S. Space Force and are responsible for planning operations and managing personnel. Space Force officers enter the service through three different paths: graduating from the [[United States Air Force Academy]], [[Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps]], or [[Air Force Officer Training School]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/officer | title=Join as Officer - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232230/https://www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/officer | url-status=live }}</ref>

The premier commissioning route for Space Force officers is through the U.S. Air Force Academy, a [[public university]] and [[military academy]]. Approximately ~10% of each class commissions as U.S. Space Force officers, with the remainder entering into the U.S. Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://spaceexplored.com/2021/11/17/space-force-detachment-opens-up-at-us-air-force-academy/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129192028/https://spaceexplored.com/2021/11/17/space-force-detachment-opens-up-at-us-air-force-academy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Space Delta 13|Space Delta 13, Detachment 1]] is responsible for providing Space Force training, immersion, and mentorship to cadets. The Air Force Academy has a long history with Air Force space, establishing the world's first Department of Astronautics in 1958 and the Cadet Space Operations Squadron, which operates the [[FalconSAT]] satellites, in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ashley D.|date=27 October 2020|title=New position helps Academy prepare for all things space|url=https://www.usafa.edu/news/new-position-helps-academy-prepare-for-all-things-space/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US|archive-date=19 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319062856/https://www.usafa.edu/news/new-position-helps-academy-prepare-for-all-things-space/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Rachel S.|date=27 October 2020|title=New position helps Academy prepare for all things space|url=https://www.usafa.edu/news/new-position-helps-academy-prepare-for-all-things-space/|access-date=2 February 2021|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US|archive-date=19 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319062856/https://www.usafa.edu/news/new-position-helps-academy-prepare-for-all-things-space/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=14 April 2009|title=FalconSAT Program|url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428292/falconsat-program/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=United States Air Force Academy|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623231028/https://www.usafa.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428292/falconsat-program/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=7 March 2008|title=World's first astronautics department celebrates 50 years|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124174/worlds-first-astronautics-department-celebrates-50-years/|access-date=2 February 2021|website=U.S. Air Force|language=en-US|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613201731/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124174/worlds-first-astronautics-department-celebrates-50-years/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional space programs, such as the Azimuth program, i5 Squadron and Blue Horizon rocketry club have stood up and as of 2023, the Air Force Academy offers two space majors, a space warfighting minor, and 29 space courses across all its academic departments.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usafa.edu/military/space/ | title=Space | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232230/https://www.usafa.edu/military/space/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 April 2020, the Air Force Academy commissioned 86 officers into the Space Force, becoming the first group of individuals to enter the service after the first chief of space operations, General [[Jay Raymond]], and the senior enlisted advisor of the Space Force, Chief Master Sergeant [[Roger Towberman]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kirby|first=Lynn|date=29 April 2020|title=The first Space Force commissioned officers will graduate this spring|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/space-force-officers-graduate-spring/|access-date=2 February 2021|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415075755/https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/space-force-officers-graduate-spring/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:USAFA dusk.png|thumb|250px|The [[United States Air Force Academy]] in Colorado Springs, considered the premier commissioning source for Space Force officers.]]

The [[Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps]] program is offered at 1,100 colleges and universities. Like the Air Force Academy, it commissions officers directly into either the Air Force or Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.afrotc.com/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604191525/https://www.afrotc.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Air Force Officer Training School]] is the final path to commission into the Space Force, graduating its first two Space Force officers on 16 October 2020 and its first all-Space Force flight graduating on 17 March 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2385305/ots-commissions-first-space-force-officers/ | title=OTS commissions first Space Force officers | date=16 October 2020 | access-date=3 February 2021 | archive-date=6 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206015153/https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2385305/ots-commissions-first-space-force-officers/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/first-all-space-force-flight-officer-training-school/ | title=First All-Space Force Flight Graduates from Officer Training School | date=17 March 2023 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232232/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/first-all-space-force-flight-officer-training-school/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Space Force partners with [[Johns Hopkins University]]'s [[Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies]] to provide Intermediate Developmental Education and Senior Developmental Education.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3199854/space-force-to-partner-with-johns-hopkins-university-sais-for-service-specific/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232230/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3199854/space-force-to-partner-with-johns-hopkins-university-sais-for-service-specific/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Additional educational opportunities for officers include the [[319th Combat Training Squadron]], [[National Security Space Institute]], [[Air Force Institute of Technology]], [[USAF Weapons School|U.S. Air Force Weapons School]], the [[Air Force Materiel Command|Acquisition Instructor Course]], [[U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School]], the [[U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School|Space Test Course]], and [[Air University (United States)|Air University]]'s School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/education/officer | title=Officer Education Opportunities - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232238/https://www.spaceforce.com/education/officer | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/humble-approachable-experts/ | title=Humble, Approachable Experts | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232230/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/humble-approachable-experts/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afmc.af.mil/Careers/AQIC/ | title=Acquisition Instructor Course | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.afmc.af.mil/Careers/AQIC/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3311785/space-force-air-force-partner-to-establish-new-space-test-course/ | title=Space Force, Air Force partner to establish new Space Test Course | date=27 February 2023 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232229/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3311785/space-force-air-force-partner-to-establish-new-space-test-course/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.edwards.af.mil/Units/USAFTPS/ | title=U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232235/https://www.edwards.af.mil/Units/USAFTPS/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

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{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{United States uniformed services pay grades/officer/blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/United States (USSF)}}
|}
</div>

====Enlisted====
[[File:Space Force enlisted service cap badge.png|left|100px|Enlisted service cap badge.]]
[[File:Space Force enlists first trainees to bootcamp (2).jpg|thumb|250px|Vice chief of space operations, General [[David D. Thompson]] swears in the first four enlisted Space Force recruits on 20 October 2020]]

