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{{short description|Space service branch of the United States Armed Forces}}
{{For|the unified combatant command|United States Space Command}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{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]]<br/>[[File:United States Space Force logo.svg|frameless]]<br/>[[Space Force Delta]]
| start_date = 20 December 2019<br/>({{Age in years and months|2019|12|20|df=yes}})
| dates =
| country = {{flagu|United States}}
| type = [[Space force]]
| role = {{ubl|[[Militarisation of space|Space Security]]|[[Space warfare|Space Combat]] [[power projection|Power Projection]]|[[Military logistics|Space Mobility and Logistics]]|[[Information warfare|Information Mobility]]|[[Space domain awareness|Space Domain Awareness]]}}
| size = {{ubl|8,400 military personnel<ref>{{cite web|author=Corey Dickstein |url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/space_force/2022-04-19/space-force-basic-training-guardians-air-force-5737607.html |title=Space Force to launch its first guardians-only basic training in May &#124; Stars and Stripes |publisher=Stripes.com |date= |accessdate=2022-05-05}}</ref><ref name="afm1">{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/2021-usaf-ussf-almanac-people/ |title=2021 USAF & USSF Almanac: Personnel |work=Air Force Magazine |date=30 June 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>|77 spacecraft<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads/2020/06/Spaceforce.pdf |title=U.S. Space Force brochure |website=www.airforcemag.com |access-date=2020-09-22}}</ref>}}
| command_structure = [[United States Armed Forces]]<br>[[File:Seal of the United States Department of the Air Force.svg|25px]] [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]]
| garrison = [[The Pentagon]]<br />[[Arlington County, Virginia]], U.S.<ref name="USSF Fact Sheet">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|title=U.S. Space Force Fact Sheet|date=20 December 2019|work=Spaceforce.mil|publisher=United States Space Force|access-date=21 December 2019}}</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}}</ref>}}
| colors =
| colors_label = Colors
| march = "The U.S. Space Force March" (interim) (Based on "The Invincible Eagle" by [[John Philip Sousa]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/63938/official-interim-space-force-march|title=Official Interim Space Force March|website=DVIDS}}</ref><br />
<div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">[[File:The Invincible Eagle - U.S. Army Band.ogg|start=169|end=207]]</div>
| anniversaries = 20 December
| battles = {{bulleted list|[[Global War on Terrorism]]|[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/space-command-supports-centcom-mission-as-troops-exit-afghanistan/|title=Space Command Supports CENTCOM Mission as Troops Exit Afghanistan|access-date=2022-04-17|website=Air Force Magazine}}</ref>|[[Operation Martyr Soleimani|2020 Iranian missile strike on Al Asad Airbase]]}}
| equipment = {{bulleted list |[[Global Positioning System]]|[[Communications satellite|Military Satellite Communications Systems]]|[[Boeing X-37B]]|[[United States national missile defense|U.S. Missile Warning System]]|[[United States Space Surveillance Network|U.S. Space Surveillance Network]]|[[Satellite Control Network]]}}
| decorations =
| website = {{URL|www.spaceforce.mil/}}<br>{{URL|www.spaceforce.com/}}
<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of the United States of America.svg|size=23px}} [[President of the United States|President]] [[Joe Biden]]
| commander1_label = [[Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2 = {{Flagicon image|USSecDefflag.svg|size=23px}} [[Lloyd Austin]]
| commander2_label = [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]]
| commander3 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Secretary of the Air Force.svg|size=23px}} [[Frank Kendall III]]
| commander3_label = [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]]
| commander4 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of Space Operations.svg|size=23px}} [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[John W. Raymond]]
| commander4_label = [[Chief of Space Operations]]
| commander5 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Vice Chief of Space Operations.svg|size=23px}} [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[David D. Thompson]]
| commander5_label = [[Vice Chief of Space Operations]]
| commander6 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Space Force.svg|size=23px}} [[CMSSF]] [[Roger A. Towberman]]
| commander6_label = [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]]
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = <div style="text-align:center">[[File:Flag of the United States Space Force.svg|border|150px]]</div>
| identification_symbol_label = [[Flag of the United States Space Force|Flag]]
| identification_symbol_2 = <div style="text-align:center">[[File:Patch of the Office of the Chief of Space Operations.png|100px]]</div>
| identification_symbol_2_label = Service patch
}}
{{United States space program sidebar}}
{{United States Armed Forces sidebar}}
 
The '''United States Space Force''' ('''USSF''') is the [[Space force|space service branch]] of the [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. Armed Forces]], one of the eight [[Uniformed services of the United States|U.S. uniformed services]], and currently the world's only independent space force.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robitzski|first=Dan|date=2018-06-18|title=The US may soon have the world's first Space Force|url=https://futurism.com/trump-announces-space-force|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Futurism|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-12-17|title=We received a special birthday shout out from General Lee Seong Yong, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force!|url=https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD/status/1339737028414623744?s=20|access-date=|website=Twitter|publisher=United States Space Force}}</ref> Along with its sister-branch, the [[U.S. Air Force]], the Space Force is part of the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], one of the three civilian-led military departments within the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]. The Space Force, through the Department of the Air Force, is overseen by the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]], a civilian political appointee who reports to the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]], and is appointed by the [[President of the United States|President]] with [[United States Senate|Senate]] confirmation.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Fact Sheet|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|access-date=27 January 2020|website=United States Space Force}}</ref> The military head of the Space Force is the [[Chief of Space Operations]] who is typically the most senior Space Force officer. The Chief of Space Operations exercises supervision over the Space Force's units and serves as one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
 
The Space Force is the smallest U.S. armed service, consisting of 8,400 military personnel and operating 77 spacecraft. Major spacecraft and systems include the [[Space Fence]], [[Global Positioning System]] constellation, military satellite communications constellations, [[Boeing X-37B]] spaceplane, [[United States national missile defense|U.S. missile warning system]], [[United States Space Surveillance Network|U.S. space surveillance network]], and the [[Satellite Control Network]]. Under the [[Goldwater–Nichols Act]], the Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces, which are then presented to the [[unified combatant command]]s, predominantly to [[United States Space Command]], for operational employment.
 
The U.S. Space Force traces its roots to the beginning of the [[Cold War]], with the first [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]] space programs starting in 1945. In 1954, the Western Development Division, under General [[Bernard Schriever]], was established as the first dedicated space organization within the U.S. Armed Forces{{sfn|Neufeld|1990|pp=107–108}}{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=33–34}} and continues to exist as the Space Force's [[Space and Missile Systems Center]]. Military space forces were organized under several different Air Force major commands until they were unified when [[Air Force Space Command]] was established on 1 September 1982. U.S. space forces first began conducting combat support operations in the [[Vietnam War]] and continued to provide satellite communications, weather, and navigation support during the 1982 [[Falklands War]], 1983 [[United States invasion of Grenada]], [[1986 United States bombing of Libya]], and 1989 [[United States invasion of Panama]]. The first major employment of space forces culminated in the [[Gulf War]], where they proved so critical to the U.S.-led coalition, that it is sometimes referred to as the first "space war".
 
The first discussions of creating a military space service occurred in 1958, and the idea was also being considered in 1982 by President [[Ronald Reagan]]. The 2001 Space Commission argued for the creation of a Space Corps between 2007 and 2011, and a bipartisan proposal in the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]] would have created a U.S. Space Corps in 2017. On 20 December 2019, the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|United States Space Force Act]], developed by Democratic representative [[Jim Cooper]] and Republican representative [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]], was signed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, reorganizing Air Force Space Command and other Air Force space elements into the United States Space Force, and creating the first new independent military service since the Army Air Forces were reorganized as the U.S. Air Force in 1947.
 
==Mission==
The United States Space Force Act codified the Space Force as organized, trained, and equipped to "provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space" and "provide prompt and sustained space operations," with its stated duties enumerated as to "protect the interests of the United States in space, deter aggression in, from, and to space, and conduct space operations."<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20191209/CRPT-116hrpt333.pdf|title=National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|publisher=United States House of Representatives|date=December 2019}}</ref>
 
On 10 August 2020, the Space Force released its capstone doctrine, ''Spacepower: Doctrine for Space Forces'', further expanding on its enumerated missions and duties. In ''Spacepower'', the Space Force defines its three cornerstone responsibilities, which it articulates why spacepower is vital to U.S. prosperity and security, to provide freedom of action in the space domain, [[Joint warfare|enable joint lethality and effectiveness]], and provide independent options to U.S. national leadership capable of achieving national objectives. ''Spacepower'' establishes the Space Force's five core competencies: [[International security|space security]], [[power projection|combat power projection]], [[Military logistics|space mobility and logistics]], [[Information warfare|information mobility]], and [[space domain awareness]]. ''Spacepower'' lists the seven spacepower disciplines required for the core competencies as [[space warfare|orbital warfare]], [[electronic warfare|space electromagnetic warfare]], [[command and control|space battle management]], [[space launch|space access and sustainment]], [[military intelligence]], [[Cyberwarfare|cyber operations]], and [[Aerospace engineering|engineering]] and [[Military acquisition|acquisitions]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Ashley M.|date=2020-08-10|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=2021-02-03|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
== History ==
{{Main|History of the United States Space Force}}
 
=== Air Force military space program (1945–2019) ===
 
Following the conclusion of the [[World War II|Second World War]] in 1945, early military space development was begun within the [[United States Army Air Forces]] by General [[Henry H. Arnold]], who identified space as a crucial military arena decades before the first spaceflight. Gaining its independence from the [[United States Army]] in 1947, the United States Air Force began development of military space and [[ballistic missile]] programs, while also competing with the Army and [[United States Navy|Navy]] for the space mission in 1949.{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=21–24}}
 
