View source for United States Space Force

{{Short description|Space service branch of the U.S. military}}
{{redirect|Semper Supra|the official march of the United States Space Force|Semper Supra (march)}}
{{Distinguish|United States Space Command}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = United States Space Force
| image                         = [[File:Seal of the United States Space Force.svg|frameless]] <br /> [[Seal of the United States Space Force]]
| start_date                    = {{start date and age|2019|12|20|df=y}}
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{United States}}
| type                          = [[Space force]]
| role                          = [[Space warfare]]
| size                          = 9,400 military personnel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.com/faq#|title=Frequently Asked Questions - U.S. Space Force|website=www.spaceforce.com}}</ref>
| command_structure             = [[Armed forces of the United States]]<ref>{{USC|10|9081}}</ref><br>[[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]]<br>
| 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|date=20 September 2022 |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]]|[[War on Terrorism|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                       = {{ubl|{{URL|www.spaceforce.mil|spaceforce.mil}}|{{URL|www.spaceforce.com|spaceforce.com}}}}
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of the United States.svg|size=25px}} [[President of the United States|President]] [[Donald Trump]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-Chief of the United States|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Secretary of Defense.svg|size=25px}} [[Pete Hegseth]]
| 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}} Vacant
| 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}} Gen [[Michael Guetlein]]
| commander5_label              = [[Vice Chief of Space Operations]]
| commander6                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force.svg|size=25px}} [[CMSSF]] [[John F. Bentivegna]]
| commander6_label              = [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]]
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol         = [[File:Flag of the United States Space Force (fringed).svg|150px|center]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[Flag of the United States Space Force|Flag]]
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:United States Space Force logo.svg|100px|center]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Space Force Delta|Logo]]
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:United States Space Force emblem.png|100px|center]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = Emblem
}}

The '''United States Space Force''' ('''USSF''') is the [[space force]] branch of the [[United States Department of Defense]]. It is one of the six [[United States Armed Forces|armed forces of the United States]] and one of the eight [[uniformed services of the United States]].<ref>{{USC|10|9081}}</ref> It is also one of two independent space forces in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2022/12/u-s-space-force-the-sixth-branch-of-the-u-s-armed-forces/|title=U.S. Space Force: The Sixth Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces|last=Gonzalez|first=Jennifer|date=December 20, 2022|website=blogs.loc.gov|publisher=[[Library of Congress]]|access-date=February 10, 2025}}</ref>

The United States Space Force traces its origins to the Air Force, Army, and Navy's military space programs created during the beginning of the [[Cold War]]. US military space forces first participated in combat operations during the [[Vietnam War]] and have participated in every U.S. military operation since, most notably in the [[Persian Gulf War]], which has been referred to as the "first space war." The [[Strategic Defense Initiative]] and creation of [[Air Force Space Command]] in the 1980s marked a renaissance for military space operations.

Proposals for a U.S. Space Force were first seriously considered during the [[Reagan Administration]] as part of the Strategic Defense Initiative. Congress began exploring establishing a Space Corps or Space Force in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The idea of establishing a Space Force was resurrected in the late 2010s in response to Russian and Chinese military space developments, resulting in the Space Force's establishment on 20 December 2019 during the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|first Trump Administration]].

The Space Force is organized as part of the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]] alongside the [[U.S. Air Force]], a coequal service. The Department of the Air Force is headed by the civilian [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|secretary of the Air Force]], while the U.S. Space Force is led by the [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]]. The U.S. Space Force's status as part of the Department of the Air Force is intended to be an interim measure towards a fully independent Department of the Space Force, led by a civilian secretary of the Space Force.

== Mission ==
{{blockquote
|text=Secure our Nation's interests in, from, and to space.
|author=Mission statement of the United States Space Force<ref name="spaceforce.mil">{{Cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/Documents/SF101/ussf_101_glossy_FINAL_e-version.pdf | title=Space Force 101 | website=www.spaceforce.mil}}</ref>}}

The Space Force's statutory responsibilities are 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 name="DoDD5100.01">{{Cite web | url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/portals/54/documents/dd/issuances/dodd/510001p.pdf | title=Functions of the Department of Defense and Its Major Components | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326012354/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/510001p.pdf | archive-date=2023-03-26 }}</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.

The Space Force further breaks down its mission into three core functions, which align directly to its mission statement to "secure our Nation's interests in, from, and to space:"
# Space Superiority (in space)
# Global Mission Operations (from space)
# Assured Space Access (to space)

===Space Superiority===
[[File:High Ground Intercept.jpg|thumb|Concept of a future space interception]]
Space superiority defends against space and counterspace threats by protecting spacecraft in space or protecting against attacks enabled by adversary spacecraft, requiring that the Space Force establish control of the domain. The Space Force describes that at a time and place of the United States' choosing it must be able to assure continued use of spacecraft and deny adversaries use of their spacecraft or space-enabled capabilities.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

Missions that support space superiority include [[orbital warfare]], [[electromagnetic warfare]], and [[battle management|space battle management]].<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

===Global Mission Operations===
[[File:AN FPS-132 Upgraded Early Warning radar (UEWR) (7414560082).jpg|thumb|Missile warning radar at [[Pituffik Space Base]], Greenland]]
Global mission operations integrates joint functions across all domains (land, air, maritime, space, cyberspace) on a global space. Through space, the U.S. military and its allies can see, communicate, and navigate. Global mission operations also protect U.S. forces on Earth through early warning of incoming missiles and other types of attack. The Space Force describes global mission operations as allowing the rest of the U.S. military to defend the air, land, and sea.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

Missions that support global mission operations include [[missile warning]], [[satellite communications]], and [[positioning, navigation, and timing]].<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

===Assured Space Access===
[[File:X-37B mission (2003366659).jpg|thumb|USSF [[Falcon Heavy]] launch from [[Kennedy Space Center]]]]
Assured space access ensures that the Space Force can deploy and sustain equipment in outer space. This includes space launches as well as controlling and steering spacecraft out of the way of oncoming space debris to avoid collisions. The Space Force describes assured access to space as being able to make sure it can continue launching and conducting space operations 24/7.

Missions supporting space access include [[space launch|launch]], range control, [[cyberwarfare|cyber]], and [[space domain awareness]].<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

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

=== The U.S. military in space ===
{{blockquote|
|text=In the long haul, our safety as a nation may depend upon achieving "space superiority." Several decades from now, the important battles may not be sea battles or air battles, but space battles, and we should be spending a certain fraction of our national resources to ensure that we do not lag in obtaining space supremacy.
|author=Major General [[Bernard Schriever]], 19 February 1957<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0207keeperfile/ | title=Schriever's "Space Superiority" Speech }}</ref>
}}

[[File:Launch of Jupiter C with Explorer 1.jpg|thumb|Launch of [[Explorer 1]], America's first satellite, by the U.S. Army in 1958]]