[[Enlisted rank|Enlisted member]]s participate in and support operations. Space Force enlisted members complete [[Air Force Basic Military Training|Basic Military Training]] at [[Joint Base San Antonio]]. Space Force Basic Military Training is identical to Air Force Basic Military Training, with the addition of Space Force-specific curriculum.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/training | title=Military Training - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.spaceforce.com/training | url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 October 2020, the first four individuals enlisted into the Space Force and on 10 December 2020, the first seven enlisted members to enter the Space Force graduated from Basic Military Training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2387089/space-force-enlists-first-trainees-sends-to-bootcamp|title=Space Force enlists first trainees, sends to bootcamp|website=United States Space Force|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202202924/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2387089/space-force-enlists-first-trainees-sends-to-bootcamp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Multimedia/Photos/igphoto/2002550180/ | title=U.S. Space Force makes history at Basic Military Training | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232232/https://www.spaceforce.mil/Multimedia/Photos/igphoto/2002550180/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2022, the Space Force started running its own all-Guardian Basic Military Training to reinforce Space Force culture.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/ussf-starts-all-guardian-basic-training-in-may/ | title=USSF Starts All-Guardian Basic Training in May | date=14 April 2022 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/ussf-starts-all-guardian-basic-training-in-may/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:U.S. Space Force makes history at Basic Military Training (2).jpg|thumb|250px|The first seven enlisted guardians graduate from Basic Military Training on 10 December 2020]]
Space Force enlisted members are enrolled in the [[Community College of the Air Force]], earning an associate in applied science degree.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.com/education/enlisted | title=Enlisted Education Opportunities - U.S. Space Force | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232240/https://www.spaceforce.com/education/enlisted | url-status=live }}</ref> Professional military education is conducted at Space Training and Readiness Command's [[Forrest L. Vosler Non-Commissioned Officer Academy]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2408463/space-force-gains-first-professional-military-education-center | title=Space Force gains first professional military education center | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232235/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2408463/space-force-gains-first-professional-military-education-center | url-status=live }}</ref> Other educational opportunities for enlisted members include the [[319th Combat Training Squadron]], [[National Security Space Institute]], [[USAF Weapons School| Advanced Instructor Course]] and the [[U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School|Space Test Course]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2029551/air-force-weapons-school-graduates-first-cadre-of-space-warfighters/ | title=Air Force Weapons School graduates first cadre of Space Warfighters | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232233/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2029551/air-force-weapons-school-graduates-first-cadre-of-space-warfighters/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.edwards.af.mil/Units/USAFTPS/ | title=U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232235/https://www.edwards.af.mil/Units/USAFTPS/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force service cap badge.png|left|100px|Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force service cap badge.]]
The Space Force's enlisted rank design is centered on a hexagon, representing the Space Force's status as the sixth military service in the Armed Forces. The horizontal stripes for Specialist 2, 3, and 4 were inspired by an early proposal for [[United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia|Air Force enlisted ranks]] known as "Vandenberg stripes." The delta represents the Space Force. The specialist stripes represent ''[[Solid earth|terra firma]]'', the solid foundation of skills upon which the Space Force is built. Noncommissioned officer insignia feature traditional chevrons and the "Delta, Globe, and Orbit," representing the totality of the Space Force. Finally, senior noncommissioned officer insignia are topped with "orbital chevrons," representing [[low earth orbit]] for master sergeants, [[medium earth orbit]] for senior master sergeants, and [[geosynchronous orbit]] for chief master sergeants. These orbital chevrons signify the higher levels of responsibility and willingness to explore and innovate placed upon senior noncommissioned officers. Finally, the [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] is represented by a "Delta, Globe, and Orbit" in a hexagonal wreath.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-reveals-insignia-for-enlisted-ranks/ | title=Space Force Reveals Insignia for Enlisted Ranks | date=20 September 2021 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529232235/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-reveals-insignia-for-enlisted-ranks/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}
{{United States uniformed services pay grades/enlisted/blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/United States (USSF)}}
|}
</div>

===Uniforms===
{{main|Uniforms of the United States Space Force}}

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Air Force Mess Dress Uniform (interim) 
!Service Dress Uniform<br>Class "A"
!Service Uniform<br>Class "B"
!Air Force Service Dress Uniform (interim)
![[Army Combat Uniform|OCP Uniform]]
!colspan=2|Physical Training Uniform
|-
|[[File:USSF leads discussions at AFA’s Schriever Space Futures Forum, wins awards during Inaugural Space Force Ball (17).jpg|150px|center]]
|[[File:CMSSF Roger A. Towberman.jpg|150px|center]]
|[[File:CSO Attends Milestone BMT Graduation (7286839).jpg|150px|center]]
|[[File:USSF releases grooming, uniform policy updates.jpg|150px|center]]
|[[File:1st Lt. Daniel Reynolds.jpg|150px|center]]
|[[File:SF-PTG-Tshirt-APshort-001.jpg|150px|center]]
|[[File:SF-PTG-Tracksuit-004.jpg|150px|center]]
|}
</div>

[[File:U.S. Space Force collar insignia.png|thumb|100px|Space Force insignia worn on Air Force uniforms]]

The Space Force is currently in the process of developing its unique [[mess dress uniform|mess dress]], [[service dress uniform|service dress]], and [[physical training uniform]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/15/space-force-will-soon-let-some-members-test-out-dress-pt-uniforms.html |title=The Space Force Will Soon Let Some Members Test Out Dress, PT Uniforms |first=Oriana |last=Pawlyk |date=15 September 2020 |website=Military.com |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126050650/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/15/space-force-will-soon-let-some-members-test-out-dress-pt-uniforms.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the interim period, guardians wear the Air Force Mess Dress, Air Force Service Dress, and Air Force Service uniforms with the following modifications:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2022/May/24/2003004301/-1/-1/0/220524-F-XX000-0001.JPG |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 May 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414054145/https://media.defense.gov/2022/May/24/2003004301/-1/-1/0/220524-F-XX000-0001.JPG |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Space Force insignia on the coat/shirt
*Replaced "Hap Arnold Star & Wings" buttons with "Delta, Globe, & Orbit" buttons
*Replaced Air Force [[Great Seal of the United States]] service cap badges with Space Force Delta, Globe, and Orbit service cap badges
*Replaced Air Force nametag with Space Force hexagonal nametag
*Space Force enlisted rank worn in place of Air Force enlisted ranks (enlisted only)
*Replaced Circle U.S. lapel insignia with Hexagonal U.S. insignia (enlisted only)