[[File:General_Bernard_A_Schriever.jpg|thumb|General [[Bernard Schriever]], father of the United States Space Force and military space]]
In 1954, the Air Force created its first space organization, the Western Development Division, under the leadership of General [[Bernard Schriever]].{{sfn|Neufeld|1990|pp=107–108}}{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=33–34}} The Western Development Division and its successor organization, the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, were instrumental in developing the first United States military launch vehicles and spacecraft, competing predominantly with the [[Army Ballistic Missile Agency]] under the leadership of General [[John Bruce Medaris]] and former German scientist [[Wernher von Braun]]. The launch of [[Sputnik 1]] spurred a massive reorganization of military space, and the 1958 establishment of the [[DARPA|Advanced Research Projects Agency]] was a short-lived effort to centralized management of military space, with some fearing it would become a military service for space, with authorities being returned to the services in 1959.
[[File:USAF_-_Aerospace_Defense_Command.png|thumb|left|[[Aerospace Defense Command]] was the Air Force's first major command to operationally utilize space forces.]]
The establishment of [[NASA]] in 1958, however, eliminated the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, resulting in the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division serving as the primary military space organization. In 1961, the Air Force was designated as the Department of Defense's executive agent for space and Air Research and Development Command was reorganized into Air Force Systems Command, with the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division being replaced by the Space Systems Division - the first Air Force division solely focused on space. In the 1960s, military space activities began to be operationalized, with [[Aerospace Defense Command]] taking control of missile warning and space surveillance on behalf of [[North American Aerospace Defense Command|NORAD]], [[Strategic Air Command]] assuming the weather reconnaissance mission, and Air Force Systems Command operating the first generations of communications satellites on behalf of the [[Defense Information Systems Agency|Defense Communications Agency]].
{{Quote box
| quote = "Space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man. And only if the United-States occupies a position of preeminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new terrifying theatre of war. I do not say that we should or will go unprotected against the hostile misuse of space, any more than we go unprotected against the hostile use of land or sea."
| source = — [[John F. Kennedy]], speech at [[Rice University]], 12 September 1962<ref>[[JFK Library]], {{YouTube|iiC-E8vl7Fw|Address at Rice University, September 12, 1962 (USG 15 29)}}, [[Houston, Texas]], concerning the nation's efforts in space exploration, minutes 7:16–8:00.</ref>
| align = rigjt
| width = 25em
| bgcolor = #ACE1AF
}}
 
In 1967, the Space Systems Division and Ballistic Missiles Division were merged to form the Space and Missile Systems Organization, which began to develop the next generation of satellite communications, space-based missile warning, space launch vehicles and infrastructure, and the predecessor to the [[Global Positioning System]]. Space forces saw their first employment in the [[Vietnam War]], providing weather and communications support to ground and air forces.{{Sfn|Spires|1998|p=}} The disjointed nature of military space forces across three military commands resulted in a reevaluation of space force organization within the Air Force. In 1979, the Space and Missile Systems Organization was split, forming the Space Division, and in 1980, Aerospace Defense Command was inactivated and its space forces transferred to Strategic Air Command. Resulting from internal and external pressures, including an effort by a congressman to rename the Air Force into the Aerospace Force and the possibility that President Reagan would direct the creation of a space force as a separate military branch, the Air Force directed the formation of Air Force Space Command in 1982.
[[File:Air_Force_Space_Command.png|thumb|left|[[Air Force Space Command]] was the direct antecedent of the Space Force.]]
 
During the 1980s, Air Force Space Command absorbed the space missions of Strategic Air Command and the launch mission from Air Force Systems Command. Space forces provided space support during the Falklands War, the United States invasion of Grenada, the 1986 United States bombing of Libya, [[Operation Earnest Will]], and the United States invasion of Panama. The tactical employment of space forces culminated in the [[Gulf War]], where space forces proved so critical to the U.S.-led coalition, that it is sometimes referred to as the first space war.<ref name="SA">{{cite web |last1=Greenemeier |first1=Larry |title=GPS and the World's First "Space War" |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gps-and-the-world-s-first-space-war/# |website=scientificamerican.com |publisher=Scientific American |access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="USArmy1">{{cite web |last1=Watkins Lang |first1=Sharon |title=SMDC History: 25 years since first 'Space War' |url=https://www.army.mil/article/161173/smdc_history_25_years_since_first_space_war |website=army.mil |publisher=[[US Army]], USASMDC/ARSTRAT Historical Office |access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>{{Sfn|Spires|1998|p=}}
 
Following the end of the Gulf War, the Air Force came under intense congressional scrutiny by seeking to artificially merge its air and space operations into a seamless aerospace continuum, without regard for the differences between space and air. During the 1990s, several proposals were put forth for an independent space force, including one by Air Force Space Command lieutenant colonel Cynthia A.S. McKinley in 2000 which called for the establishment of a United States Space Guard.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=2000|title=Aerospace Power Journal: Spring 2000|url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/Volume-14_Issue-1-4/2000_Vol14_No1.pdf|journal=[[Aerospace Power Journal]]|volume=14|issue=1|pages=|via=[[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]]}}</ref>{{Sfn|Spires|1998|p=}} The 2001 Space Commission criticized the Air Force for institutionalizing the primacy of aviation pilots over space officers in Air Force Space Command, for stifling the development of an independent space culture, and not paying sufficient budgetary attention to space. The Space Commission recommended the formation of a Space Corps within the Air Force between 2007 and 2011, with an independent Space Force to be created at a later date. The [[September 11 attacks]] derailed most progress in space development, resulting in the inactivation of [[United States Space Command]] and beginning a period of atrophy in military space. The only major change to occur was the transfer of the [[Space and Missile Systems Center]] from Air Force Materiel Command to Air Force Space Command. Following the inactivation of U.S. Space Command in 2002, Russia and China began developing sophisticated on-orbit capabilities and an array of counter-space weapons, with the [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test]] of particular concern as it created 2,841 high-velocity debris items, a larger amount of dangerous [[Space debris|space junk]] than any other space event in history.{{Sfn|Spires|1998|p=}} The Allard Commission report, unveiled in the wake of the [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test]], called for a reorganization of national security space, however many of its recommendations were not acted upon by the Air Force.<ref name="auto423">{{cite web|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=2017-11-08|title=Space Corps Crashes to Earth in Negotiated Defense Bill|url=https://www.defensetech.org/2017/11/08/space-corps-crashes-to-earth-in-negotiated-defense-bill/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Defensetech|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Growing impatient with the Air Force, who they felt was more interested in jet fighters than space, representatives [[Jim Cooper]] and [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]] unveiled a bipartisan proposal in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] to establish the United States Space Corps as a separate military service within the Department of the Air Force, with the commandant of the Space Corps as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This proposal was put forward to separate space professionals from the Air Force, give space a greater cultural focus, and help develop a leaner and faster space acquisitions system. This was done because of congressional concern that the space mission had become subordinate to the Air Force's preferred air dominance mission and that space officers were being treated unfairly within the Air Force, with Representative Rogers noting that in 2016 none of the 37 Air Force colonels selected for promotion to brigadier general were space officers and that only 2 of the 450 hours of Air Force professional military education were dedicated to space.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2017-12-03|title=Congressman Rogers: A space corps is 'inevitable'|url=https://spacenews.com/congressman-rogers-a-space-corps-is-inevitable/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref> The proposal passed in the House of Representatives but was cut from the final bill in negotiations with the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]].<ref name="auto423"/> Following the defeat of the proposal, representatives Cooper and Rogers heavily criticized Air Force leadership for not taking threats in space seriously and continued resistance to reform. The Space Corps proposal was, in large part, spurred on by the development of the [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]] and the [[Russian Space Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2018-03-01|title=Chairman Rogers: space corps needed more than ever, Air Force 'in denial'|url=https://spacenews.com/chairman-rogers-space-corps-needed-more-than-ever-air-force-in-denial/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
=== Independent Space Force (2019–present) ===
[[File:Seal_of_the_United_States_Space_Force.jpg|thumb|left|U.S. Space Force logo used from 20 December 2019 on public social media accounts<ref>{{cite web|title=United States Space Force|url=https://www.facebook.com/USSpaceForceDoD/photos/a.446560887073/10158006856727074/?type=3|access-date=27 January 2020|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) {{!}} Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/spaceforcedod?lang=en|access-date=27 January 2020|website=twitter.com|language=en}}</ref>]]
The Space Corps proposal gained new life when, at a June 2018 meeting of the [[National Space Council]], President [[Donald Trump]] directed the Department of Defense to begin the necessary processes to establish the U.S. Space Force as a branch of the Armed Forces.<ref name="whitehouse2">"[https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-meeting-national-space-council-signing-space-policy-directive-3/ Remarks by President Trump at a Meeting with the National Space Council and Signing of Space Policy Directive-3]". White House. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2018.</ref> On 19 February 2019, Space Policy Directive 4 was signed, initially calling for the placement of the U.S. Space Force within the Department of the Air Force, later creating and transferring the service to the Department of the Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Space Policy Directive 4|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/SPD-4|access-date=|website=United States Space Force|publisher=Office of the White House Press Secretary}}</ref> Legislative provisions for the Space Force were included in the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020|2020 National Defense Authorization Act]], which was signed into law on 20 December 2019. The Space Force was established as the sixth armed service branch, with Air Force general [[John W. Raymond|John "Jay" Raymond]], the commander of Air Force Space Command and U.S. Space Command, becoming the first [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]].<ref name="cnn2">{{cite news|last=Browne|first=Ryan|date=2019-12-21|title=With a signature, Trump brings Space Force into being|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/20/politics/trump-creates-space-force/index.html|access-date=2021-02-03|website=[[CNN]]|language=en}}</ref> On 14 January 2020, Raymond was officially sworn in as chief of space operations by Vice President [[Mike Pence]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Hanna|first1=Jason|last2=Spells|first2=Alta|date=2020-01-18|title=The US Space Force has revealed its utility uniform, and the internet has things to say about it|work=[[CNN]]|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/18/politics/space-force-uniforms-trnd/index.html|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref>
 