The beginnings of the U.S. Space Force can be traced to the [[aftermath of World War II]]. General [[Henry H. Arnold]], commander of the [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]], tasked General [[Bernard Schriever]] to integrate with the scientific community to identify and develop technologies that could be beneficial for the new [[U.S. Air Force]] in the next global conflict.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/> Identifying the importance of space, the [[U.S. Army]], [[U.S. Navy]], and U.S. Air Force each started their own separate space and rocket programs. The U.S. Air Force created the first military space organization in the world, establishing the [[Western Development Division]] in 1954 and placing it under the command of General Schriever.{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=33–34}} The Army followed a year later, creating the [[Army Ballistic Missile Agency]] under the leadership of General [[John Bruce Medaris]] and [[Wernher von Braun]].<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/Cmd%20History%20Book/Chap%201.pdf |title=Aircraft, Rockets, Missiles and Radar, 1907-1961 |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 Army led the United States into space, launching the first American spacecraft, [[Explorer 1]], on 31 January 1958.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/> [[Space exploration]] continued to be a military responsibility until the [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] was created in 1958.{{sfn|Spires|1998}} The military shifted from conducting their own space exploration programs to supporting NASA's, providing the agency with its [[astronauts]] and [[space launch vehicles]], while also conducting astronaut recovery and supporting space launches from the Air Force's [[Eastern Range]].{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

The Air Force was recognized as the lead military service for space by the early 1960s, with the Army and Navy operating in supporting roles. Early military space efforts were focused on developing and fielding spacecraft to accomplish national objectives, with a focus on [[Weather satellite|weather]], [[Reconnaissance satellite|reconnaissance and surveillance]], [[Communications satellite|communications]], and [[Satellite navigation|navigation]]. On 18 August 1961, the Air Force and [[National Reconnaissance Office]] launched the first [[CORONA (satellite)|CORONA]] reconnaissance mission, recovering 3,000 feet of film from space and imaged 1.65 million square miles of the Soviet Union's territory.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

[[File:Bernard Schriever with models of his missiles.jpg|thumb|General [[Bernard Schriever]], father of the Air Force space and missile program]]

Concerned about the development of the Soviet Union's own space forces, the Air Force advocated for a military [[human spaceflight]] program. General [[Curtis LeMay]] described strong parallels between [[World War I]] aviation and 1960s space operations, noting how quickly flying evolved from chivalric and unarmed [[Aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance flights]] to combat efforts designed to destroy enemy [[air superiority]]. General LeMay believed that it was naive to believe that the same trends were not expected to be seen in space and must be prepared for. Although the Air Force made significant progress in developing the [[Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar|X-20]] [[spaceplane]], [[Manned Orbiting Laboratory]], and [[Blue Gemini]], opposition from the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] prevented operational fielding. 

In November 1968, the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] reported a successful satellite destruction simulation performed by the [[Soviet Union]] as a part of its [[Istrebitel Sputnikov]] [[Anti-satellite weapon|anti-satellite weapons]] research programme.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=THE HISTORY OF US ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPONS |url=https://man.fas.org/eprint/leitenberg/asat.pdf |website=man.fas.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Historic Beginnings Of The Space Arms Race |url=https://www.spacewar.com/reports/The_Historic_Beginnings_Of_The_Space_Arms_Race_999.html |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=www.spacewar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=RBTH |last2=Novosti |first2=Yury Zaitsev, RIA |date=2008-11-01 |title=The historic beginnings of the space arms race |url=https://www.rbth.com/articles/2008/11/01/311008_space.html |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=Russia Beyond |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MilsatMagazine |url=http://www.milsatmagazine.com/story.php?number=701833149 |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=www.milsatmagazine.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-11-01 |title=The Hidden History of the Soviet Satellite-Killer |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/satellites/a9620/the-hidden-history-of-the-soviet-satellite-killer-16108970/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}}</ref> Possibly as a response to the Soviet programme, the United States has earlier began [[Project SAINT]], which was intended to provide anti-satellite capability to be used in the case of war with the Soviet Union.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2021 |title=istrebitel-sputnikov-is |url=https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2021/08/10/istrebitel-sputnikov-is/ |website=weaponsandwarfare.com}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web |date=2016-08-20 |title=SAINT |url=http://www.astronautix.com/s/saint.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820134922/http://www.astronautix.com/s/saint.html |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> However the project was cancelled early on due to budget constraints and after details were leaked to ''[[The New York Times]]'' in 1962.<ref name="auto3"/> Despite these setbacks, the Air Force did successfully field the [[Program 437]] [[anti-satellite weapon]] system, which used nuclear [[PGM-17 Thor|Thor missile]]s to intercept and destroy enemy spacecraft.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

Although most military space forces were organized under the Air Force, they were still fragmented within several different major commands. Recognizing rapid growth of space forces and the need to centralize them under one command, the Air Force established [[Air Force Space Command]] in 1982.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/> This was followed by the establishment of the joint [[United States Space Command]] in 1985, aligning Air Force Space Command, [[Naval Space Command]], and [[Army Space Command]] under a single operational commander. These two moves, along with the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]]'s establishment by President [[Ronald Reagan]], led to a renaissance of military space operations in the 1980s.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

[[File:STS-44 DSP deployment.jpg|thumb|Air Force [[Defense Support Program]] deployment from the [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Space Shuttle ''Atlantis'']] on the [[STS-44]] mission in 1991]]

Space forces were first used in combat operations during the [[Vietnam War]], with Air Force weather and communications spacecraft supporting ground, sea, and air operations.{{sfn|Spires|1998}} During [[Operation Urgent Fury]] in Grenada, satellite communications were used to conduct command and control for the first time, while [[Operation El Dorado Canyon]] and [[Operation Just Cause]] marked the first time that major U.S. forces incorporated information from space-based intelligence systems.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA329263.pdf | title=After the Gulf War: Balancing Spacepower's Development | first=Frank | last=Gallegos | website=apps.dtic.mil}}</ref>

The [[Persian Gulf War]] marked the first time that military space forces were unleashed to their fullest extent. Over sixty spacecraft provided 90% of [[military communications|theater communications]] and [[command and control]] for a [[Coalition of the Gulf War|multinational army]] of 500,000 troops, [[Military meteorology|weather support]] for commanders and mission planners, [[missile 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=The US Air Force in Space - 1945 to the 21st Century |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> The decisive role that space forces played directly enabled an overwhelming Coalition victory and 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' | date=20 January 2016 | 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>

While U.S. space forces supported all U.S. military operations in the 1990s, [[Operation Allied Force]] marked the first use of [[Global Positioning System]]-aided munitions in a conflict, ushering in a new era of precision bombing.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0310bombs/ | title=The Emergence of Smart Bombs }}</ref> Following the [[September 11 attacks]], U.S. space forces mobilized to respond as part of the [[War on terror|Global War on Terrorism]] [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], and [[Operation Inherent Resolve]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Master of the Sky to Master of Space |url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/Portals/17/2019_Heritage_Pamphlet%20pdf.pdf |access-date=9 September 2023 |website=Schriever Space Force Base}}</ref>

=== Path to a separate space service ===
{{blockquote|
|text=Creating a new military service...would be a dramatic step. Perhaps a "Space Corps" would be a step toward a Space Force. Maybe the Air Force will preempt these dramatic changes by truly becoming the "Space and Air Force."
|author=Senator [[Bob Smith (New Hampshire politician)|Bob Smith]], 18 November 1998<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>
}}