The primary Space Force uniform is the [[Army Combat Uniform|OCP Uniform]], adopted from the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. The Space Force uses unique "space blue" thread for ranks and badges, wears a full color flag on the left sleeve, and wears full color patches.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-details-ocp-uniform-requirements/ | title=Space Force Details OCP Uniform Requirements | date=27 August 2020 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530031456/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-details-ocp-uniform-requirements/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:U S Air Force Academy class of 2020 Graduation (6178849).jpeg|thumb|200px|Space Force cadets in Air Force Academy parade dress with their platinum sashes]]
The Space Force's distinctive blue and gray service dress uniform was unveiled at the [[Air & Space Forces Association]]'s 2021 Air, Space, and Cyber conference. The dark blue was taken from the Space Force's seal and represents the vastness of outer space, while the six buttons represent that the U.S. Space Force is the sixth armed service.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/09/21/the-space-forces-new-service-dress-and-pt-uniforms-have-landed/ | title=The Space Force's new service dress and PT uniforms have landed | date=21 September 2021 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=1 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701211125/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/09/21/the-space-forces-new-service-dress-and-pt-uniforms-have-landed/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force's Physical Training Uniform was unveiled in September 2021. As of April 2023, the Space Force stated that the Physical Training Uniform would be available by early 2024 and that the Service Dress Uniform would be available by late 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-pt-gear-service-dress-skirt/ | title=New Space Force PT Gear Coming Soon; Service Dress Skirt Hits Space Symposium | date=21 April 2023 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530024254/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-pt-gear-service-dress-skirt/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Space Force cadets at the Air Force Academy wear the same uniform as Air Force cadets; however, in their distinctive blue and white parade dress uniforms they wear a platinum sash in place of the gold sash worn by Air Force cadets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Golightly |first=Chase |date=16 April 2020 |title=Select group of AFA graduates assigned to work with US Space Force|url=https://krdo.com/news/2020/04/15/select-group-of-afa-graduates-assigned-to-work-with-us-space-force/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429080531/https://krdo.com/news/2020/04/15/select-group-of-afa-graduates-assigned-to-work-with-us-space-force/|archive-date=29 April 2020 |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=KRDO|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Awards and decorations===
{{main|Awards and decorations of the United States Department of the Air Force}}

{{multiple image
 | width = 125
 | direction=vertical
 | image1 = U.S. Space Force Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg
 | image2 = US Space Force Outstanding Guardian of the Year Ribbon.png
 | footer = Ribbons for the proposed Space Force Good Conduct Medal (top) and Guardian of the Year Ribbon (bottom).
}}

As part of the [[United States Department of the Air Force]], the United States Space Force and [[United States Air Force]] share the same awards and decorations or same variations of awards and decorations.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=June 2020|title=Air Force & Space Force Almanac 2020|work=[[Air Force Magazine]]|publisher=[[Air Force Association]]|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads/2020/06/June2020_Fullissue3.pdf|access-date=3 February 2021|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127125451/https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads/2020/06/June2020_Fullissue3.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 November 2020, the Secretary of the Air Force [[Frank Kendall III]] renamed the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Ribbons, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Air Force Training Ribbon to replace "Air Force" with "Air and Space" to include the Space Force. He also eliminated Air Force from the Air Force Combat Action Medal and renamed the Air Force Special Duty Ribbon to the Developmental Special Duty Ribbon.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafman36-2806/dafman36-2806.pdf |title=Military awards manuel |access-date=November 25, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101133713/https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafman36-2806/dafman36-2806.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Space Force is current in the process of developing a Space Force Good Conduct Medal to replace the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for enlisted members.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-good-conduct-medal-design-submitted-approval/ | title=A Space Force Good Conduct Medal? Here's the Design Submitted for Approval | date=4 February 2022 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=7 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107021224/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-good-conduct-medal-design-submitted-approval/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Congress has also debated changing the Airman's Medal, awarded for non-combat heroism, to the Air and Space Force Medal, mirroring the [[Navy and Marine Corps Medal]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/house-senate-approve-defense-authorization-bills/ | title=House, Senate Approve Defense Authorization Bills | date=23 July 2020 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=31 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531020133/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/house-senate-approve-defense-authorization-bills/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|+Devices
|-
![["A" Device|Arctic "A" Device]]
![[Arrowhead Device]]
!Combat "C" Device
!colspan=2|[[Oak leaf cluster]]
!Remote "R" Device
!colspan=2|[[Service Star]]
![["V" device|Valor "V" Device]]
|-
|[[File:Arctic Circle A device.jpg|40px|center]]
|[[File:Arrowhead device.svg|40px|center]]
|[[File:'C' Device.png|40px|center]]
|[[File:Oakleaf-silver.svg|40px|center]]
|[[File:Oakleaf-gold.svg|40px|center]]
|[[File:'R' Device.png|40px|center]]
|[[File:Silver-service-star-3d.svg|40px|center]]
|[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|40px|center]]
|[[File:RibVDevice.gif|40px|center]]
|}
</div>
====Decorations====
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
![[Medal of Honor]]
![[Air Force Cross (United States)|Air Force Cross]]
![[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Air and Space Forces)|Distinguished Service Medal]]
![[Silver Star Medal]]
![[Legion of Merit]]
![[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]
![[Airman's Medal]]
![[Bronze Star Medal]]
![[Purple Heart]]
![[Meritorious Service Medal]]
![[Air Medal]]
![[Aerial Achievement Medal]]
![[Air and Space Commendation Medal]]
![[Air and Space Achievement Medal]]
|-
|[[File:Air Force Medal of Honor.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Cross Medal.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Silver Star medal.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Us legion of merit legionnaire.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Dfc-usa.jpg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Airman's Medal.jpg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Bronze Star medal.jpg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Purple Heart Medal.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Meritorious Service w medal.svg|100px]]
|[[File:AirMed.gif|100px|center]]
|[[File:AeAMedal.gif|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Commendation Medal.jpg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Achievement Medal USAF w medal.svg|100px|center]]
|-
|[[File:Medal of Honor ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Cross ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Silver Star Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Airman's Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Purple Heart ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Aerial Achievement Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|}
</div>

====Unit awards====
{|class="wikitable"
|-
![[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]]
![[Gallant Unit Citation]]
![[Meritorious Unit Award (U.S. Air and Space Forces)|Meritorious Unit Award]]
![[Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award]]
![[Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award]]
|-
|[[File:AF Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Gallant Unit Citation ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Meritorious Unit ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Organizational Excellence ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|}