On 20 December, its first organizational change occurred when Secretary of the Air Force [[Barbara Barrett]] designated Air Force Space Command's [[Fourteenth Air Force]] as [[Space Operations Command]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Adamczyk|first=Ed|date=30 December 2019|title=14th Air Force now designated as U.S. Space Operations Command|language=en|work=UPI|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/12/30/14th-Air-Force-now-designated-as-US-Space-Operations-Command/6361577725755/|access-date=21 January 2020}}</ref> All of Air Force Space Command's 16,000 active duty and civilian personnel were assigned to the new service.<ref>{{cite news|last=Myers|first=Meghann|date=2019-12-20|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=2019-12-21}}</ref> Major organizational changes during the first year included replacing its space wings and operations groups with deltas and garrisons on 24 July 2020 and announcing its field command structure, merging wings and groups into deltas and numbered air forces and major commands into field commands. [[Space Delta 2]] became the space domain awareness delta, replacing the [[21st Operations Group]]; [[Space Delta 3]] became the space electronic warfare delta, replacing the [[721st Operations Group]]; [[Space Delta 4]] became the missile warning delta, replacing [[460th Operations Group]] and absorbing the ground-based missile warning radars of the [[21st Operations Group]]; [[Space Delta 5]] became the command and control delta, replacing the [[614th Air Operations Center]]; [[Space Delta 6]] became the cyberspace operations delta, replacing the [[50th Network Operations Group]]; [[Space Delta 7]] became the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance delta, replacing Air Combat Command's [[544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group]]; [[Space Delta 8]] became the satellite communication and navigation warfare delta, replacing the [[50th Operations Group]]; [[Space Delta 9]] became the orbital warfare delta, replacing the [[750th Operations Group]]; the [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] became responsible for the base administration of [[Peterson Air Force Base]], [[Schriever Air Force Base]], [[Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station]], [[Thule Air Base]], [[New Boston Air Force Station]], and [[Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station]], replacing the [[21st Space Wing]] and the [[50th Space Wing]]; the [[Buckley Garrison]] became responsible for the base administration of [[Buckley Air Force Base]], [[Cape Cod Air Force Station]], [[Cavalier Air Force Station]], and [[Clear Air Force Station]], replacing the [[460th Space Wing]].<ref>{{cite web|last=United States Space Force|first=Public Affairs|date=2020-06-24|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=2021-02-03|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
On 21 October 2020, [[Space Operations Command]] was established as its first field command, replacing headquarters Air Force Space Command. The first Space Operations Command (redesignated Fourteenth Air Force) was redesignated back to Fourteenth Air Force, inactivated on 21 Oct 2020 and return to the United States Air Force. On the same day, a newly created [[Combined Force Space Component Command|Space Operations Command-West]], was activated.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-10-21|title=Space Force stands up operations command in Colorado Springs|url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-stands-up-operations-command-in-colorado-springs/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref> [[File:Presentation_of_the_U.S._Space_Force_Flag_(49898771691).jpg|thumb|Unveiling of the [[flag of the United States Space Force]] on 15 May 2020 in the [[Oval Office]]]]
On 3 April 2020, Chief Master Sergeant [[Roger A. Towberman]], formerly command chief of Air Force Space Command, transferred to the Space Force as the [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force|Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Space Force]], becoming its second member and first enlisted member. On 18 April 2020, 86 graduates of the [[United States Air Force Academy]] became the first group of commissioned second lieutenants in the U.S. Space Force.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Erwin|first1=Sandra|date=April 18, 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=June 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-04-18|title=U.S. Space Force adds 86 new officers after academy graduation|url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-adds-86-new-officers-after-academy-graduation/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews}}</ref> On 16 July 2020, the Space Force selected 2,410 space operations officers and enlisted space systems operators to transfer to the Space Force, with the first back recommissioning or reenlisting on 1 September. The Space Force swore in its first 7 enlisted recruits on 20 October 2020, graduating basic military training on 10 December 2020 and its first [[Air Force Officer Training School|Officer Training School]] candidates commissioned on 16 October.<ref>{{cite web|last=Secretary of the Air Force|first=Public Affairs|date=2020-10-19|title=Space Force enlists first trainees, sends to bootcamp|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2387089/space-force-enlists-first-trainees-sends-to-bootcamp|access-date=2021-02-03|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Welty|first=Charles|date=2020-10-16|title=OTS commissions first Space Force officers|url=https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2385305/ots-commissions-first-space-force-officers/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Air Education and Training Command|language=en-US}}</ref> The Space Force also commissioned its first astronaut, with Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]], the commander of [[SpaceX Crew-1]], swearing into the Space Force from the [[International Space Station]] on 18 December 2020.<ref name=":82">{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-10-01|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=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews}}</ref><ref name=":92">{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-10-28|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=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":72">{{cite web|last=Kramer|first=Miriam|date=2020-12-18|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=2021-02-03|website=Axios|language=en}}</ref>
 
During the first year major symbols were also unveiled, with the [[Seal of the United States Space Force]] approved on 15 January 2020 and was revealed on 24 January 2020, the [[flag of the United States Space Force]] debuted at signing ceremony for the 2020 [[Armed Forces Day]] proclamation on 15 May 2020, the [[Space Force Delta]] symbol and motto of ''Semper Supra'' released on 22 July 2020, and the official service title of Guardian announced on 18 December 2020.<ref name="SFFactSheet2">{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheet|access-date=2020-04-04|publisher=Spaceforce.mil}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Cathey|first1=Libby|date=May 15, 2020|title=Trump presented with Space Force flag by military officials in Oval Office|work=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-presented-official-space-force-flag-military-officials/story?id=70701100|access-date=June 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=2020-12-18|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=2021-02-03|website=Military.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Rachel S.|date=2020-07-22|title=Space Force Debuts New Delta Logo, Motto|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/space-force-debuts-new-delta-logo/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Air Force Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> The first Air Force installations were renamed on 9 December 2020, with Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station renamed as [[Patrick Space Force Base]] and [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Joy|first=Rachael|date=2020-12-09|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=2021-02-03|website=Florida Today|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
In September 2020, the Space Force and NASA signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] formally acknowledging the joint role of both agencies. This new memorandum replaced a similar document signed in 2006 between NASA and Air Force Space Command.<ref>{{cite web|title=Memorandum of Understanding Between The National Aeronautics And Space Administration and The United States Space Force|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_ussf_mou_21_sep_20.pdf|access-date=22 September 2020|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|language=en}}</ref> The Space Force's first combat operations as a new service included providing early warning of Iranian [[Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force]] [[Operation Martyr Soleimani|missile strikes]] against U.S. troops at [[Al Asad Airbase]] on 7 January 2020 through the [[2nd Space Warning Squadron]]'s [[Space Based Infrared System]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Strout|first=Nathan|date=2021-01-12|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=2021-02-03|website=C4ISRNET|language=en-US}}</ref> The Space Force also monitored Russian Space Forces spacecraft which had been tailing U.S. government satellites.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hennigan|first=W.J.|date=2020-02-10|title=Exclusive: Russian Craft Shadowing U.S. Spy Satellite, Space Force Commander Says|url=https://time.com/5779315/russian-spacecraft-spy-satellite-space-force/|access-date=2021-02-03|magazine=Time}}</ref>
 
== Structure ==
[[File:Organization_of_U.S._Space_Force.png|thumb|350px|Organization of the United States Space Force within the Department of Defense]]
{{main|Structure of the United States Space Force}}
The United States Space Force is organized and managed under the civilian-led Department of the Air Force, which also manages the United States Air Force. The Department of the Air Force is under the leadership of the secretary of the Air Force (SecAF) and [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|under secretary of the Air Force]], both civilian political appointees. The most senior Space Force officer is the [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]] (CSO), unless a Space Force general is serving as the chairman or vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The secretary of the Air Force and chief of space operations are responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the space forces for employment by the [[Unified combatant command|unified combat commands]], predominantly [[United States Space Command]].<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Space Force Organization|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/Space-Force-Organization/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=United States Space Force}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Leadership|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Leadership/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
 
The Space Force's field organizations consist of three different echelons of command: [[Command (military formation)|field commands]], deltas or [[garrison]]s, and [[Squadron (aviation)|squadrons]]. Field commands align with specific mission focuses and are led by a [[lieutenant general (United States)|lieutenant general]] or [[major general (United States)|major general]]. Deltas and garrisons are organized around a specific function, such as operations or training, in the case of a delta, or installation support, in the case of a garrison, and are led by a [[colonel (United States)|colonel]]. Squadrons are focused on specific tactics and are led by a [[lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]].<ref name="ussf-structure">{{cite web |last=Kirby |first=Lynn |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter |title=USSF field command structure reduces command layers, focuses on space warfighter needs |work=United States Space Force |date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref>
 
===Space Staff===
The [[Space Staff]], also known as the ''Office of the Chief of Space Operations or Headquarters,'' which serves as the service's highest staff and headquarters element, is located at [[the Pentagon]].
====Chief of space operations====
The Space Staff is overseen by the chief of space operations (CSO), who holds the four-star rank of [[general (United States)|General]] and is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the Space Force and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force on the Space Force. In addition to a service role, the CSO serves on the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] (JCS), providing advice to the President and Secretary of Defense<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/Office-of-the-Chief-of-Space-Operations/|title=United States Space Force > About Us > About Space Force > Office of the Chief of Space Operations|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
 