[[File:Air Force Space Command celebrates 23rd anniversary (1).jpg|thumb|[[Air Force Space Command]] activation ceremony in 1982]]
The idea of a separate service for space originated in the 1960s. Military space activities were briefly consolidated under the [[Advanced Research Projects Agency]] in 1958, loosely centralizing space activities under a single organization. The Air Force, Army, and Navy feared that it would evolve into a "fourth service" for space, before authorities were returned to the service.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

The first direct call for a U.S. Space Force occurred in 1982, prior to [[Air Force Space Command]]'s establishment or the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]]'s public announcement. As part of a report recommending the acceleration U.S. space-based [[laser weapon]] development, the [[Government Accountability Office]] recommended the U.S. Air Force be reorganized as the U.S. Aerospace Force or that an independent U.S. Space Force be created.<ref name="afhistory.af.mil">{{Cite web | url=https://www.afhistory.af.mil/Portals/64/Books/Titles/Space%20Force%20Origins.pdf | title=Some origins of the idea "Whose time has come" | first=Priscilla Dale | last=Jones | website=www.afhistory.af.mil }}</ref> Ultimately, a Congressional proposal to rename the U.S. Air Force as the U.S. Aerospace Force and speculation that President [[Ronald Reagan]] may announce the creation of a U.S. Space Force accelerated Air Force plans to create a space command within the service.{{sfn|Spires|1998}}

Following the [[Persian Gulf War]], the Air Force and Defense Department declared that "space power has now become as important to the nation as land, sea, and air power." Despite this public pronouncement, a growing section of Congress believed that space was being shortchanged and used only as an auxiliary to air operations. In 1998, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by [[United States Army Air Service|post-World War I Army Aviators]] and post-Gulf War Air Force space operators, Senator [[Bob Smith (New Hampshire politician)|Bob Smith]] publicly called for the establishment of a Space Force if the Air Force could not, or would not, embrace spacepower. An independent Department of the Space Force would ensure that space got its fair share of resources within the Defense Department, with Senator Smith calling for the creation of a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force as a bridge to a fully independent Space Force.<ref name="afhistory.af.mil"/>

[[File:Brilliant Pebbles emerging.jpg|thumb|Concept for the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]] [[Brilliant Pebbles]] space-based interceptor]]

In 2000, Senator Smith led Congress in establishing a commission to examine the organization and management of national security space. The Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization, better known as the 2001 Space Commission or the Rumsfeld Commission, released its report in 2001. The Rumsfeld Commission noted the strong risk of a "Space Pearl Harbor," harking back to Imperial Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet in 1941. It was extremely critical of the Air Force's treatment of space, with few witnesses expressing confidence that the Air Force would address the requirement to provide space capabilities to the other services or move beyond treating space as just a support capability for air operations. The most significant recommendation of the Rumsfeld Commission was the creation of a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force in the mid-term, which would evolve into a [[Department of the Space Force]] in the long-term. The Rumsfeld Commission expected the transition from Air Force Space Command to a fully independent Space Force to occur in between 2006 and 2011. 
<ref name="afhistory.af.mil"/><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://aerospace.csis.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/RumsfeldCommission.pdf | title=Report to the Commission to Assess United States - National Security Space Management and Organization | website=aerospace.csis.org | date=2001-01-11}}</ref>

Air Force leadership reacted extremely poorly to the Rumsfeld Commission's recommendations. The day after the Commission was publicly released [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Air Force chief of staff]] General [[Michael E. Ryan]] declared "an independent Space Force or Corps was not warranted for at least another 50 years." General Ryan doubled down over the following year, stating that a Space Force should only be considered once space operations moved beyond Earth orbit. Despite the Air Force's hostility to the idea of a Space Corps or Space Force, they did meet some recommendations by transferring the [[Space and Missile Systems Center]] from Air Force Materiel Command to Air Force Space Command and establishing the [[National Security Space Institute]].<ref name="afhistory.af.mil"/> Ultimately, the Rumsfeld Commission's recommendations remained unfulfilled because of the higher priority placed on [[counterterrorism]] after the [[September 11 attacks]], canceling plans for a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force or a fully independent Space Force by 2011.<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 }}</ref>

[[File:President Trump Signs the 2020 NDAA (49259070398).jpg|thumb|President [[Donald Trump]] congratulating General [[Jay Raymond]] after signing the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|2020 NDAA]] that established the U.S. Space Force]]

While the United States' focus shifted from space to counterterrorism, the [[Russian Armed Forces]] and Chinese [[People's Liberation Army]] realized the military benefits that could be gleaned from space, as well as the incredible reliance the United States put on its space forces. Throughout the 2000s, Russian and Chinese space and counterspace capabilities began to increase.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/> In 2001, the [[Russian Space Forces]] were reestablished as an independent arm and in 2007, China conducted a destructive [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test|anti-satellite missile test]] causing the single largest space debris generating event in history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2001-07/russia-re-establishes-independent-space-forces|title=Russia Re-Establishes Independent Space Forces &#124; Arms Control Association}}</ref><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> In the aftermath of the Chinese ASAT test, Congress tasked the Allard Commission to reevaluate the Defense Department's space organization and management. The Allard Commission noted that the United States' dependence on space had increased, but comparatively little...[had] been achieved to make them more secure." It also noted, despite the recommendations of the Rumsfeld Commission, authority and responsibility for national security space remained fragmented and unfocused. Like the 2001 Rumsfeld Commission, the 2008 Allard Commission recommended establishing a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force or a separate Department of the Space Force to unify national security space.
<ref name="afhistory.af.mil"/>

It took until 2017 for members of Congress to act on the recommendations of the Rumsfeld and Allard commissions to create a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force. Representatives [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]] and [[Jim Cooper]] unveiled a bipartisan proposal to establish a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force, however it experienced significant opposition from the Air Force and Defense Department, failing in the Senate.
<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><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Zachary |title=Lawmakers scrap 'Space Corps' proposal |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/08/politics/congress-space-corps-ndaa/index.html |access-date=August 31, 2023 |work=[[CNN]] |date=November 8, 2017}}</ref> However, the proposal was resurrected in 2018 when President [[Donald Trump]] publicly endorsed the creation of a Space Force and directed the Defense Department to reverse its opposition and develop plans for its establishment.<ref name=awkward>{{cite news |last1=Gould |first1=Joe |title=Trump touting 'space force' puts Air Force in awkward spot |url=https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2018/03/14/trump-touting-space-force-puts-air-force-in-awkward-spot/ |access-date=September 2, 2023 |work=[[Defense News]] |date=March 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Valerie |last2=Mehta |first2=Aaron |title=Trump orders creation of independent space force — but Congress will still have its say |url=https://www.defensenews.com/space/2018/06/18/trump-orders-creation-of-independent-space-force/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |work=[[Defense News]] |date=June 19, 2018}}</ref> The [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump Administration]] plan for the U.S. Space Force was outlined in Space Policy Directive-4, initially organizing the U.S. Space Force as part of the Department of the Air Force, but with plans to build out a separate Department of the Space Force in the future.<ref name="Space Policy Directive-4">{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/SPD-4/ | title=Space Policy Directive-4 }}</ref> In 2019, Congress passed legislation establishing the U.S. Space Force as a military service under the Department of the Air Force. On 20 December 2019, the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|National Defense Authorization Act]] was signed into law and the U.S. Space Force was established as the sixth armed service, meeting the Rumsfeld and Allard commissions' recommendations to create a Space Corps within the Department of the Air Force, but still falling short of creating a separate Department of the Space Force.<ref name="afhistory.af.mil"/>