====Campaign, expeditionary, and service awards====
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
![[Combat Action Medal]]
![[Combat Readiness Medal]]
![[Air Force Good Conduct Medal]]
![[Air and Space Recognition Ribbon]]
![[Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal]]
![[Air and Space Campaign Medal]]
![[Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal]]
![[Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon (Short Tour)]]
![[Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon (Long Tour)]]
!colspan=2|[[Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon]]
![[Air and Space Longevity Service Award]]
![[Developmental Special Duty Ribbon]]
![[Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon]]
![[Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon]]
![[Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon]]
![[Air and Space Training Ribbon]]
|-
|[[File:Air Force Combat Action Medal.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Combat ReadyMed.gif|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Good Conduct Medal black bg.jpg|100px|center]]
|
|[[File:Remote Combats Medal.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air and Space Campaign Medal.PNG|100px|center]]
|[[File:USAF Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal obverse.jpg|100px|center]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|[[File:Air Force Combat Action ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Combat Readiness Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:U.S. Air Force Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Recognition Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air and Space Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:AF OS Short Tour Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:U.S. Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Longevity Service Award USAF.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:USA Air Force Special Duty Ribbon.png|100px|center]]
|[[File:USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:USAF Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:USAF Marksmanship ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|[[File:Air Force Training Ribbon.svg|100px|center]]
|}
</div>

==Locations==
{{main|List of United States Space Force installations}}
===Continental United States===
Installations and locations in the [[contiguous United States]].
{{Location map+ | USA
| width = 600
| float = center
| caption= U.S. Space Force installations and locations located within mainland United States.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
[[File:Location dot grey.svg|8px]] [[Space Operations Command]]<br>
{{Col-break}}
[[File:Location dot orange.svg|8px]] [[Space Systems Command]]<br>
{{Col-end}}
| relief = 1
| alt = 
| places =
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Buckley Space Force Base|Buckley]]'''
| position   = top
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 39
|lat_min = 42
|lat_sec = 06
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 104
|lon_min = 45
|lon_sec = 06
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station|Cheyenne Mountain]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 38
|lat_min = 44
|lat_sec = 37
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 104
|lon_min = 50
|lon_sec = 48
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Cape Canaveral]]'''
| position   = top
|mark = Location dot orange.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 28
|lat_min = 29
|lat_sec = 20
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 80
|lon_min = 34
|lon_sec = 40
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Cape Cod Space Force Station|Cape Cod]]'''
| position   = right
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 41
|lat_min = 45
|lat_sec = 11.52
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 70
|lon_min = 32
|lon_sec = 18.6
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Cavalier Space Force Station|Cavalier]]'''
| position   = top
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 48
|lat_min = 43
|lat_sec = 55
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 97
|lon_min = 54
|lon_sec = 16
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Los Angeles Air Force Base|Los Angeles]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = Location dot orange.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 33
|lat_min = 55
|lat_sec = 08.79
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 118
|lon_min = 22
|lon_sec = 50
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[New Boston Space Force Station|New Boston]]'''
|position = left
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 42
|lat_min = 56
|lat_sec = 48
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 71
|lon_min = 37
|lon_sec = 41
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Patrick Space Force Base|Patrick]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = Location dot orange.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 28
|lat_min = 14
|lat_sec = 06
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 80
|lon_min = 36
|lon_sec = 36
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Peterson Space Force Base|Peterson]]'''
|position = left
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 38
|lat_min = 49
|lat_sec = 25
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 104
|lon_min = 41
|lon_sec = 42
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Schriever Space Force Base|Schriever]]'''
|position = right
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 38
|lat_min = 48
|lat_sec = 12
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 104
|lon_min = 31
|lon_sec = 32
|lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Vandenberg Space Force Base|Vandenberg]]'''
|position = bottom
|mark = Location dot orange.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 34
|lat_min = 43
|lat_sec = 57
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 120
|lon_min = 34
|lon_sec = 05
|lon_dir = W
}}
}}

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+U.S. Space Force installations and locations within the contiguous United States
!Name
!Location
!State
!Space Base/Launch Delta or primary unit emblem
!Space Base/Launch Deta or primary unit
!Major units
|- 
|[[Buckley Space Force Base]] 
|[[Aurora]]
|[[Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 2.svg|60px|center]]
|[[Space Base Delta 2]]
|
*[[Space Delta 4]]
*[[Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado|Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado / Space Delta 20]]
*[[Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center]]
|-
|[[Peterson Space Force Base]]
|[[Colorado Springs]]
|[[Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|60px|center]]
|[[Space Base Delta 1]]
|
*[[United States Space Command]]
*[[United States Northern Command]]
*[[North American Aerospace Defense Command]]
*[[Space Operations Command]]
*[[Space Training and Readiness Command]]
*[[Space Delta 2]]
*[[Space Delta 3]]
*[[Space Delta 7]]
|-
|[[Schriever Space Force Base]]
|[[Colorado Springs]]
|[[Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|60px|center]]
|[[Space Base Delta 1]]
|
*[[Joint Task Force–Space Defense]]
*[[Space Delta 6]]
*[[Space Delta 8]]
*[[Space Delta 9]]
*[[Space Delta 11]]
*[[Space Delta 12]]
*[[Space Delta 15]] / [[National Space Defense Center]]
|-
|[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]]
|[[El Segundo, California|El Segundo]]
|[[California]]
|[[File:Space Base Delta 3 emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[Space Base Delta 3]]
|[[Space Systems Command]]
|-
|[[Patrick Space Force Base]]
|[[Satellite Beach]]
|[[Florida]]
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 45]]
|[[Air Force Technical Applications Center]]
|-
|[[Vandenberg Space Force Base]]
|[[Lompoc]]
|[[California]]
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 30 emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 30]]
|
*[[Combined Force Space Component Command]]
*[[Space Delta 1]]
*[[Space Delta 5]] / [[Combined Space Operations Center]] 
|-
|[[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]]
|[[Cape Canaveral]]
|[[Florida]]
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 45]]
|
|-
|[[Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station]]
|[[Cheyenne Mountain]]
|[[Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|60px|center]]
|[[Space Base Delta 1]]
|
*[[Missile Warning Center]]
|-
|[[Cape Cod Space Force Station]]
|[[Sagamore, Massachusetts|Sagamore]]
|[[Massachusetts]]
|[[File:6th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[6th Space Warning Squadron]]
|
|-
|[[Cavalier Space Force Station]]
|[[Cavalier, North Dakota|Cavalier]]
|[[North Dakota]]
|[[File:10th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[10th Space Warning Squadron]]
|
|-
|[[New Boston Space Force Station]]
|[[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire|Hillsborough County]]
|[[New Hampshire]]
|[[File:23rd Space Operations Squadron emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[23rd Space Operations Squadron]]
|
|}
</div>

=== Overseas ===
{{Location map+|World|width=600|float=center|caption=U.S. Space Force installations and locations outside of the contiguous United States.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
[[File:Location dot grey.svg|8px]] [[Space Operations Command]]
{{Col-end}}|relief=1|alt=|places=