====Vice chief of space operations====
The [[Vice Chief of Space Operations|vice chief of space operations]] (VCSO), also holding the rank of [[general (United States)|General]], serves as the Deputy to the Chief of Space Operations and is responsible for overseeing, integrating space policy and guidance, and coordinating space-related activities for the U.S. Space Force and Department of the Air Force.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=DAVID D. THOMPSON > United States Space Force > Biographies|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2368490/david-d-thompson/|access-date=|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
====Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force====
The [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] (CMSSF) is the most senior enlisted member of the Space Force unless an enlisted guardian is serving as the [[senior enlisted advisor to the chairman]]. The CMSSF provides direction for and represents the interests of the Space Force's enlisted corps, while also acting as a personal advisor to the (CSO) and (SecAF) on issues relating to the welfare, readiness, morale, utilization, and development of members of the Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2136021/chief-master-sergeant-roger-a-towberman/|title=ROGER A. TOWBERMAN > United States Space Force > Biographies|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
====Director of staff====
Support to the Space Staff is managed by the director of staff, who holds the rank of [[lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] and is responsible for the staff action, protocol, information technology and administration, resources, and total force integration groups. The Director of Staff is also responsible for synchronizing policy, plans, positions, procedures, and cross-functional issues for the U.S. Space Force headquarters staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2387835/lieutenant-general-nina-m-armagno/|title=LIEUTENANT GENERAL NINA M. ARMAGNO > United States Space Force > Biographies|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
====Chief human capital officer====
Parallel to the director of staff are three deputy chiefs of space operations. The deputy chief of space operations for personnel and logistics, also known as the chief human capital officer, leads the S1/4 staff directorate and is a civilian member of the [[Senior Executive Service (United States)|Senior Executive Service]].
====Chief operation officer====
The Deputy Chief of Space Operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear, also known as the chief operations officer (COO), leads the S2/3/6/10 staff directorate and is a lieutenant general, responsible for Space Force operations, intelligence, sustainment, cyber, and nuclear operations support.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2329659/lt-gen-b-chance-saltzman/|title=B. Chance Saltzman > United States Space Force > Biographies|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
====Chief strategy resourcing officer====
The deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, requirements, and analysis, also known as the chief strategy and resourcing officer, leads the S5/8/9 staff directorate and is a lieutenant general, responsible for Space Force strategies, requirements, and budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Article/2358653/william-j-liquori/|title=WILLIAM J. LIQUORI > United States Space Force > Biographies|website=United States Space Force}}</ref>
====Chief technology and innovation officer====
The chief technology and innovation officer is a civilian member of the Senior Executive Service.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-08-19|title=Space Force technology roadmap to emphasize partnerships with private sector|url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-technology-roadmap-to-emphasize-role-of-private-sector/|access-date=2021-02-04|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
====List of staff====
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Title
![[Staff (military)#Continental staff system|Office]]
!Current holder
|-
!colspan=4| Service leadership
|-
|[[File:Flag of the Chief of Space Operations.svg|70px]]
|[[Chief of space operations]] || CSO ||[[General (United States)|Gen]] [[John W. Raymond]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of the Vice Chief of Space Operations.svg|70px]]
|[[Vice chief of space operations]] || VCSO || [[General (United States)|Gen]] [[David D. Thompson]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Space Force.svg|70px]]
|[[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] || CMSSF || [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force|CMSSF]] [[Roger A. Towberman]]
|-
!colspan=4| Space Staff
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|70px]]
|Director of staff || DoS || [[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[Nina M. Armagno]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of the United States Senior Executive Service.svg|70px]]
|Deputy chief of space operations for personnel and logistics / [[Chief human resources officer|Chief Human Capital Officer]] || S1/4 || [[Chief human resources officer|CHCO]] [[Patricia Mulcahy]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|70px]]
|Deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear / [[Chief operating officer|Chief Operations Officer]] || S2/3/6/10 ||[[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[B. Chance Saltzman]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force major general.svg|70px]]
|Director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance || S2 ||[[Major General (United States)|Maj Gen]] [[Leah G. Lauderback]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|70px]]
|Deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, requirements, and analysis / [[Chief strategy officer|Chief Strategy and Resourcing Officer]] || S5/8/9 || [[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[William J. Liquori Jr.]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force brigadier general.svg|70px]]
|Director of Plans and Programs || S8 ||[[Brigadier General (United States)|Brig Gen]] [[Jennifer L. Grant]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of a United States Space Force brigadier general.svg|70px]]
|[[Chief innovation officer|Chief Technology and Innovation Officer]] || || [[Brigadier General (United States)|Brig Gen]] [[John M. Olson (general)|John M. Olson]]
|}
 
=== Space Operations Command ===
[[Space Operations Command]] (SpOC) is the United States Space Force's first field command and is commanded by a [[Lieutenant General (United States)|lieutenant general]]. The current commanding officer is Lt&nbsp;Gen [[Stephen N. Whiting]]. SpOC was established on 21 October 2020 by redesignating Headquarters United States Space Force, which had been redesignated from Headquarters Air Force Space Command on 20 December 2019 when the Space Force was established. SpOC is primarily responsible for space operations, cyber operations, intelligence operations, and the administration of SpOC bases, and serves as the Space Force service component to United States Space Command. It is responsible for eight space mission deltas and two garrisons.
 
SpOC West is responsible for executing space warfighting operations and is led by a [[major general (United States)|major general]] who is also the deputy commander of SpOC and the commander of U.S. Space Command's [[Combined Force Space Component Command]], for which SpOC West serves as the headquarters. The current commanding officer is Maj&nbsp;Gen [[DeAnna M. Burt]]. SpOC West was redesignated from the original Space Operations Command upon the current Space Operations Command's standup on 21 October 2020. This first SpOC had been redesignated from Air Force Space Command's [[Fourteenth Air Force]] on 20 December 2020.<ref name="auto8">{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=About Space Operations Command|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Operations-Command|access-date=|website=Space Operations Command|publisher=United States Space Force}}</ref>
 
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!Function
!Headquarters
|-
! colspan="4" |Commands
|-
| [[File:Emblem of the Space Operations Command.png|60px]] || [[Space Operations Command]] || Space, cyber, and intelligence operations, and combat support || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Seal of the Combined Force Space Component Command.svg|60px]] ||[[Space Operations Command West]] || Space warfighting operations || [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], California
|-
! colspan="4" | Space mission deltas
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 2.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 2]] || [[Space domain awareness]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 3.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 3]] || [[Electronic warfare|Space electronic warfare]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 4.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 4]] || [[Missile warning]] || [[Buckley Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 5.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 5]] || [[Command and control]] || [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], California
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 6.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 6]] || [[Cyberwarfare|Cyberspace operations]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 7.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 7]] || [[Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 8.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 8]] || [[Satellite communication]] and [[Satellite navigation|navigation warfare]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of Space Delta 9.png|60px]] || [[Space Delta 9]] || [[Space warfare|Orbital warfare]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
! colspan="4" | Garrisons
|-
| [[File:Emblem of the Peterson-Schriever Garrison.svg|60px]] || [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] || [[Combat service support (United States)|Mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]] || [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
| [[File:Emblem of the Buckley Garrison.svg|60px]] || [[Buckley Garrison]] || [[Combat service support (United States)|Mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]] || [[Buckley Space Force Base]], Colorado
|}
 
=== Space Systems Command ===
The [[Space Systems Command]] (SSC) is the Space Force's field command for acquisitions, engineering, research and development, and launch activities, commanded by a lieutenant general. The current commander is Lt&nbsp;Gen [[Michael Guetlein]]. The SSC is the oldest Department of Defense space organization, established on 1 July 1954 as Air Research and Development Command's Western Development Division under General [[Bernard Schriever]].{{sfn|Neufeld|1990|pp=107–108}}{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=33–34}} It went through a number of iterations, being redesignated as the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division in 1957, Air Force Systems Command's Space Systems Division in 1961, the Space and Missile Systems Organization in 1967, the Space Division in 1979, Space Systems Division in 1990, Space and Missile Systems Center under [[Air Force Materiel Command]] in 1992, before being transferred to Air Force Space Command in 2001, and finally Space Systems Command as of August 13, 2021.<ref name="auto8" /> SSC is responsible for two space launch deltas, six directorates, 1 division, 1 garrison, and approximately 11,000 guardians.<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-04-08|title=USSF Unveils Space Systems Command's Structure|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/ussf-unveils-space-systems-commands-structure/|access-date=2021-08-19|website=Air Force Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Insignia of Space Systems Command are trimmed in gold to distinguish them from Space Operations Command, and symbolize the perfection required of space launch activities.<ref name=":7">{{cite web|last=Strout|first=Nathan|date=2021-08-13|title=Space Force establishes Space Systems Command|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/08/13/space-force-establishes-space-systems-command/|access-date=2021-08-19|website=C4ISRNet|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Space and Missile Systems Center|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197750/space-and-missile-systems-center|access-date=2021-02-04|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref> SSC has also received command of [[Air Force Life Cycle Management Center]]'s Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems Division.
 