=== The sixth service ===
{{blockquote|
|text=We are at the dawn of a new era for our Nation’s Armed Forces. The establishment of the U.S. Space Force is an historic event and a strategic imperative for our Nation. Space has become so important to our way of life, our economy and our national security that we must be prepared as a Nation to protect it from hostile actions.
|author=Secretary of Defense [[Mark Esper]], 20 December 2019<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2045981/department-of-defense-establishes-us-space-force/ | title=Department of Defense Establishes U.S. Space Force }}</ref>
}}

[[File:SpaceForceCadets_USAFA2020.jpg|thumb|250px|The first 86 Space Force lieutenants commissioned from the [[United States Air Force Academy]] on 18 April 2020]]

As the U.S. Space Force was established on 20 December 2019, General [[Jay Raymond]], commander of [[U.S. Space Command]] and [[Air Force Space Command]], became its first member and [[chief of space operations]]. Air Force Space Command was immediately redesignated as United States Space Force, however, the command and its 16,000 Airmen technically remained part of the Air Force.<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> On 3 April 2020, Chief Master Sergeant [[Roger A. Towberman]] became the Space Force's second member and was appointed its first [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force|senior enlisted leader]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2135959/cmsgt-towberman-sworn-in-as-the-first-senior-enlisted-advisor-for-the-us-space/ | title=CMSGT Towberman sworn in as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor for the U.S. Space Force | date=3 April 2020 }}</ref> The service gained its first new second lieutenants when 86 members of the [[U.S. Air Force Academy]] class of 2020 became Space Force members 3 through 88 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> Currently serving Air Force space operators began to become Space Force members in September 2020 and the service gained its first astronaut when Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]] swore into the Space Force aboard the [[International Space Station]] on 18 December 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2276375/space-force-selects-24k-space-operators-for-transfer-beginning-sept-1/ | title=Space Force selects 2.4K space operators for transfer beginning Sept. 1 | date=16 July 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Erwin-2020">{{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="Erwin-2020a">{{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="Kramer-2020">{{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>

The Space Force also began to build out its culture and identity, however, it experienced several public relations challenges due to its perceived ties to [[science fiction]] and links to President Trump.<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 adopted the Army and Air Force's [[Army Combat Uniform|OCP Uniform]] with blue stitching and a full color [[U.S. flag]], sparking jokes about fighting on the [[forest moon of Endor]] from ''[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi]]'', while its distinctive service dress drew comparisons to Colonial Fleet uniforms from ''[[Battlestar Galactica]]'' or [[Starfleet]] uniforms from ''[[Star Trek]]''. While the Space Force noted that its camouflage combat uniform was appropriate since space operators deploy to combat zones on the Earth alongside the rest of the joint force and it saved money, it did not have a similar response for its service dress uniform, which were described as a "futuristic-looking" design by General Raymond.<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 |title=Space Force Uniforms Are Similar to Battlestar Galactica's |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039711787/space-force-uniforms-battlestar-galactica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172438/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039711787/space-force-uniforms-battlestar-galactica |archive-date=3 June 2023 |url-status=live |publisher=[[NPR]] |access-date=3 June 2023 }}</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><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/09/27/space-force-expects-finalize-futuristic-uniform-end-of-year-general-says.html | title=Space Force Expects to Finalize 'Futuristic' Uniform by End of Year, General Says | date=27 September 2021 }}</ref> The Space Force's [[Seal of the United States Space Force|seal]] and [[Space Force Delta|delta]] insignia were also incorrectly derided as a rip-off of ''Star Trek'''s Starfleet logo, despite being first adopted as a space symbol by the [[Air Force Ballistic Missile Division]] in 1962, four years before ''Star Trek'' first aired on television in 1966.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{Cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Derek |date=2020-01-25 |title=Space Force logo mocked for similarities to 'Star Trek' - the Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/01/25/space-force-logo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127132337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/01/25/space-force-logo/ |archive-date=27 November 2022 |access-date=3 June 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> ''Star Trek'' graphic designer [[Michael Okuda]] recalled that Starfleet's logo was chosen as an homage to the Space Force's direct predecessors in military space operations.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>

[[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]]

The service also chose the title "Guardian" to represent its personnel, becoming its counterpart to Soldier and Airman. The term "Guardian" has a long history within Air Force Space Command, originally serving as part of its motto: "Guardians of the High Frontier."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2452593/us-space-force-unveils-name-of-space-professionals/ | title=U.S. Space Force unveils name of space professionals | date=18 December 2020 }}</ref> The Space Force also adopted ''Semper Supra'' as its official motto and unveiled its [[Semper Supra (march)|service song]], sharing the same name.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3163768/space-force-reveals-official-song-semper-supra/ | title=Space Force reveals official song: 'Semper Supra' | date=2022-09-20 | publisher=[[United States Air Force]]}}</ref> The decision on if the Space Force's ranks would mirror the Army, like the Air Force and Marine Corps, or the Navy, generated significant controversy, with Congressman Dan Crenshaw introducing an amendment which would force the Space Force to pattern itself after the Navy's rank structure.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/07/21/space-admiral-house-lawmakers-want-navy-ranks-space-force.html | title=Space Admiral? House Lawmakers Want Navy Ranks for Space Force | date=21 July 2020 }}</ref> Ultimately, the amendment failed and the Space Force followed an Air Force/Army/Marine Corps-based rank scheme.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

The Space Force began to officially incorporate former Air Force Space Command units in 2020 and 2021, standing up field commands to serve as counterparts to the Air Force's major commands. It also consolidated Air Force wings and groups into mission deltas, a formation roughly equivalent to an Army [[Brigade Combat Team]] or Air Force expeditionary wing, and space base deltas (briefly known as garrisons), equivalent to an Army garrison or Air Force air base wing.<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><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2287005/space-force-begins-transition-into-field-organizational-structure/ | title=Space Force begins transition into field organizational structure | date=24 July 2020 }}</ref> It also began to rename former Air Force bases and station to Space Force bases and station, starting with [[Patrick Space Force Base]] and [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]].<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> It also established component field commands to serve as Space Force components at the [[unified combatant command]]s, assuming space component responsibility from the U.S. Air Force.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-stands-up-its-first-geographic-component-prioritizing-the-pacific/ | title=Space Force Stands up Its First Geographic Component Command, Prioritizing the Pacific | date=22 November 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:NAVSOC 10 SOPS joint ceremony.jpg|thumb|Transfer of the Naval Satellite Operations Center from the Navy to the Space Force in 2022]]