{{Location map~ | World 
|label = '''[[Clear Space Force Station|Clear]]'''
| position   = left
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 64
|lat_min = 17
|lat_sec = 26
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 149
|lon_min = 11
|lon_sec = 13
|lon_dir = W
}}

{{Location map~ | World 
|label = '''[[Kaena Point Space Force Station|Ka’ena Point]]'''
| position   = top
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 21
|lat_min = 33
|lat_sec = 41
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 158
|lon_min = 14
|lon_sec = 21.2
|lon_dir = W
}}

{{Location map~ | World 
|label = '''[[Maui Space Surveillance Complex|Maui]]'''
| position   = right
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 20
|lat_min = 42
|lat_sec = 30
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 156
|lon_min = 15
|lon_sec = 26
|lon_dir = W
}}

{{Location map~ | World 
|label = '''[[Pituffik Space Base|Pituffik]]'''
| position   = top
|mark = Location dot grey.svg
|label_size = 75
|lat_deg = 76
|lat_min = 31
|lat_sec = 52
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 68
|lon_min = 42
|lon_sec = 11
|lon_dir = W
}}
}}

<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+U.S. Space Force installations and locations outside of the contiguous United States
!Name
!Location
!Space Base Delta or primary unit emblem
!Space Base Deta or primary unit
!Major units
|-
|[[Clear Space Force Station]]
|{{Flag|United States}} ([[Alaska]])
|[[File:13th_Space_Warning_Squadron_emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[13th Space Warning Squadron]]
|
|-
|[[Kaena Point Space Force Station|Ka’ena Point Space Force Station]]
|{{Flag|United States}} ([[Hawaii]])
|[[File:21st_Space_Operations_Squadron_emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[21st Space Operations Squadron|21st Space Operations Squadron (Detachment 3)]]
|
|-
|[[Maui Space Surveillance Complex]]
|{{Flag|United States}} ([[Hawaii]])
|[[File:15th Space Surveillance Squadron emblem.png|60px|center]]
|[[15th Space Surveillance Squadron]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/Maui-Hawaii/ | title=Maui, Hawaii | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=22 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522071416/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/Maui-Hawaii/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Air Force Research Laboratory|Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/air-force-maui-optical-and-supercomputing-amos-site/ | title=AIR FORCE MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING (AMOS) SITE – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529161110/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/air-force-maui-optical-and-supercomputing-amos-site/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[Pituffik Space Base]]
|{{Flagdeco|Greenland}} [[Greenland]]
|[[File:USAF - 821st Air Base Group.png|60px|center]]
|[[821st Space Base Group]]
|[[12th Space Warning Squadron]]
|-
|}
</div>