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!Function
!Headquarters
|-
! colspan="4" |Commands<ref name=":7" />
|-
| [[File:Space Systems Command emblem.png|89x89px]]|| [[Space Systems Command]]|| Acquisitions, engineering, research and development, and launch activities ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
! colspan="4" | Space launch deltas<ref name=":7" />
|-
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 30 emblem.png|60px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 30]]
|[[Space launch]], [[Western Range (USSF)|Western Range]] administration, and [[Combat service support (United States)|mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]]
|[[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], California
|-
|[[File:Space Launch Delta 45 emblem.png|60px]]
|[[Space Launch Delta 45]]
|[[Space launch]], [[Eastern Range]] administration, and [[Combat service support (United States)|mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]]
|[[Patrick Space Force Base]], Florida
|-
! colspan="4" |Corps and units<ref name=":7" />
|-
|[[File:Strategic Warning & Surveillance Systems logo.png|62x62px]]
|Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems Division
|Infrastructure development, acquisition, testing, and support for ground-based radars, missile warning, space domain awareness, missile defense and shared early-warning capabilities
|[[Hanscom Air Force Base]], Massachusetts
|-
| colspan="2"| Portfolio Architect|| Innovative Development, Partnership, Capability Integration, Systems of Systems Engineering, Portfolio Integration ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
| colspan="2"| Development Corps|| Innovative and Prototyping Directorate, Strategic Systems, Tactical SATCOM, Next Generation OPIR||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
| colspan="2"| Production Corps|| User Equipment, C2 Systems, LEO Division, MEO Division, Geo Division ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
| colspan="2"| Enterprise Corps|| Launch Enterprise, Product Support Enterprise, Cross-Mission Ground and Communications Enterprise, Enterprise Safety, Enterprise Engineering, Chief Information Office ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
| colspan="2"| Atlas Corps|| Public Affairs, Acquisition Services, Manpower and Personnel, Talent Management, Finance, Contracts, Staff, Management Operations, Strategic Communication, Business Innovation, Small Business, Security ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
| colspan="2"| Special Programs|| Special Capabilities, CSMO, Technology Futures, Space Domain Awareness, Space Warfighting, Warfighter Enterprise ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
!colspan=5| Limited Administrative Control Units
|-
| colspan="2"| [[Space Rapid Capabilities Office]]|| Expedited development, rapid production, and deployment of space capabilities ||[[Kirtland Air Force Base]], New Mexico
|-
| [[File:Air Force Research Laboratory.png|62x62px]] || [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] space labs|| [[Air Force Research Laboratory#Space Vehicles Directorate|Space Vehicles Directorate]], Space Electro-Optics Division, Rocket Propulsion Division, Various Smaller AFRL units ||[[Kirtland Air Force Base]], New Mexico
|-
!colspan=4| Garrisons<ref name=":7" />
|-
| [[File:Los Angeles Garrison emblem.png|84x84px]]|| [[Los Angeles Garrison]]|| [[Combat service support (United States)|Mission]] and [[Military medicine|medical support]] ||[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|}
 
=== Space Training and Readiness Command ===
[[Space Training and Readiness Command]] (STARCOM) is the third and final major field command of the Space Force, with a primary role of developing distinct [[Military education and training|space training]], education, test and evaluation, and doctrine development for the force. It was activated August 23, 2021, it is commanded by Brigadier General [[Shawn Bratton|Shawn N. Bratton]], [[Air National Guard]] ([[Active Guard Reserve|AGR]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=STAR Delta (Provisional)|date=August 18, 2021|title=STARCOM Activation|url=https://www.facebook.com/STARDeltaUSSF/photos/a.124388589445112/301191555098147|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-19|website=[[Facebook]]|language=en}}</ref> Subordinate deltas are each commanded by a Colonel, and are comprised of individual squadrons. As of 2021, STARCOM commands five space operations deltas. All sleeve insignia of STARCOM units is trimmed in Cannes Blue.<ref>{{cite web|title=USSF field command structure reduces command layers, focuses on space warfighter needs|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter/|access-date=2021-08-19|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" |Name
!Function
!Headquarters
|-
! colspan="4" |Commands<ref name=":7" />
|-
| [[File:Space Training and Readiness Command emblem.png|88x88px]]|| [[Space Training and Readiness Command]]|| [[Military education and training|Space training]], test and evaluation, and doctrine development ||[[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
{{Small|Subject to change by USAF Strategic Basing Process}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Space Force activates Space Training and Readiness Command|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2742956/space-force-activates-space-training-and-readiness-command/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-24|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="4" |Deltas
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 1 emblem.png|64x64px]]
|[[Space Delta 1]]
|[[Military education and training|Space training]]
|[[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], [[California]]
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 10 emblem.png|60x60px]]
|[[Space Delta 10]]
|Space [[Military doctrine|doctrine]] and [[Military wargaming|wargaming]]
|[[United States Air Force Academy]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 11 emblem.png|61x61px]]
|[[Space Delta 11]]
|[[Aggressor squadron|Space range and aggressor]]
|[[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 12 emblem.png|64x64px]]
|[[Space Delta 12]]
|[[Independent test organization|Space test and evaluation]]
|[[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Delta 13 emblem.png|65x65px]]
|[[Space Delta 13]]
|[[Military education and training|Space education]]
|[[Maxwell Air Force Base]], [[Alabama]]
|}
 
=== Direct reporting units ===
[[Direct reporting unit]]s report directly to the [[Chief of Space Operations|chief of space operations]], rather than having an intervening chain of command for communication to travel between.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Space Rapid Capabilities Office|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2464030/space-rapid-capabilities-office/|access-date=2021-08-19|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" |Name
!Function
!Headquarters
|-
! colspan="4" |Direct reporting units<ref name=":7" />
|-
|[[File:Space Rapid Capabilities Office logo.png|60x60px]]
|[[Space Rapid Capabilities Office]]
|Expedited research, development and delivery of space capabilities.
|[[Kirtland Air Force Base]], New Mexico
|-
| [[File:US Space Development Agency logo.jpg|62x62px]]|| [[Space Development Agency]]|| Employment of the [[National Defense Space Architecture]] through commercial research, development and procurement ||[[The Pentagon]], Washington, D.C.
|-
|
|[[Space Warfighting Analysis Center]]
|[[Wargame|Wargaming]], force design
|Washington, D.C.
|}
 
=== Reserve components ===
Unlike the other branches of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Space Force does not currently include [[Military reserve force|reserve components]]. A federal reserve of the United States Space Force is slated to begin in 2021, while a [[Space National Guard]] component is being debated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/senators-endorse-space-force-reserve-but-question-guard/|publisher=Air Force Magazine|first=Rachel S.|last=Cohen|date=June 11, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2021|title=Senators Endorse Space Force Reserve But Question Guard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/us/space-force-plans-to-nearly-triple-in-size-in-second-year-could-accept-army-navy-transfers-1.655445|publisher=Stars and Stripes|first=Corey|last=Dickstein|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2021|title=Space Force plans to nearly triple in size in second year, could accept Army, Navy transfers}}</ref>
 
===Locations===
The Space Force operates six primary bases, seven smaller stations, and one air base in Greenland.<ref>{{cite web|title=Space Force Locations|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Space-Force-Locations/|website=United States Space Force}}</ref> On 9 December 2020, Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida were the first Space Force installations renamed, becoming Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-12-09|title=Cape Canaveral, Patrick Air Force Base renamed as Space Force bases|url=https://spacenews.com/cape-canaveral-patrick-air-force-base-renamed-as-space-force-bases/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref> Over the next seven months the remaining facilities were renamed. The service also has ten units based outside the [[contiguous United States]] in [[Thule Air Base|Greenland]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[RAF Ascension Island|Ascension Island]], [[Diego Garcia|Diego Garcia atoll]], [[Alaska]], [[Hawaii]], and [[Guam]].<ref name="S&S-20200817">{{cite news |last1=Robson |first1=Seth |title=Space Force units are already operating worldwide, and experts expect more to pop up soon |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/us/space-force-units-are-already-operating-worldwide-and-experts-expect-more-to-pop-up-soon-1.641654 |access-date=19 August 2020 |work=Stars and Stripes |date=17 August 2020}}</ref> During the transition from Air Force control, only one facility renaming has gone beyond replacing the "Air Force base" suffix, the former Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station in Hawaii, which was simplified to [[Kaena Point Space Force Station]]. One facility has yet to be renamed, [[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], which is already under Space Force administrative control.
 
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Installation
!Major units and functions
!Location
!Garrison
!Field command
|-
!colspan=5| Space Force bases
|-
| [[Buckley Space Force Base]] || [[Space Delta 4|Space Delta 4 (missile warning)]], [[Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado]], [[Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center]] || [[Aurora, Colorado]] || [[Buckley Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Los Angeles Air Force Base]] || [[Space Systems Command|Space Systems Command (Acquisitions, engineering, research and development, and launch activities)]]|| [[El Segundo, California]] || [[Los Angeles Garrison]]|| [[Space Systems Command|SSC]]
|-
| [[Patrick Space Force Base]] || [[Space Launch Delta 45|45th Operations Group (space launch and range management)]], [[23rd Space Operations Squadron|23rd Space Operations Squadron (satellite control network)]]|| [[Brevard County, Florida]] || [[45th Space Wing|Los Angeles Garrison]]|| [[Space Operations Command|SSC]]
|-
| [[Peterson Space Force Base]]|| [[North American Aerospace Defense Command]], [[United States Northern Command|Northern Command]], [[United States Space Command|Space Command]], [[Space Operations Command]], [[Space Delta 2|Space Delta 2 (space domain awareness)]], [[Space Delta 3|Space Delta 3 (space electronic warfare)]], [[Space Delta 7|Space Delta 7 (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance)]], [[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]], [[319th Combat Training Squadron|319th Combat Training Squadron (advanced space training)]], [[Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center|Detachment 1, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center]], [[National Security Space Institute|National Security Space Institute (advanced space education)]] || [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]] || [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Schriever Space Force Base]]|| [[Joint Task Force-Space Defense]] and [[National Space Defense Center]], [[Space Delta 6|Space Delta 6 (cyberspace operations)]], [[Space Delta 8|Space Delta 8 (satellite communications and navigation warfare)]], and [[Space Delta 9|Space Delta 9 (orbital warfare)]], [[3rd Space Experimentation Squadron]], [[17th Test Squadron]], [[25th Space Range Squadron]], [[527th Space Aggressor Squadron]], [[United States Air Force Warfare Center|Detachment 1, United States Air Force Warfare Center]], [[705th Combat Training Squadron|705th Combat Training Squadron Operating Location-Alpha]]|| [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]|| [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]] || [[Combined Force Space Component Command|Combined Force Space Component Command and Space Operations Command West]], [[Combined Space Operations Center]] and [[Space Delta 5|Space Delta 5 (command and control)]], [[Space Launch Delta 30|Space Launch Delta 30 (space launch and range management)]], [[18th Space Control Squadron|18th Space Control Squadron (space domain awareness)]], [[21st Space Operations Squadron|21st Space Operations Squadron (satellite control network)]], [[533rd Training Squadron|533rd Training Squadron (undergraduate space training)]]|| [[Santa Barbara County, California]] || [[Los Angeles Garrison]]|| [[Space Systems Command|SSC]]
|-
!colspan=5| Space Force stations
|-
| [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]] || [[Space Launch Delta 45|Space Launch Delta 45 (space launch and range management)]]|| [[Cape Canaveral, Florida]] || [[Los Angeles Garrison]]|| [[Space Systems Command|SSC]]
|-
| [[Cape Cod Space Force Station]] || [[6th Space Warning Squadron|6th Space Warning Squadron (missile warning and space domain awareness)]] || [[Bourne, Massachusetts]]|| [[Buckley Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Cavalier Space Force Station]] || [[10th Space Warning Squadron|10th Space Warning Squadron (missile warning and space domain awareness)]] || [[Cavalier, North Dakota]] || [[Buckley Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station]]|| [[Missile Warning Center]], [[North American Aerospace Defense Command|NORAD]] and [[United States Northern Command|NORTHCOM]] alternate command center || [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]] || [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Clear Space Force Station]] || [[13th Space Warning Squadron|13th Space Warning Squadron (missile warning and space domain awareness)]] || [[Clear, Alaska]] || [[Buckley Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Kaena Point Space Force Station]] || [[21st Space Operations Squadron|Detachment 3, 21st Space Operations Squadron (satellite control network)]] || [[Honolulu County, Hawaii]] || [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[New Boston Space Force Station]] || [[23rd Space Operations Squadron|23rd Space Operations Squadron (satellite control network)]] || [[New Boston, New Hampshire]] || [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]] || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|-
| [[Thule Air Base]] || [[12th Space Warning Squadron|12th Space Warning Squadron (missile warning and space domain awareness)]], [[23rd Space Operations Squadron|Detachment 1, 23rd Space Operations Squadron (satellite control network)]] || [[Qaanaaq]], [[Greenland]] || [[Peterson-Schriever Garrison]]<br/><small>(821st Air Base Group)</small> || [[Space Operations Command|SpOC]]
|}
 