One of the primary reasons the Space Force was created was to consolidate space forces from across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy.<ref name="Space Policy Directive-4"/> In 2020, the [[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]] was established to form the foundation for [[Space Training and Readiness Command]] and incorporate Air Force space units spread across [[Air Combat Command]] and [[Air Education and Training Command]], while [[Space Systems Command]] incorporated space acquisitions activities across [[Air Force Materiel Command]], although, notably it did not incorporate space research and development conducted by the [[Air Force Research Laboratory]].<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 also began incorporating space personnel transfers from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-recruiting-interservice-transfers/ |title=Space Force Recruiting is Strong, but Army, Navy, USAF Woes Don't Help |date=21 April 2023 |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> In 2022, it the [[Naval Satellite Operations Center]] and Army's [[53rd Space Operations Squadron|Satellite Operations Brigade]] transferred to the Space Force, putting satellite communications under a single service for the first time in history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/navy-unit-transfers-into-space-force-becomes-10th-space-operations-squadron/ |title=Navy Unit Transfers into Space Force, Becomes 10th Space Operations Squadron {{pipe}} Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=14 June 2022 |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 | date=15 August 2022 | 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, it assumed responsibility for the Army's [[Joint Tactical Ground Station]], putting all space-based 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=Space Force to Take on the Army's Missile Warning Ground Stations in October {{pipe}} Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=7 March 2023 |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>

The Space Force's first significant combat action occurred less than a month after its establishment, providing missile warning when Iran launched missile [[Operation Martyr Soleimani|strikes]] against U.S. troops at [[Al Asad Airbase]] on 7 January 2020.<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> In 2021, the Russian Federation conducted an [[anti-satellite weapon]]s test, destroying the [[Kosmos 1408]] and putting the [[International Space Station]] at risk.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2842957/russian-direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile-test-creates-significant-long-last/ | title=Russian direct-ascent anti-satellite missile test creates significant, long-lasting space }}</ref>

== Organization ==
{{main|Structure of the United States Space Force|List of active duty United States Space Force general officers}}
[[File:Organization of U.S. Space Force.svg|thumb|upright=1.2|Organization of the United States Space Force within the [[Department of Defense]]]]

The Space Force is organized into a headquarters staff that provides leadership and guidance for the force; field commands that are responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians; deltas that support field commands and are specialized by mission area; and squadrons which specialize in acquisitions, cyberspace operations, engineering, intelligence, and space operations.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

===Headquarters Space Force===
At the headquarters level, the Space Force is led by the [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]], a four-star general who reports to the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|secretary of the Air Force]] and provides military advice to civilian leadership of the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] and the [[White House]]. Alongside the [[U.S. Air Force]] and U.S. Space Force combine to form the Department of the Air Force, like how the [[U.S. Navy]] and [[U.S. Marine Corps]] combine to form the [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]].<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Title
!colspan=2|Current holder
|-
|[[File:Flag of the Chief of Space Operations.svg|40px]] || [[Chief of space operations]] (CSO) || [[File:Gen B. Chance Saltzman.jpg|75px]] || [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[B. Chance Saltzman]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of the Vice Chief of Space Operations.svg|40px]] || [[Vice chief of space operations]] (VCSO) || [[File:Gen Michael A. Guetlein.jpg|75px]] ||[[General (United States)|Gen]] [[Michael Guetlein]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Space Force.svg|40px]] || [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] (CMSSF) || [[File:CMSSF John F. Bentivegna.jpg|75px]] ||[[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force|CMSSF]] [[John F. Bentivegna]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force major general.svg|40px]] || [[Director of Staff of the United States Space Force|Director of staff]] (SF/DS) || [[File:Maj Gen Steven P. Whitney (2).jpg|75px]] || [[Major General (United States)|Maj Gen]] [[Steven P. Whitney]]
|-
|[[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]] (SF/S1) || [[File:Katharine Kelley (2).jpg|75px]] || 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]] (SF/S2) || [[File:Maj Gen Gregory J. Gagnon (2).jpg|75px]] || [[Major general (United States)|Maj Gen]] [[Gregory Gagnon]]
|-
|[[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]] (SF/S3/6/10) || [[File:Lt Gen DeAnna M. Burt (2).jpg|75px]] ||[[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[DeAnna M. Burt]]
|-
|[[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, and Requirements|Deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, requirements, and analysis]] (SF/S5/8) || [[File:Lt Gen Shawn N. Bratton.jpg|75px]] || [[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[Shawn Bratton]]
|-
|| || [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations#Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Technology and Innovation|Deputy chief of space operations for technology and innovation]] (SF/S9) || || ''Vacant''
|-
|| [[File:UK-Air-OF8-Flag.svg|40px]] || [[Deputy Chief of Space Operations|Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships]] || [[File:Air Mshl Paul Godfrey.jpg|75px]] || [[Air Marshal|AM]] [[Paul Godfrey (RAF officer)|Paul Godfrey]]
|}

===Field commands, Space Force elements, and direct reporting units===
The Space Force's three field commands (FLDCOM) are purpose-built for specific activities, aligning to the various institutional responsibilities to organize, train, and equip Guardians. Component field commands (C-FLDCOM) coordinate and integrate space forces into planning and current operations within [[unified combatant command]]s. Direct reporting units (DRU) are hubs of innovation and intelligence expertise within the Space Force, providing new ideas or deep knowledge about highly specialized issues.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Field command
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:Emblem of the Space Operations Command.svg|40px]] || [[Space Operations Command]] (SpOC)|| Generates, presents, and sustains space warfighting capability for combatant commanders || [[Peterson SFB]], [[Colorado]]
|-
|[[File:Space Systems Command emblem.svg|40px]] || [[Space Systems Command]] (SSC)|| Develops, acquires, equips, fields, and sustains lethal and resilient space capabilities || [[Los Angeles AFB]], [[California]]
|-
|[[File:Space Training and Readiness Command emblem.png|40px]] || [[Space Training and Readiness Command]] (STARCOM)|| Increases Guardians' readiness to prevail in competition and conflict through education, training, doctrine, and test || [[Peterson SFB]], [[Colorado]]
|-
!colspan=2|Component field command
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:United States Space Forces – Space emblem.png|40px]] || [[United States Space Forces – Space|U.S. Space Forces – Space]] (SPACEFOR–SPACE)  || The U.S. Space Force component to [[U.S. Space Command]] which plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower into multi-domain global operations for all U.S. military operations beginning at the [[Kármán line]], 62 miles/100 kilometers above mean sea level || [[Vandenberg SFB]], [[California]]
|-
|[[File:United States Space Forces Central emblem.png|40px]] || [[United States Space Forces – Central|U.S. Space Forces – Central]] (SPACEFOR–CENT) || The U.S. Space Force component to [[U.S. Central Command]] which plans, executes, and integrates military power across an area of responsibility that spans Northeast Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia || [[MacDill AFB]], [[Florida]]
|-
|[[File:United States Space Forces Europe and Africa emblem.png|40px]] || [[United States Space Forces – Europe and Africa|U.S. Space Forces – Europe and Africa]] (SPACEFOR–EURAF) || The U.S. Space Force component to [[U.S. European Command]] and [[U.S. Africa Command]] which plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower across an area of responsibility that spans Europe, large portions of Asia, the Middle East, Arctic Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean and Africa || [[Ramstein AB]], [[Germany]]
|-
|[[File:U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific emblem.png|40px]] || [[United States Space Forces – Indo-Pacific|U.S. Space Forces – Indo-Pacific]] (SPAFOR-INDOPAC) || The U.S. Space Force component to [[U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]] which plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower across an area of responsibility that spans the Asia-Pacific region || [[JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam]], [[Hawaii]]
|-
!colspan=2|Space Force Element
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:Space Force Element to the National Reconnaissance Office emblem.png|40px]] || [[National Reconnaissance Office|Space Force Element National Reconnaissance Office]] (SFELM NRO) || Supports the design, development, launch, and maintenance of America's intelligence satellites || [[Chantilly, Virginia]]
|-
!colspan=2|Direct Reporting Unit
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:Space Development Agency emblem.jpg|40px]] || [[Space Development Agency]] (SDA) || Develops, demonstrates, and transitions resilient military space-based sensing, tracking, and data transport capabilities into a proliferated multi-orbit architecture, encompassing government, commercial, and rapid acquisition architectures || [[The Pentagon]], [[Arlington County, Virginia]]
|-
|[[File:Space Rapid Capabilities Office logo.png|40px]] || [[Space Rapid Capabilities Office]] (SpRCO) || Specializes in the expedited development and rapid production and deployment of space capabilities to fulfill short-term critical needs || [[Kirtland AFB]], [[New Mexico]]
|-
!colspan=2|Field Operating Agency
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 18 emblem.png|40px]] || [[National Space Intelligence Center]] (NSIC) || Delivers unparalleled technical expertise and game-changing intelligence – empowering national leaders, joint force warfighter and acquisition professionals to outwit, out-reach and win in the space domain<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Display/Article/3820323/national-space-intelligence-center/ | title=National Space Intelligence Center }}</ref> || [[Wright-Patterson AFB]], [[Ohio]]
|}