==Spacecraft and space systems==
===Spacecraft===
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+U.S. Space Force spacecraft
!Name
!Spacecraft image
!Mission
!Operator
!Number
|-
|[[Advanced Extremely High Frequency]] (AEHF)
|[[File:AEHF 1.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=4th Space Operations Squadron | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=15 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415074110/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|6<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Advanced Technology Risk Reduction]] (ATRR)
|[[File:Advanced Technology Risk Reduction.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249938/1-sops-gains-new-mission/ | title=1 SOPS gains new mission | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231134/https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249938/1-sops-gains-new-mission/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 9]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | title=Delta 9 | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231133/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|1<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Defense Meteorological Satellite Program]] (DMSP)
|[[File:DMSP Block-5D2.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Environmental monitoring]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | title=Space Delta 2 - Space Domain Awareness (SDA) | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231131/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|4<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Defense Satellite Communications System]] (DSCS)
|[[File:DSCS-3 1.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=4th Space Operations Squadron | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=15 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415074110/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|6<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Defense Support Program]] (DSP)
|[[File:DSP Phase3.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Missile warning]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197774/defense-support-program-satellites/ | title=Defense Support Program Satellites | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528132359/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197774/defense-support-program-satellites/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 4]]
|
|-
|[[Electro-optical/Infrared Weather System – Geosynchronous]] (EWS-G)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2340039/ussf-and-noaa-begin-joint-operations-of-infrared-weather-satellite/ | title=USSF and NOAA Begin Joint Operations of Infrared Weather Satellite | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529164015/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2340039/ussf-and-noaa-begin-joint-operations-of-infrared-weather-satellite/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[File:GOES 8 Spac0255.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Environmental monitoring]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | title=Space Delta 2 - Space Domain Awareness (SDA) | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231131/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|-
|[[Fleet Satellite Communications System]] (FLTSAT)
|[[File:FLTSATCOM new.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]
|
|-
|[[Global Positioning System]] (GPS)
|[[File:GPS Block IIIA.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Positioning, navigation, and timing]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]
|32<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program]] (GSSAP)
|[[File:Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197772/geosynchronous-space-situational-awareness-program/ | title=Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231132/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197772/geosynchronous-space-situational-awareness-program/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 9]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | title=Delta 9 | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231133/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|6<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Milstar]]
|[[File:Milstar.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=4th Space Operations Squadron | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=15 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415074110/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|5<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Mobile User Objective System]] (MUOS)
|[[File:MUOS new.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]
|
|-
|[[Operationally Responsive Space-5]] (ORS-5)
|[[File:SMC sets new standard of success for acquisition and operations of SensorSat (5822424).jpeg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1985934/smc-sets-new-standard-of-success-for-acquisition-and-operations-of-sensorsat/ | title=SMC sets new standard of success for acquisition and operations of SensorSat | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231133/https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1985934/smc-sets-new-standard-of-success-for-acquisition-and-operations-of-sensorsat/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 9]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | title=Delta 9 | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231133/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|1<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Space-Based Infrared System]] (SBIRS)
|[[File:SBIRS-GEO.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Missile warning]]<br>[[Missile defense]]<br>[[Battlespace awareness]]<br>[[Technical intelligence]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1012596/space-based-infrared-system/ | title=Space Based Infrared System | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231131/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1012596/space-based-infrared-system/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 4]]
|7<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Space Based Space Surveillance]] (SBSS)
|[[File:201014-X-MR661-002.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Space Delta 9]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | title=Delta 9 | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231133/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|1<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Ultra High Frequency Follow-On]] (UFO)
|[[File:UFO satellite 2.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]
|
|-
|[[Wideband Global SATCOM]] (WGS)
|[[File:Wideband Global SATCOM (3194628).jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=4th Space Operations Squadron | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=15 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415074110/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|10<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle]]
|[[File:X-37B concludes sixth mission (221111-F-XX000-0002).jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Orbital test]] [[spaceplane]]
|[[Space Delta 9]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | title=Delta 9 | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231133/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/275817/delta-9/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|2<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2022/07/Almanac2022_Weapons_Clickable.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=28 May 2023 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231132/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2022/07/Almanac2022_Weapons_Clickable.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
</div>
===Space systems===
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+U.S. Space Force space systems
!Name
!Space system image
!Mission
!Operator
|-
|[[AN/FPS-85]]
|[[File:2008 Eglin AFB Site C-6 phased array building.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]
|-
|[[Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt|C-Band Space Surveillance Radar System]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1457949/c-band-holt-radar-one-year-on/ | title=C-Band (Holt) Radar: One year on | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529164020/https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1457949/c-band-holt-radar-one-year-on/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[File:C-Band (Holt) Radar- One year on (4181476).jpeg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]
|-
|[[Cobra Dane]]
|[[File:Cobra Dane radar, Eareckson Air Station, Shemya, Alaska.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Missile defense]]<br>[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197716/cobra-dane-radar/ | title=COBRA DANE Radar | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529164014/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197716/cobra-dane-radar/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 4]]
|-
|[[Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance]] (GEODSS)
|[[File:The night watchmen (3388920).jpeg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | title=Space Delta 2 - Space Domain Awareness (SDA) | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231131/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[Long Range Discrimination Radar]] (LRDR)
|[[File:211026-D-D0500-101.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Missile defense]]<br>[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2870224/long-range-discrimination-radar-initially-fielded-in-alaska/ | title=Long-Range Discrimination Radar initially fielded in Alaska | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529163218/https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2870224/long-range-discrimination-radar-initially-fielded-in-alaska/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 4]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2334034/space-delta-4 | title=Space Delta 4 | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=21 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321034107/http://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2334034/space-delta-4 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System]] (PARCS)
|[[File:Cavalierairforcestationparcs.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Missile warning]]<br>[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/ | title=Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529175406/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 4]]
|-
|[[Satellite Control Network]] (SCN)
|[[File:The Watchers on Oahu (7526583).jpeg|125px|center]]
|[[Ground station]]
|[[Space Delta 6]]
|-
|[[Space Fence]]
|[[File:Space Fence.png|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]
|-
|[[Space Surveillance Telescope]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | title=Space Delta 2 - Space Domain Awareness (SDA) | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231131/https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2286483/space-delta-2-space-domain-awareness-sda/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[File:SST in Australia.png|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Space Delta 2]]
|-
|[[Upgraded Early Warning Radar]] (UEWR)
|[[File:PAVE PAWS Radar Clear AFS Alaska.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Missile warning]]<br>[[Missile defense]]<br>[[Space surveillance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197738/upgraded-early-warning-radars/ | title=Upgraded Early Warning Radars | access-date=29 May 2023 | archive-date=29 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529164015/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197738/upgraded-early-warning-radars/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Space Delta 4]]
|-
|}
</div>
===Space launch vehicles===
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+U.S. Space Force contracted space launch vehicles
!Name
!Space launch vehicle image
!Class
!Contractor
|-
|[[Atlas V]]
|[[File:Atlas V 551 launch with Juno.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Medium-lift launch vehicle]]
|[[United Launch Alliance]]
|-
|[[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]]
|[[File:TROPICS Rocket Launch (KSC-20230507-PH-RLS01 0002-reupload) (cropped).jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Small-lift launch vehicle]]
|[[Rocket Lab]]
|-
|[[Falcon 9]]
|[[File:45th Space Wing Supports Successful Falcon 9 Starlink L-23 Launch (210407-X-QO603-1021).jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Medium-lift launch vehicle|Medium]] to [[Heavy-lift launch vehicle]]
|[[SpaceX]]
|-
|[[Falcon Heavy]]
|[[File:Falcon Heavy Demo Mission (39337245145).jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Heavy-lift launch vehicle|Heavy]] to [[Super heavy-lift launch vehicle]]
|[[SpaceX]]
|-
|[[Northrop Grumman Pegasus|Pegasus]]
|[[File:Vandenberg Space Force Base Pegasus (6693784).jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Air-launch-to-orbit|Air launched]] [[small-lift launch vehicle]]
|[[Northrop Grumman]]
|}
</div>

== Modernization and budget ==
<div style="width:100%; overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!United States Space Force Budget
!2020<ref name=":13">{{cite web|date=13 May 2020|title=Defense Budget Overview: Irreversible Implementation of the National Defense Strategy (February 2020) - Revised May 13, 2020|url=https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2021/fy2021_Budget_Request_Overview_Book.pdf|access-date=3 February 2021|publisher=Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer, United States Department of Defense|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612145906/https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2021/fy2021_Budget_Request_Overview_Book.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 
!2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-116HR133SA-RCP-116-68.pdf|page=O&M: PDF 265 in-text 257, Procurement: PDF 287 in-text 279, R&D PDF 290 in-text 282|title=RULES COMMITTEE PRINT 116–68 TEXT OF THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 133|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314105038/https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-116HR133SA-RCP-116-68.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
!2022 (Authorized)<ref>{{cite press release |last1=Biden |first1=Joseph |title=Statement by the President on S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/27/statement-by-the-president-on-s-1605-the-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2022/ |publisher=White House |access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref>
!2023 (Enacted)<ref name="2023 Space Force Budget">{{cite web |title=H.R.2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22NDAA+2023%22%2C%22NDAA%22%2C%222023%22%5D%7D&r=2&s=4 |website=Congress.gov |publisher=Congress |access-date=29 December 2022 |archive-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229233120/https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617/text?q=%7B%22search%22:%5B%22NDAA+2023%22,%22NDAA%22,%222023%22%5D%7D&r=2&s=4 |url-status=live }}</ref>
!2024 (Proposed) <ref>{{cite web |title=H.R.2670 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670/text?s=1&r=1&q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22National+defense+authorization+act%22%5D%7D |website=congress.gov |publisher=Congress |access-date=13 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
|Operation & Maintenance
|$40,000,000
|$2,492,114,000
|$3,611,012,000
|$4,086,883,000
|$5,033,541,000
|-
|Procurement
| —
|$2,310,994,000
|$2,787,354,000
|$4,462,188,000
|$3,752,194,000
|-
|Research, Development, Test & Evaluation
| —
|$10,540,069,000
|$11,794,566,000
|$16,631,377,000
|$19,551,449,000
|-
|Military Personnel
|—
|—
|—
|$1,109,400,000
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''$40,000,000'''
|'''$15,343,177,000'''
|'''$18,192,932,000'''
|'''$26,289,848,000'''
|'''$28,337,184,000'''
|}
</div>
While a new service, the U.S. Space Force is undergoing intensive modernization efforts. The [[Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability]] (DARC) is intended to track objects in [[geosynchronous orbit]] with three sites, one in the United States, one in the Indo-Pacific, and one in Europe.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/space-force-says-darc-software-on-track-following-gao-concerns/ | title=Space Force says DARC software on track, following GAO concerns | date=16 June 2022 | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=5 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305041231/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/space-force-says-darc-software-on-track-following-gao-concerns/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway with approaching Orion spacecraft.jpg|thumb|[[NASA]]'s return to the Moon through the [[Artemis program]] is leading to a greater emphasis on cislunar domain awareness]]
Oracle, a spacecraft developed by the [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] for the Space Force, will demonstrate technologies that the space service needs for cislunar domain awareness – tracking objects outside of geosynchronous orbit and between Earth and the Moon. The spacecraft itself will launch to an area of gravitational stability between the Earth and the Moon to conduct operations, using a wide-field sensor and a more sensitive narrow field sensor to discover and maintain custody of objects operating in this region. Oracle will directly support [[NASA]]'s [[Artemis program]] as it returns to the Moon and track potentially hazardous near-Earth objects in support of [[planetary defense]] operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/oracle/ | title=ORACLE – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530233111/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/oracle/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Solar power satellite sandwich or abascus concept.jpg|thumb|Concept for a [[space-based solar power]] spacecraft]]