==Partnerships with other organizations==
===United States Space Command===
 
[[United States Space Command]] (USSPACECOM) is the [[unified combatant command]] for all military space operations, while the Space Force is the military service responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the majority of forces for U.S. Space Command. The Space Force's service component to Space Command is [[Space Operations Command]], providing the majority of space forces. U.S. Space Command also consists of smaller amounts of forces from the [[United States Army]], [[United States Marine Corps]], [[United States Navy]], and [[United States Air Force]]. This mirrors the relationship between the Space Force's predecessor, [[Air Force Space Command]], and U.S. Space Command (and between 2002 and 2019, [[United States Strategic Command]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Kirby|first=Lynn|date=2020-10-21|title=Space Force activates first field command|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2390148/space-force-activates-first-field-command|access-date=2021-02-03|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
===United States Air Force===
The United States Space Force and the United States Air Force are both coequal sister service branches under the United States Department of the Air Force, a civilian-led military department under the Department of Defense. The Space Force's direct antecedent, [[Air Force Space Command]], was an [[List of major commands of the United States Air Force|Air Force major command]], and Air Force space professionals worked throughout [[Air Education and Training Command]], [[Air Combat Command]], [[Air Force Materiel Command]] and the rest of the Air Force's major commands. Prior to the creation of Air Force Space Command in 1982, Air Force space assets were spread across [[Air Force Systems Command]] for launch and acquisitions, [[Aerospace Defense Command]] (until its inactivation in 1979), and [[Strategic Air Command]]. The predecessor of the Space Force, the Western Development Division, was established in 1954 under the Air Force's Air Research and Development Command.{{sfn|Neufeld|1990|pp=107–108}}{{sfn|Spires|1998|pp=33–34}}
 
The Space Force derives most of its support personnel from the Air Force, being provided civil engineers, [[United States Air Force Security Forces|security forces]], logistics, contracting, finance, and medical personnel who are then assigned to Space Force garrisons. The Space Force and Air Force also share the same service secretary and military department, along with common commissioning sources and training programs such as the [[United States Air Force Academy]], [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]], and [[United States Air Force Basic Military Training|Air Force Basic Military Training]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Vergun|first=David|date=2020-10-27|title=Space Force Leader Discusses Newest Military Service|url=https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2396174/space-force-leader-discusses-newest-military-service/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=United States Department of Defense|publisher=DoD News}}</ref> The [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] and [[European Office of Aerospace Research and Development|Air Force Office of Scientific Research]] (AFOSR) also conduct research to benefit the Space Force, as well as the Air Force.
 
===National Reconnaissance Office===
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. The National Reconnaissance Office was established in 1961 as a joint agency between the United States Department of Defense and [[Central Intelligence Agency]], declassified and acknowledged in 1992.<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}}</ref> The Space Force performs NRO 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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/space-force-nrol-129-spy-satellite-launch-webcast.html|title=The Space Force will launch 4 secret satellites from Virginia Wednesday and you can watch it live|first=Tariq Malik 14|last=July 2020|website=Space.com|date=14 July 2020}}</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}}</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=2020-04-22|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=2021-02-03|website=Breaking Defense|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Bruce "Orville"|date=2019-12-23|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=2021-02-03|website=Air Force Association}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Deptula|first=Dave|date=2020-05-18|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=2021-02-03|website=Forbes}}</ref>
 
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=July 20, 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=July 21, 2021}}</ref><ref name=CRS1>{{Cite news|last=McCall|first=Stephen|date=December 30, 2020|title=Defense Primer: National Security Space Launch|work=[[Congressional Research Service]]|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/IF11531.pdf|access-date=July 21, 2021}}</ref> NSSL supports both the USSF and NRO, as well as the [[United States Navy|Navy]].<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=July 14, 2021 |website=[[C4ISRNET]] |access-date=July 17, 2021}}</ref> Parts of the NRO will be integrated into the Space Force, their delta shaped insignia will be trimmed in black.
 
===National Aeronautics and Space Administration===
{{main|List of United States Space Force astronauts}}
[[File:Mike Hopkins official portrait 2020.jpg|thumb|The Space Force's first astronaut, Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]]]]
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration ([[NASA]]) is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for civil spaceflight. NASA and the Space Force's predecessors in the Air Force have a long-standing cooperative relationship, with the Space Force supporting NASA launches out of [[Kennedy Space Center]], to include range support and rescue operations from Task Force 45.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-05-12|title=Space Force troops preparing for possibility of having to rescue NASA astronauts|url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-troops-preparing-for-possibility-of-having-to-rescue-nasa-astronauts/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=SpaceNews}}</ref> NASA and the Space Force also partner on matters such as space domain awareness and planetary defense operations.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Marcia|date=2020-05-05|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=2021-02-02|website=SpacePolicyOnline.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Space Force members can be NASA astronauts, with Colonel [[Michael S. Hopkins]], the commander of [[SpaceX Crew-1]], commissioned into the Space Force from the [[International Space Station]] on 18 December 2020.<ref name=":82"/><ref name=":92"/><ref name=":72"/>
 
==Equipment==
[[File:MC-2941 Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite.png|thumb|right|225px|WGS satellites in its two configurations]]
As of mid-2019, in reference to actual [[satellite]]s in orbit being operated and controlled by the then-AFSPC, the Air Force reported that there were four [[Advanced Extremely High Frequency]] communications; one Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (ATRR, [[USA-205]]); five [[Defense Meteorological Satellite Program]]; six [[Defense Satellite Communications System]] satellites; five [[Defense Support Program]]; 31 [[Global Positioning System]] satellites; four [[GSSAP]]; five [[Milstar]] communications; seven [[Space-Based Infrared System]] (SBIRS, infra-red, launch warning); two [[SBSS]]; and seven [[Wideband Global SATCOM|WGS]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=June 2019|title=2019 USAF Almanac: Major Commands and Air National Guard|work=[[Air Force Magazine]]|publisher=[[Air Force Association]]|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Magazine_Documents/2019/June_2019/0619_MAJCOMs.pdf|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref>
 
The Space Force operates two [[Boeing X-37]]B spaceplanes on behalf of the [[Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office]], which were previously managed by [[Air Force Space Command]] for five spaceflights.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2177702/next-x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle-scheduled-to-launch/ |title=Next X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Scheduled to Launch |publisher=United States Space Force |date=6 May 2020 |access-date=17 August 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[USA-299]], launched in May 2020, was the first spaceplane mission operated under Space Force command.<ref>{{cite web|last=Graham|first=William|date=2020-05-16|title=ULA Atlas V launches sixth mission for X-37B spaceplane|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/05/ula-atlas-v-launch-sixth-x-37b/|access-date=2020-09-18|website=NASASpaceFlight.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
==Personnel==
On 20 December 2019, all members of the former Air Force Space Command were assigned to the United States Space Force. Members of the [[United States Army]], [[United States Navy]], [[United States Marine Corps]], and United States Air Force were also detailed to the Space Force.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=How will the Space Force impact me|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/FAQs/How-will-the-Space-Force-impact-me/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=United States Space Force}}</ref> 16,000 military and civilian individuals in total were assigned to the Space Force at it's creation.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/FAQs/Whats-the-Space-Force|title=What's the Space Force|website=spaceforce.mil}}</ref> Air Force space airmen began transferring to the Space Force in FY 2020, while Army space soldiers, Navy space sailors, and space marines will begin transferring in FY 2022.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=|first=|date=February 2020|title=Comprehensive plan for the Organizational structure of the US Space Force|url=https://velosteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Space-Force-Report.pdf|access-date=26 March 2020|website=velosteam.com|publisher=[[Department of the Air Force]]}}</ref>
 
The Space Force is creating career tracks for Space Force Core Organic specialties, including space-specific operations, intelligence, engineering, acquisitions, science, and cyber/communications. Support specialties, such as legal, medical, civil engineering, logistics, financial management, security forces, and public affairs will be detailed by the Air Force to support the Space Force.<ref name=":0" /> Space Force service members are known as guardians. The title of guardian has a long history in space operations, tracing its heritage to Air Force Space Command's 1983 motto, ''Guardians of the High Frontier''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Secretary of the Air Force|first=Public Affairs|date=2020-12-18|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=2021-02-03|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref> It was announced to commemorate the Space Force's first birthday by Vice President [[Mike Pence]] on 18 December 2020. Following the creation of the Space Force, they were referred to as space professionals on an interim basis until a final name was selected.<ref name="Guardians">{{cite web|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=2020-12-18|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=2020-12-19|website=Military.com|language=en}}</ref>
 
===Rank structure===
{{main|United States Space Force rank insignia}}
 
====Officer corps====
[[File:SpaceForceCadets_USAFA2020.jpg|thumb|250px|The first 86 Space Force lieutenants being commissioned from the [[United States Air Force Academy]] on 18 April 2020.]]
 