===Bases===
{{main|List of United States Space Force installations}}
While the Space Force's headquarters is in Washington, D.C., the rest of the service is spread across the United States and abroad, across 18 states and territories and 46 bases and installations as of 2024.<ref name="spaceforce.mil"/>
{{Location map+ | USA
| width = 600
| float = center
| caption= U.S. Space Force installations and locations located within mainland United States.
| relief = 
| alt = 
| places =
{{Location map~ | USA
|label = '''[[Buckley Space Force Base|Buckley SFB]]'''
| position   = top
|mark = Emblem of Space Base Delta 2.svg
|marksize=20
|label_size = 75
|label_width=10
|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 = '''[[Peterson SFB]]'''<br />'''[[Schriever Space Force Base|Schriever SFB]]'''<br />'''[[Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station|Cheyenne Mountain SFS]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width = 12
|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 Cod Space Force Station|Cape Cod SFS]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = 6th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 SFS]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = 10th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 AFB]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = Space Base Delta 3 emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 SFS]]'''
|position = top
|mark = 23rd Space Operations Squadron emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 SFB]]'''<br />'''[[Cape Canaveral SFS]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 = '''[[Vandenberg Space Force Base|Vandenberg SFB]]'''
|position = right
|mark = Space Launch Delta 30 emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|lat_deg = 34
|lat_min = 43
|lat_sec = 57
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 120
|lon_min = 34
|lon_sec = 05
|lon_dir = W
}}
}}

{{Location map+|World|width=600|float=center|caption=U.S. Space Force installations and locations outside of the contiguous United States.|relief=1|alt=|places=
{{Location map~ | World 
|label = '''[[Clear Space Force Station|Clear SFS]]'''
| position   = right
|mark = 13th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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{{okina}}ena Point SFS]]'''
| position   = right
|mark = 21st Space Operations Squadron emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 SFS]]'''
| position   = bottom
|mark = 15th Space Surveillance Squadron emblem.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|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 SB]]'''
| position   = right
|mark = USAF - 821st Air Base Group.png
|marksize = 20
|label_size = 75
|label_width= 12
|lat_deg = 76
|lat_min = 31
|lat_sec = 52
|lat_dir = N
|lon_deg = 68
|lon_min = 42
|lon_sec = 11
|lon_dir = W
}}
}}

{| class="wikitable"
|+U.S. Space Force installations
!Name
!Location
!colspan=2|Garrison
|- 
|[[Buckley Space Force Base]]
|[[Aurora, Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 2.svg|40px]]
|[[Space Base Delta 2]]
|-
|[[Peterson Space Force Base]]
|[[Colorado Springs]], [[Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|40px]]
|[[Space Base Delta 1]]
|-
|[[Schriever Space Force Base]]
|[[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|40px]]
|[[Space Base Delta 1]]
|-
|[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]]
|[[El Segundo, California]]
|[[File:Space Base Delta 3 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Base Delta 3]]
|-
|[[Patrick Space Force Base]]
|[[Satellite Beach]], [[Florida]]
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 45]]
|-
|[[Vandenberg Space Force Base]]
|[[Lompoc]], [[California]]
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 30 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 30]]
|-
|[[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]]
|[[Cape Canaveral]], [[Florida]]
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png|40px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 45]]
|-
|[[Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station]]
|[[Cheyenne Mountain]], [[Colorado]]
|[[File:Emblem of Space Base Delta 1.svg|40px]]
|[[Space Base Delta 1]]
|-
|[[Cape Cod Space Force Station]]
|[[Sagamore, Massachusetts]]
|[[File:6th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png|40px]]
|[[6th Space Warning Squadron]]
|-
|[[Cavalier Space Force Station]]
|[[Cavalier, North Dakota]]
|[[File:10th Space Warning Squadron emblem.png|40px]]
|[[10th Space Warning Squadron]]
|-
|[[Clear Space Force Station]]
|[[Clear, Alaska]]
|[[File:13th_Space_Warning_Squadron_emblem.png|40px]]
|[[13th Space Warning Squadron]]
|-
|[[Kaena Point Space Force Station]]
|[[Kaena Point]], [[Hawaii]]
|[[File:21st_Space_Operations_Squadron_emblem.png|40px]]
|[[21st Space Operations Squadron]]
|-
|[[New Boston Space Force Station]]
|[[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire]]
|[[File:23rd Space Operations Squadron emblem.png|40px]]
|[[23rd Space Operations Squadron]]
|-
|[[Maui Space Surveillance Complex|Maui Space Force Station]]
|[[Maui]], [[Hawaii]]
|[[File:15th Space Surveillance Squadron emblem.png|40px]]
|[[15th Space Surveillance Squadron]]
|-
|[[Pituffik Space Base]]
|[[Qaanaaq]], [[Greenland]]
|[[File:USAF - 821st Air Base Group.png|40px]]
|[[821st Space Base Group]]
|-
|}

==Department of the Space Force and Army space consolidation==
===Department of the Space Force===
{{blockquote|
|text=As the United States Space Force matures, and as national security requires, it will become necessary to create a separate military department, to be known as the Department of the Space Force.
|author=Space Policy Directive-4, 2019<ref name="Space Policy Directive-4"/>}}
The Space Force is currently organized as a service under the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], more closely mirroring the concept of a Space Corps rather than a fully independent Space Force. Senator [[Bob Smith (New Hampshire politician)|Bob Smith]], the 2001 Rumsfeld Commission, and 2008 Allard Commission each envisioned that a Space Corps would first be created under the Department of the Air Force as an interim measure as it grew into a fully independent Space Force.<ref name="afhistory.af.mil"/> In 2019, Space Policy Directive-4 directed the Space Force be initially established under the Department of the Air Force as the first step towards an independent Department of the Space Force, which would take over the entire space mission from the Department of the Air Force. It also directed the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] to conduct a periodic review to determine when to recommend the [[President of the United States|President]] seek legislation to establish the Department of the Space Force.<ref name="Space Policy Directive-4"/>