Also an Air Force Research Laboratory program for the Space Force, Arachne is the keystone experiment in the [[Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project]], which aims to prove and mature essential technologies for a prototype [[space-based solar power]] transmission system capable of powering a [[forward operating base]]. Arachne will specifically demonstrate and mature technologies related to more efficient energy generation, radio frequency forming, and radio frequency beam beaming. Current forward operation bases rely on significant logistics convoys to transport fuel for power – space-based solar power would move these supply lines to space, where they are unable to be easily attacked. Much how GPS started as a military program and was opened to civilian use, Space Force provided space-based solar power could transition to common use as well.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/arachne/ | title=ARACHNE – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=3 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603020058/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/arachne/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Other space-based power beaming demonstrators include the Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime (SPIRRAL) and Space Power INcremental DepLoyable Experiment (SPINDLE) experiments.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-power-beaming/ | title=SPACE POWER BEAMING – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=1 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601113619/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-power-beaming/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Starship SN9 Evening Rays.jpg|thumb|[[SpaceX Starship|SpaceX's Starship]], a contender for the [[Rocket Cargo]] program]]

The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3), building on the Space Force's [[Global Positioning System]] constellation, is an Air Force Research Laboratory spacecraft that will operate in geosynchronous orbit to test advanced techniques and technologies to detect and mitigate interference to positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities and increase system resiliency for military, civil, and commercial users. NTS-3 is a Vanguard program, which mark potentially game changing technologies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-vehicles/successstories/nts-3 | title=NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY SATELLITE – 3 (NTS-3) – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=5 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305041227/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-vehicles/successstories/nts-3 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Space Force's [[Rocket Cargo]] program is another Air Force Research Laboratory Vanguard program, which is focused on leasing space launch services to quickly transport military materiel to ports across the globe. If proven viable, the Space Force's [[Space Systems Command]] is responsible for transitioning it to a program of record. [[United States Transportation Command]] would be the primary user of this capability, rapidly launching up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere in the world.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/successstories/rocket-cargo-for-agile-global-logistics/ | title=ROCKET CARGO FOR AGILE GLOBAL LOGISTICS – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=7 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607113539/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/successstories/rocket-cargo-for-agile-global-logistics/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Public image and reception ==
{{multiple image
 | width = 100
 | direction=vertical
 | image1 = United States Space Force logo.svg 
 | caption1 = U.S. Space Force
 | image2 = The Russian Federation Space Troops collar insignia.svg
 | caption2 = [[Russian Space Forces]]
 | image3 = PLASSF.svg
 | caption3 = [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]]
 | image4 = USS Enterprise Patch.svg
 | caption4 = ''[[Star Trek]]'''s fictional [[Starfleet]]
 | footer = Delta logos
}}

Despite the increasing military threats in space and the reorganization of the [[Russian Space Forces]] and the [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]], the U.S. Space Force has had significant challenges with its public image. <ref>{{cite journal|last=Harrison|first=Todd|date=3 October 2018|title=Why We Need a Space Force|url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-we-need-space-force|access-date=3 February 2021|website=[[Center for Strategic and International Studies]]|language=en|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202001650/https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-we-need-space-force|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cheng|first=Dean|date=9 November 2018|title=The Space Force Is Coming. Here's Why the U.S. Needs It.|url=https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/the-space-force-coming-heres-why-the-us-needs-it|access-date=3 February 2021|website=The Heritage Foundation|language=en|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224020952/https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/the-space-force-coming-heres-why-the-us-needs-it|url-status=live}}</ref>