[[File:USAFA dusk.png|thumb|250px|The [[United States Air Force Academy]] in Colorado Springs, considered the premier commissioning source for Space Force officers.]]
 
On 18 April 2020, the United States Air Force Academy graduated the Space Force's first 86 new second lieutenants.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kirby|first=Lynn|date=2020-04-29|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=2021-02-02|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref> Space Force officers are commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy, [[Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps]] programs at civilian universities, and [[Air Force Officer Training School]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Joseph|first=Joslin|date=2020-04-29|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=2021-02-02|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref> The Air Force Academy is considered the premier commissioning route for Space Force officers, having a Space Force detachment which provides Space Force training, immersion, and mentorship to cadets. The Department of Astronautics was established in 1958, and the Cadet Space Operations Squadron was established in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ashley D.|date=2020-10-27|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=2021-02-03|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Rachel S.|date=2020-10-27|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=2021-02-02|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=2009-04-14|title=FalconSAT Program|url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428292/falconsat-program/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=United States Air Force Academy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=2008-03-07|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=2021-02-02|website=U.S. Air Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Space Force officers attend [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]] at [[Maxwell Air Force Base]] for professional military education, which has space-specific programs including the Space Gray Rhinos program at [[Squadron Officer School]] for captains; the Schriever Space Scholars program at [[Air Command and Staff College]] for majors; and the [[Gladys West|West]] Space Seminar at [[Air War College]] for lieutenant colonels and colonels.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.maxwell.af.mil/News/Display/Article/1903302/air-university-elective-broadens-sos-students-research-experience/|title=Air University elective broadens SOS students' research experience|website=Maxwell Air Force Base}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2302401/air-university-teaches-space-as-a-warfighting-domain/|title=Air University teaches space as a warfighting domain|website=U.S. Air Force}}</ref> A small number of Space Force and Air Force officers attend the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS)|url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/SAASS/Display/Article/802939/welcome-to-the-school-of-advanced-air-and-space-studies-saass/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Air University (AU)|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Space Force officers specialties include:<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5">{{cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-04-03|title=Air Force Officer Classification (AFOCD): The Official Guide to the Air Force Officer Classification Codes|url=http://www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/Docs_PNG/hro/AFOCD.pdf|access-date=|website=Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs}}</ref><ref name="auto7">{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/03/here-are-16-jobs-will-be-available-troops-us-space-force.html|title=Here Are the 16 Jobs that Will Be Available to Troops in US Space Force|first=Hope Hodge|last=Seck|date=3 March 2020|website=Military.com}}</ref>
* 13S - Space operations officer
** 13SA - Orbital warfare officer
** 13SB - Space electronic warfare officer
** 13SD - Space battle management officer
** 13SE - Space access and sustainment officer
* 14N - Intelligence officer
* 17 - Cyberspace warfare operations officer
** 17C - Cyberspace warfare operations commander
** 17D - Warfighter communications operations officer
** 17S - Cyberspace effects operations officer
* 62 - Developmental engineer field
** 62E - Developmental engineer
** 62S - Materiel leader
* 63 - Acquisition field
** 63A - Acquisitions manager
** 63G - Senior materiel leader-lower echelon
** 63S - Materiel leader
 
{{USSF Officer}}
 
====Enlisted corps====
[[File:Space Force enlists first trainees to bootcamp (2).jpg|thumb|250px|Vice chief of space operations, General [[David D. Thompson]] swears in the first four enlisted Space Force recruits on 20 October 2020.]]
 
[[File:Space Force Transfer Ceremony (1).jpg|thumb|250px|Chief of space operations, General [[John W. Raymond]] and [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] [[Roger A. Towberman]] perform a transfer ceremony for 300 Space Force personnel at [[the Pentagon]] on 15 September 2020.]]
 
The Space Force swore in its first seven enlisted recruits on 20 October 2020, graduating basic military training on 10 December 2020. The Space Force conducts its basic training through [[United States Air Force Basic Military Training|Air Force Basic Military Training]] at [[Lackland Air Force Base]], [[San Antonio]], Texas, training alongside Air Force recruits, with the inclusion of space-specific curriculum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2387089/space-force-enlists-first-trainees-sends-to-bootcamp|title=Space Force enlists first trainees, sends to bootcamp|website=United States Space Force}}</ref> The Space Force's [[Forrest L. Vosler]] Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, operating under [[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]], at [[Peterson Air Force Base]], Colorado, provides enlisted professional military education for Space Force technical sergeants. The Space Force is in the process of standing up a separate enlisted professional military education program and enlisted professional military education center with a curriculum focused on Space Force doctrine, values, and competencies at the specific ranks of specialist 4, technical sergeant, senior master sergeant, and chief master sergeant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.schriever.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2408333/space-force-gains-first-professional-military-education-center/|title=Space Force gains first professional military education center|website=Schriever Air Force Base}}</ref>
 
Space Force enlisted specialties include:<ref name="auto10">{{cite web|title=How will the Space Force impact me|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/FAQs/How-will-the-Space-Force-impact-me/|website=United States Space Force}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref name="auto7"/>
* 1C6 - Space systems operations specialist
* 1N - Intelligence specialist
** 1N0 - All source intelligence analyst
** 1N1 - Geospatial intelligence analyst
** 1N2 - Signals intelligence analyst
** 1N4 - Fusion analyst
** 1N8 - Targeting analyst
* 3D - Cyberspace support specialist
** 3D0 - Cyberspace operations specialist
** 3D1 - Cyberspace support specialist
 
{{USSF Enlisted}}
Line 467 ⟶ 734:
===Uniforms===
{{main|Uniforms of the United States Space Force}}
[[File:USSPACECOM Change of Command (3).jpg|thumb|General Raymond wearing the service dress uniform.]]
 
The Space Force is in the process of designing and testing its own [[mess dress uniform|mess dress]], [[service dress uniform|service dress]], and [[physical training uniform]]s, but in the interim period, it has adopted those of the Air Force.<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}}</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>
 
The mess dress uniform is worn during official formal evening functions and state occasions and consists of a blue mess dress coat, blue trousers with a {{convert|7/8|in|cm|adj=on}} satin blue [[Lampasse|trouser stripe]], white dress shirt, with a satin blue [[cummerbund]] and [[bow tie]]. Rank is worn on blue [[Shoulder mark|shoulder boards]] for officers and on the sleeves for enlisted. Officers wear a {{convert|1/2|in|cm|adj=on}} silver braid on the sleeve, while general officers wear a {{convert|3/4|in|cm|adj=on}} silver braid. Miniature medals and badges are worn in mess dress.<ref name="auto9">{{Cite news|last=Fedrigo|first=John A.|date=2020-09-15|title=Air Force Guidance Memorandum to AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel|work=Department of the Air Force|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf|access-date=2021-02-03|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814005058/https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
[[File:USSF Service Dress prototype (5).jpg|thumb|The proposed Space Force service dress uniform being modelled in September 2021.]]
 
The service dress uniform, also known as the "class A" uniform, consists of a blue three-button coat, matching trousers worn with a blue belt with silver buckle, a light blue long or short-sleeved collared shirt with two chest pockets and shoulder loops, and blue tie. The service dress coat is worn with a silver name tag, ribbons, silver "U.S." collar insignia, U.S. Space Force lapel insignia, and full-sized badges. Metal officer rank is worn on the [[Epaulette|epaulets]], while the enlisted rank patch is worn on the sleeve. Officers wear a {{convert|1/2|in|cm|adj=mid|-wide}} blue braid on the sleeve, while general officers wear {{convert|1+1/2|in|cm|adj=on}} blue braid. Authorized headwear includes the [[Peaked cap|service cap]] with a silver [[Great Seal of the United States]] on the front, or a blue [[Side cap|flight cap]]. Field grade and general officer service caps include additional clouds and darts on the cap visor, while the chief of space operations is authorized a ring of clouds and darts around the service cap.<ref name="auto9"/>
 
The service blue uniform, also known as the "class B" uniform, is the service dress uniform worn without the coat and with the tie optional. The service blue uniform is worn with a blue plastic name tag and badges. Officer rank is worn on blue slip-on shoulder marks, while enlisted rank is sewn on the sleeve. Authorized outerwear includes the lightweight blue jacket, [[Overcoat|topcoat]], and all-weather coat.<ref name="auto9"/>
 