Following the Space Force's establishment there have been a number of calls to rename the Department of the Air Force to the Department of the Air and Space Forces to reflect its composition of the [[U.S. Air Force]] and U.S. Space Force.<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><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 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205162857/https://www.afa.org/publications-news/news/2019-12-23/fighting-and-winning-in-space-with-our-new-u-s--space-force | archive-date=5 December 2023 | title=Fighting and Winning in Space with Our New U.S. Space Force &#124; Air & Space Forces Association }}</ref> Congress previously explored renaming the Department of the Air Force to the Department of the Aerospace Force in 1981 and congressional efforts were made in the 2000s to rename the [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]] to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, however both of these proposals failed under opposition from the Defense Department.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Agrawal |first1=Raj |last2=Brooks |first2=Aaron |title=One Team, One Fight The Department of the Air and Space Forces |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASOR/Journals/Volume-1_Issue-1/Agrawal_Brooks_One_Team_One_Fight.pdf |publisher=Air&Space Operations Review |date=Spring 2022}}</ref>

Space Force advocates have also called for the creation of an [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|undersecretary of the Air Force for space]]. This provision was included in the Trump Administration's original legislative proposal to give the Space Force additional independence and autonomy but was removed by the Senate.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/defense-officials-new-military-branch-designed-for-the-unique-culture-of-space/ | title=Defense officials: New military branch designed for the 'unique culture' of space | date=2 March 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/senate-armed-services-oks-space-force-with-conditions/ | title=Senate Armed Services OKs Space Force with conditions | date=23 May 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2024/05/kill-zombie-space-national-guard-idea/396626/ |first1=Todd |last1=Harrison |website=defenseone.com |title=Kill the zombie Space National Guard idea |date=16 May 2024}}</ref> There have also been numerous calls from inside and outside the Space Force for it to have its own public affairs and judge advocate generals, independent from Air Force.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/why-the-space-force-needs-its-own-jag-corps/ | title=Why the Space Force needs its own JAG Corps | date=15 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationalinterest.org/feature/space-force-needs-its-own-messaging-shop-207426 | title=The Space Force Needs Its Own Messaging Shop | date=23 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4242448-the-space-force-needs-its-own-advocate-on-capitol-hill/ | title=The Space Force needs its own advocate on Capitol Hill | date=9 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/two-things-the-space-force-needs-from-congress-and-one-thing-it-definitely-doesnt/ | title=Two things the Space Force needs from Congress - and one thing it definitely doesn't | date=14 November 2023 }}</ref>

===Consolidating Army space activities===
{{main|United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command|1st Space Brigade|100th Missile Defense Brigade}}
[[File:TEST OF NATIONS MIDCOURSE DEFENSE SYSTEM CONDUCTED (5208714).jpg|thumb|Launch of an Army [[Ground Based Interceptor]] from [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]].]]

When the Space Force was established in 2019 it was intended to consolidate the existing military space forces across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Policy Directive-4 |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/SPD-4/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.spaceforce.mil |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925094704/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/SPD-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While the Navy and Air Force gave up all of their space forces, the greatest resistance to transferring space forces came from the Army.<ref name="The Asset Transfer Fight">{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-asset-transfer-fight/ | title=The Asset Transfer Fight }}</ref>

While the Army transferred its satellite communications and missile warning assets, there are still calls for it to transfer [[1st Space Brigade]] and [[100th Missile Defense Brigade]] to the Space Force.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/08/15/space-force-takes-over-all-military-satellite-communications.html | title=Space Force Takes over All Military Satellite Communications | date=16 August 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-takes-over-missile-warning-ground-stations-previously-run-by-the-army/ | title=Space Force takes over missile-warning ground stations previously run by the Army | date=2 November 2023 }}</ref> The [[Heritage Foundation]] has called for the wholesale transfer of [[United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command]], to include the [[100th Missile Defense Brigade]] and the [[1st Space Brigade]].<ref name="The Asset Transfer Fight"/> The [[100th Missile Defense Brigade]] operates the [[Ground Based Interceptor]] system and is located at [[Schriever Space Force Base]], [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], and [[Fort Greely]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/Fact_Sheets/100th_MDB.pdf |title=100th Missile Defence Brigade |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=22 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922235047/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/Fact_Sheets/100th_MDB.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Former Air Force space officers have called to move the missile defense and intercontinental ballistic missile mission to the Space Force and the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] has also proposed moving missile defense into the Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=John “J R. ” Riordan, Daniel ”Sphinx” Dant, Timothy “Stepchild” |date=2020-06-26 |title=Op-ed {{!}} Time to Move ICBM and missile defense units to the Space Force |url=https://spacenews.com/op-ed-time-to-move-icbm-and-missile-defense-units-to-the-space-force/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102940/https://spacenews.com/op-ed-time-to-move-icbm-and-missile-defense-units-to-the-space-force/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/181119_Harrison_SpaceForce_layout_FINAL.pdf |title=How Much Will the Space Force Cost? | first=Todd | last=Harrison |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807231726/http://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/181119_Harrison_SpaceForce_layout_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army also continues to maintain a cadre of Functional Area 40 space operations officers, although over 85% indicated they would transfer to the Space Force if able.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2020-04-28 |title=Survey: Most Army space officers would transfer to the U.S. Space Force |url=https://spacenews.com/survey-most-army-space-officers-would-transfer-to-the-u-s-space-force/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102951/https://spacenews.com/survey-most-army-space-officers-would-transfer-to-the-u-s-space-force/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army is also maintaining the [[1st Space Brigade]], however the [[RAND Corporation]] has conducted a study calling for its transfer to the Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2022-08-14 |title=U.S. Army hands over satellite operations to Space Force, but keeps a foothold in space |url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-hands-over-satellite-operations-to-space-force-but-keeps-a-foothold-in-space/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226104031/https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-hands-over-satellite-operations-to-space-force-but-keeps-a-foothold-in-space/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hitchens |first=Theresa |date=2020-03-16 |title=Space Force May Be Too Small: RAND |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/space-force-may-be-too-small-rand/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223105135/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/space-force-may-be-too-small-rand/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

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

The U.S. Space Force and its antecedents have a long history of cooperation with [[NASA]], 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 name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf |title=Beyond Horizons - A Half Century of Air Force Space Leadership|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 = 100
 | image1 = Mike Hopkins official portrait 2020 (cropped).jpg
 | image2 = Col Tyler N. Hague.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=2022 Fact Sheet |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="Erwin-2020"/><ref name="Erwin-2020a"/><ref name="Kramer-2020"/>

===National Reconnaissance Office===
{{main|National Reconnaissance Office}}
{{Image frame|align=left|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 | last=Malik|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|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. Since the 20th century, the delta has been 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 name="The Delta Symbol: An Origin Story">{{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 name="The Delta Symbol: An Origin Story"/>