One major challenge was perceived ties to former President [[Donald Trump]] who in 2018 supported the proposal, falsely claiming "nobody even thought about the Space Force" before him. The Space Force was accused of being a "vanity project" for President Trump, despite the concept being debated since the 1990s as a means to counter Chinese and Russian military threats in space and most recently being proposed by representatives [[Jim Cooper]] and [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=13 January 2021|title=Can Biden solve the Space Force's public relations crisis?|url=https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/01/13/can-biden-solve-the-space-forces-public-relations-crisis/|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Defense News|language=en-US|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701211124/https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/01/13/can-biden-solve-the-space-forces-public-relations-crisis/|url-status=live}}</ref> The idea of the Space Force was popular with supporters of former President Donald Trump, and his presidential campaign sold unofficial Space Force merchandise – a practice he has been criticized for.<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Garrett M.|date=20 January 2020|title=The US Space Force Has a Rough Launch on the Internet|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/space-force-internet/|access-date=30 December 2020|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> The creation of the Space Force, signed into law by Trump, resulted in some jokes, memes, and controversies online.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=10 August 2018|title=Smith Statement on "Space Force" Proposal and Politicization of the Military|url=https://armedservices.house.gov/2018/8/smith-statement-on-space-force-proposal-and-politicization-of-the-military|access-date=30 December 2020|website=House Armed Services Committee - Democrats|language=en|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209221611/https://armedservices.house.gov/2018/8/smith-statement-on-space-force-proposal-and-politicization-of-the-military|url-status=live}}</ref> Late night talk show hosts such as [[Jimmy Kimmel]] and [[Stephen Colbert]] joked about the idea and a [[Netflix]] comedy show, ''[[Space Force (TV series)|Space Force]]'', has a plot involving the establishment of a United States Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nevins|first=Jake|date=10 August 2018|title=Jimmy Kimmel on Space Force: 'Michael Bay is on board to direct'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/aug/10/late-night-roundup-jimmy-kimmel-space-force|access-date=30 December 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=12 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212080742/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/aug/10/late-night-roundup-jimmy-kimmel-space-force|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|last=Sacks|first=Ethan|date=30 May 2020|title=Netflix comedy 'Space Force' shows real military branch's struggle to be taken seriously|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/netflix-comedy-space-force-shows-real-military-branch-s-struggle-n1217786|access-date=3 February 2021|website=NBC News|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213173827/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/netflix-comedy-space-force-shows-real-military-branch-s-struggle-n1217786|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the end of the [[Trump administration]] and the Biden administration's announcement that they were not reevaluating its establishment, less critical and more analytical coverage of the Space Force has arisen. High-ranking military officers and commentators interviewed by ''[[Politico]]'' in a February 2021 article agreed that President Trump's influence and image were in part the cause for the negative reception of the Space Force, and that improving its public image would take time.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Feldscher |first1=Jacqueline |last2=O'Brien |first2=Connor |date=3 February 2021 |title=Can the Space Force shake off Trump? |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/03/space-force-jay-raymond-white-house-465497 |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=[[POLITICO]] |language=en |archive-date=19 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719012548/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/03/space-force-jay-raymond-white-house-465497 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 February 2021|title=Biden decides to stick with Space Force as branch of U.S. military|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-spaceforce-idUSKBN2A32Z6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224011556/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-spaceforce-idUSKBN2A32Z6|archive-date=24 February 2021|url-status=live|access-date=7 June 2021|website=[[Reuters]]|language=en}}</ref> 

A second challenge was highlighted in January 2021 article in the [[Space Force Journal]] by Wendy Whitman Cobb, an [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]] professor, blamed the generally derisive and inaccurate public perception of the Space Force to the influence of [[science fiction]] and [[Popular culture|pop culture]], claiming that "modern pop culture depictions of the Space Force as a joke are distracting from the serious responsibilities the USSF is taking on."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spaceforcejournal.org/its-a-trap-the-pros-and-mostly-khans-of-science-fictions-influence-on-the-united-states-space-force/ | title="It's a Trap!" the Pros and Mostly "Khans" of Science Fiction's Influence on the United States Space Force | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=3 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172439/https://spaceforcejournal.org/its-a-trap-the-pros-and-mostly-khans-of-science-fictions-influence-on-the-united-states-space-force/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force's adoption of the camouflage OCP uniform, which is also used by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, sparked jokes about fighting on the [[forest moon of Endor]] from ''[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi]]'' and its service dress uniform was compared to the Colonial Fleet uniforms from ''[[Battlestar Galactica]]'' or [[Starfleet]] uniforms from ''[[Star Trek]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/19/us/space-force-uniform-camo.html | title=A Small Step for Space Force is Not a Giant Leap for Uniform Design | work=The New York Times | date=19 January 2020 | last1=Ortiz | first1=Aimee | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=3 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172438/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/19/us/space-force-uniform-camo.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039711787/space-force-uniforms-battlestar-galactica |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172438/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039711787/space-force-uniforms-battlestar-galactica |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/573212-new-space-force-uniforms-draw-comparisons-to-star-trek-battlestar-galactica/ | title=New Space Force uniforms draw comparisons to 'Star Trek,' 'Battlestar Galactica' | date=21 September 2021 | access-date=3 June 2023 | archive-date=3 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172438/https://thehill.com/policy/defense/573212-new-space-force-uniforms-draw-comparisons-to-star-trek-battlestar-galactica/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force's delta insignia, was first adopted as a space symbol by the [[Air Force Ballistic Missile Division]]'s in 1962 was also compared to the Starfleet logo from Star Trek.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/01/25/space-force-logo/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127132337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/01/25/space-force-logo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, [[William Shatner]], [[James T. Kirk]]'s actor from Star Trek, stated that Starfleet's logo was a homage to the Space Force's direct predecessors in military space operations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/01/25/space-force-logo/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127132337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/01/25/space-force-logo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2022, the ''American Homefront Project'', a collaboration of [[Public broadcasting|public media]] stations that reports on military and veteran affairs, released a story consulting several Space Force cadets and officers which clarified the role of the Space Force and emphasized its importance as a branch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Eric |date=5 May 2022 |title=Misunderstood and sometimes parodied, the U.S. Space Force is educating the public about its mission |url=https://americanhomefront.wunc.org/news/2022-05-05/misunderstood-and-sometimes-parodied-the-u-s-space-force-is-educating-the-public-about-its-mission |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=The American Homefront Project |publisher=[[WUNC (FM)|WUNC]] |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518104506/https://americanhomefront.wunc.org/news/2022-05-05/misunderstood-and-sometimes-parodied-the-u-s-space-force-is-educating-the-public-about-its-mission |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Air & Space Forces Association]] 
* [[Strategic Defense Initiative]]
* [[Militarization of space]]
* [[Women in the United States Space Force]]
* [[Space Force Association]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book|last=Neufeld|first=Jacob|title=The Development of Ballistic Missiles in the United States Air Force 1945–1960|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=|year=1990|isbn=978-0912799629|oclc=20826476|url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/24/2001329775/-1/-1/0/AFD-100924-024.pdf|access-date=19 August 2019|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818202337/https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/24/2001329775/-1/-1/0/AFD-100924-024.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|last=Spires|first=David N.|title=Beyond Horizons: A Half Century of Air Force Leadership|edition=Revised|publisher=Air University Press|year=1998|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=|isbn=1585660604|url=https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf|oclc=831675552|access-date=1 February 2021|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027201807/https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf|url-status=live}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
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*{{Official website}}

{{United States Space Force}}
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