====Guardians====
[[File:4th Space Operations Squadron (7141781).jpeg|thumb|A Space Force specialist with the [[4th Space Operations Squadron]] performing an armed security detail]]
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 traces 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=Semper Fidelis {{pipe}} Marines |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" | date=20 September 2022 | 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="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 name="auto">{{Cite web |url=https://manhattan.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/rotc-dept/AFOCD.pdf |title=The Official Guide to the Air Force Officer Classification Codes |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 name="Archived copy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=csSHRIrRU8c%3D&portalid |title=Enlisted only - USSF specialty code crosswalk |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 name="auto"/>

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 name="Archived copy"/> 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 transferred 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 name="auto"/> 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 name="Wright">{{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:USAFA dusk.png|thumb|250px|The [[United States Air Force Academy]] in Colorado Springs, considered the premier commissioning source for Space Force officers.]]
[[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=Space Force detachment opens up at US Air Force Academy |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>

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=U.S. Air Force ROTC |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/ |first1=Charles |last1=Welty |website=Air Education and Training Command| 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/ |first1=Greg |last1=Hadley |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine | 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=Space Force to partner with Johns Hopkins University SAIS for service-specific IDE, SDE |website=United States Space Force > News |date=Oct 26, 2022 |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 |website= 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/ |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |first1=Jennifer-Leigh |last1=Oprihory |date=Nov 1, 2020 | 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/  |website=Air Force Materiel Command | 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 |website=Air Force | 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 name="U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School">{{cite web | url=https://www.edwards.af.mil/Units/USAFTPS/ |website=Edwards Air Force Base | 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>

{{USSF Officer|short=yes}}

====Enlisted====
[[File:Space Force enlisted service cap badge.png|thumb|100px|Enlisted service cap badge.]]

[[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 |website=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 |date=Oct 19, 2020 |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/ |website=United States Space Force |first1=Sarayuth |last1=Pinthong |date=Dec 10, 2020 | 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/ |first1=Amanda |last1=Miller |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine | 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>

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 |website= 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 |date=Nov 6, 2020 |first1=Amanda |last1=Lovelace |website=Space Operations Command | 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 |first1=Kevin |last1=Tanenbaum |website=Schriever Space Force Base | 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=dead }}</ref><ref name="U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School"/>

[[File:Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force service cap badge.png|thumb|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/ |first1=Greg |last1=Hadley |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine | 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>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:Space Force enlists first trainees to bootcamp (2).jpg|Vice Chief of Space Operations General [[David D. Thompson]] swears in the first four enlisted Space Force recruits on 20 October 2020
File:U.S. Space Force makes history at Basic Military Training (2).jpg|The first seven enlisted guardians graduate from Basic Military Training on 10 December 2020
</gallery>

{{USSF Enlisted}}

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

<div style="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|200px|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=Interim Uniform Changes to USAF Blues |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 = Space Force Guardian of the Year Ribbon.svg
 | footer = Ribbons for the proposed Guardian of the Year Ribbon.
}}

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 currently in the process of developing a Space Force Good Conduct Medal to replace the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for enlisted members which was approved on 30 August 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3536154/secaf-authorizes-space-force-good-conduct-medal/ | title=SECAF authorizes Space Force Good Conduct Medal | date=25 September 2023 }}</ref><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="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="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="overflow:auto">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
![[Combat Action Medal]]
![[Combat Readiness Medal]]
![[Space 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: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. Space 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>

==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 name="4th Space Operations Squadron">{{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 name="Delta 9">{{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]]
|[[Mission Delta 2]]<ref name="spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil">{{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 name="4th Space Operations Squadron"/>
|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>
|[[Mission 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]]
|[[Mission Delta 2]]<ref name="spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil"/>
|
|-
|[[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]]
|[[Mission Delta 31]]
|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 name="Delta 9"/>
|6<ref name="airspace"/>
|-
|[[Milstar]]
|[[File:Milstar.jpg|125px|center]]
|[[Satellite communications]]
|[[Space Delta 8]]<ref name="4th Space Operations Squadron"/>
|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 name="Delta 9"/>
|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>
|[[Mission 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 name="Delta 9"/>
|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 name="4th Space Operations Squadron"/>
|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 name="Delta 9"/>
|2<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2022/07/Almanac2022_Weapons_Clickable.pdf |title=USAF & USSF Almanac 2022 - WEAPONS & PLATFORMS |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]]
|[[Mission 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]]
|[[Mission 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>
|[[Mission Delta 4]]
|-
|[[Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance]] (GEODSS)
|[[File:The night watchmen (3388920).jpeg|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Mission Delta 2]]<ref name="spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil"/>
|-
|[[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>
|[[Mission 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>
|[[Mission 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]]
|[[Mission Delta 2]]
|-
|[[Space Surveillance Telescope]]<ref name="spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil"/>
|[[File:SST in Australia.png|125px|center]]
|[[Space surveillance]]
|[[Mission 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>
|[[Mission 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="US Defense-2020">{{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<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://bidenwhitehouse.archives.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
|-
|Operation & Maintenance
|$40,000,000
|$2,492,114,000
|$3,611,012,000
|$4,086,883,000
|{{TBA}}
|-
|Procurement
| style="text-align: center;"  | —
|$2,310,994,000
|$2,787,354,000
|$4,462,188,000
|$3,752,194,000
|-
|Research, Development, Test & Evaluation
| style="text-align: center;"  | —
|$10,540,069,000
|$11,794,566,000
|$16,631,377,000
|$19,551,449,000
|-
|Military Personnel
| style="text-align: center;"  |—
| style="text-align: center;"  |—
| style="text-align: center;"  |—
|$1,109,400,000
|{{TBA}}
|-
!Total
!$40,000,000
!$15,343,177,000
!$18,192,932,000
!$26,289,848,000
!{{TBA}}
|}
</div>
[[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]]
[[File:Solar power satellite sandwich or abascus concept.jpg|thumb|Concept for a [[space-based solar power]] spacecraft]]

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>

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>

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>

==See also==
* [[National Security Space Launch]]
* [[Air & Space Forces Association]] 
* [[Militarization of space]]
* [[List of space forces, units, and formations]]
* [[Space Force Association]]
* [[Starlink in the Russo-Ukrainian War]]
* [[Strategic Defense Initiative]]
* [[Women in the United States Space Force]]

==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}}

== Further reading ==
{{Library resources box}}
* {{Cite book |editor-last=Hardwick |editor-first=C. Stuart |year=2024 |title=Tales of the United States Space Force |url=https://www.baen.com/tales-of-the-united-states-space-force.html |location=Riverdale, NY |publisher=Baen Books |isbn=978-1-9821-9345-4 |oclc=1405189278}} Anthology of fiction and nonfiction about the U.S. Space Force.

==External links==
{{sister project links|wikt=no|n=no|q=no|s=no|b=no|v=no|d=Q55088961|c=United States Space Force|commonscat=yes}}
* {{Official website}}

{{United States Space Force}}
{{Navboxes
|list =
{{US military navbox}}
{{DOD agencies navbox}}
{{Allied Air Command}}
{{Uniformed services of the United States}}
{{Space forces}}
{{Authority control}}
}}

[[Category:United States Space Force| ]]
[[Category:Space warfare]]
[[Category:Military space program of the United States]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2019]]
[[Category:2019 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Uniformed services of the United States]]
[[Category:United States Armed Forces service branches]]
[[Category:Space units and formations of the United States]]