[[File:SpaceForce OCP uniform.jpg|thumb|left|General Raymond debuting the OCP uniform.]]
The Space Force has adopted the [[Operational Camouflage Pattern]] (OCP) uniform as its [[combat uniform]], sharing it with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. The Space Force is distinguished by the use of embroidered space blue thread for the name tape, service tape, rank insignia (except for major and second lieutenant, which use spice brown), and badges, and wears a full color [[Flag of the United States|United States flag]] on the left sleeve. The U.S. Space Force, field command, delta, school or other headquarters patch is worn on the left sleeve, while the unit of assignment patch is worn on the right sleeve. The [[Extended Cold Weather Clothing System]] (ECWCS) is authorized with wear with the OCP uniform. The Space Force has also authorized the wear of the legacy [[Multi-scale camouflage|digital]] [[tigerstripe]] pattern [[Airman Battle Uniform]] (ABU) until its phase-out in April 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fedrigo|first=John A.|date=2020-08-24|title=Space Force Guidance Memorandum Establishing U.S. Space Force (USSF) Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniform Wear Guidance|work=Department of the Air Force|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/ussf/publication/spfgm2020-36-01/spfgm2020-36-01.pdf|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=2020-08-27|title=Space Force Now Has an Official Uniform|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/08/27/space-force-now-has-official-uniform.html|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Military.com|language=en}}</ref> The Space Force stated that adopting the OCP uniform will save the costs of designing and producing an entirely new one, and that Space Force troops deploy on the ground alongside Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force personnel.<ref>{{cite web|last=Geier|first=Thom|date=2020-01-18|title=New Space Force Uniforms Mocked for Camo Design|url=https://www.thewrap.com/space-force-uniforms-mocked-camo-endor/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=TheWrap|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
===Badges, awards, and decorations===
[[File:USAF - Space Professional Badges.png|thumb|The basic (top), senior (middle), and command (bottom) ratings of the [[Space Operations Badge]].]]
{{main|Badges of the United States Space Force|Awards and decorations of the United States Department of the Air Force}}
 
Members of the Space Force wear occupational badges on their uniforms to indicate job specialty. They may also wear previously earned badges, occupational badges, or badges awarded by sister services.<ref name="auto9"/> Space Force occupational badges are the [[Space Operations Badge]], for 13S space operations officers and 1C6 enlisted space systems specialists, the Intelligence Badge, for 14N intelligence officers and 1N enlisted intelligence specialists, the Cyberspace Operator Badge for 17X cyberspace operations officers and the Cyberspace Support Badge for enlisted 3DX cyberspace support specialists, and the Acquisition and Financial Management Badge for 62X developmental engineer officers and 63X acquisitions manager officers.<ref name="auto9"/><ref name="auto10"/>
 
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=2021-02-03}}</ref>
 
== Budget ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!United States Space Force Budget
!2020<ref name=":13">{{cite web |date=2020-05-13|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=2021-02-03|publisher=Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer, United States Department of Defense}}</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}}</ref>
!2022 (Authorized)<ref>{{cite press release |last1=Biden |first1=Joseph |title=Statement by the President on S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/27/statement-by-the-president-on-s-1605-the-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2022/ |publisher=White House |access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref>
!2023 (Requested)<ref>{{cite web |title=DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET |url=https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/FM-Resources/Budget/ |website=Financial Management & Comptroller |publisher=US Air Force |access-date=5 April 2022}}</ref>
|-
|Operation & Maintenance
Line 503 ⟶ 1,167:
|$2,492,114,000
|$3,611,012,000
|$4,000,000,000
|-
|Procurement
| —
|$2,310,994,000
|$2,787,354,000
|$3,600,000,000
|-
|Research, Development, Test & Evaluation
| —
|$10,540,069,000
|$11,794,566,000
|$15,800,000,000
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''$40,000,000'''
|'''$15,343,177,000'''
|'''$18,192,932,000'''
|'''$24,400,000,000'''
|}
 
The 2021 Department of Defense Budget requests $1.6 billion for three [[National Security Space Launch]] vehicles.<ref name=":02">{{Cite press release |title=DOD Releases Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Proposal|url=https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2079489/dod-releases-fiscal-year-2021-budget-proposal/|access-date=23 February 2020 |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=10 February 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> Of this budget $1.05 billion will fund three launches: AFSPC-36, AFSPC-87 and AFSPC-112.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=6 March 2020|title=Space Force's 2021 budget plan is heavy on satellites and launch|url=https://spacenews.com/space-forces-2021-budget-plan-is-heavy-on-satellites-and-launch/|access-date=12 March 2020|website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> The United States Space Force is reported to be working closely with commercial leaders in the space domain, such as [[Elon Musk]] ([[SpaceX]]) and [[Jeff Bezos]] ([[Blue Origin]]), to determine their capability in serving the mission. According to Lt. General David Thompson, the United States Space Force is already in contracting talks with Blue Origin.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Giangreco |first=Leigh |date=25 February 2020 |title=Space Force's Second-in-Command Explains What the Hell It Actually Does |url=https://gen.medium.com/space-forces-second-in-command-explains-what-the-hell-it-actually-does-f03d1767d218 |website=Medium |language=en |access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> The budget includes $560 million to upgrade the launch systems of Blue Origin, [[Northrop Grumman]], and [[United Launch Alliance]].<ref name=":3" /> Further, the 2021 budget requests $1.8 billion for two [[Lockheed Martin]] [[GPS Block III|Global Positioning System (GPS) III]] systems and other projects to fulfill the Space Superiority Strategy.<ref name=":02" /> The GPS III system, first launched on 23 December 2018, is the latest GPS system from contractor Lockheed Martin; the GPS III system has improved anti-jamming capabilities and is three times more accurate than current GPS systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/gps.html|title=GPS Satellites|publisher=Lockheed Martin|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> The FY 2021 Budget also includes $2.5 billion allocated to the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellite constellation as part of a DOD-wide increase on missile defense capacity to defend from threats such as [[North Korea]].<ref name=":13" /> The Next-Gen OPIR constellation will provide the U.S. military with a resilient worldwide missile warning system.<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Space and Missile Systems Center, Public Affairs|date=2019-06-06|title=Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared GEO Satellites Embracing|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1870883/next-generation-overhead-persistent-infrared-geo-satellites-embracing-rapid-acq/|access-date=12 March 2020|publisher=Air Force Space Command|language=en-US}}</ref> This new generation of satellites will work in tandem with the existing [[Space-Based Infrared System|Space Based Overhead Persistent Infrared System]] (SBIRS); production of the SBIRS will conclude in 2022 and the first Next-Gen OPIR satellite is expected to be delivered in 2025.<ref name=":3"/> The FY2023 budget request includes $1,000,000,000 dollars from the US Air Forces MILPERS budget that was transferred to the Space Force.
 
== Reception ==
{{multiple image
|align = right
|direction = vertical
|caption_align = center
|width = 175
|image1 = The Russian Federation Space Troops collar insignia.svg
|image2 = PLASSF.svg
|caption2 = Emblems of the [[Russian Space Forces]] (top) and [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]] (bottom)
}}
The Space Force had mixed reception within policy think tanks. The [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] supported the creation of the new service, arguing that it was needed to consolidate national security space responsibilities, which in 2016 was spread out across 60 different organizations. They also argued that the Space Force was needed to develop space strategy and doctrine, and ensure space agencies are not overlooked.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harrison|first=Todd|date=2018-10-03|title=Why We Need a Space Force|url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-we-need-space-force|access-date=2021-02-03|website=[[Center for Strategic and International Studies]]|language=en}}</ref> [[The Heritage Foundation]] also supported the creation of the Space Force, citing the existence of anti-satellite threats from China and Russia and the creation of the [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] and reorganization of the Russian Space Forces, and the Chinese [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cheng|first=Dean|date=2018-11-09|title=The Space Force Is Coming. Here's Why the U.S. Needs It.|url=https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/the-space-force-coming-heres-why-the-us-needs-it|access-date=2021-02-03|website=The Heritage Foundation|language=en}}</ref> The [[Project On Government Oversight|Project on Government Oversight]] opposed the creation of a space force, arguing that centralizing military assets resulted in more duplication and led to inter-service tension.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|last=Grazier|first=Dan|date=2018-10-16|title=Space Force: A Historical Perspective|url=https://www.pogo.org/analysis/2018/10/space-force-a-historical-perspective/|access-date=2020-12-30|website=Project On Government Oversight|language=en-US}}</ref> The United States Department of Defense estimated that establishing Space Force would cost $13 billion over 5 years.<ref name=":4" /> The [[Cato Institute]] argued the creation of a Space Force was premature because of uncertainty about its military and international impacts.<ref>{{cite web|last=Farley|first=Robert|date=2020-12-01|title=Space Force: Ahead of Its Time, or Dreadfully Premature?|url=https://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/space-force-ahead-its-time-or-dreadfully-premature|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Cato Institute|language=en}}</ref>
 
The idea of a space force was popular with [[Donald Trump|Trump]] supporters, and Trump's presidential campaign sold unofficial space force merchandise – a practice criticized by former White House [[List of U.S. executive branch czars|ethics czar]] [[Norm Eisen|Norman Eisen]] and chairman of the [[United States House Committee on Armed Services|House Armed Services Committee]] [[Adam Smith (Washington politician)|Adam Smith]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Garrett M.|date=2020-01-20|title=The US Space Force Has a Rough Launch on the Internet|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/space-force-internet/|access-date=2020-12-30|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> The creation of Space Force resulted in some jokes, memes, and controversies online.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=2018-08-10|title=Smith Statement on "Space Force" Proposal and Politicization of the Military|url=https://armedservices.house.gov/2018/8/smith-statement-on-space-force-proposal-and-politicization-of-the-military|access-date=2020-12-30|website=House Armed Services Committee - Democrats|language=en}}</ref> Late night talk show hosts such as [[Jimmy Kimmel]] and [[Stephen Colbert]] joked about the idea.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nevins|first=Jake|date=2018-08-10|title=Jimmy Kimmel on Space Force: 'Michael Bay is on board to direct'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/aug/10/late-night-roundup-jimmy-kimmel-space-force|access-date=2020-12-30|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> A [[Netflix]] comedy show, ''[[Space Force (TV series)|Space Force]]'', has a plot involving the establishment of a United States Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sacks|first=Ethan|date=2020-05-30|title=Netflix comedy 'Space Force' shows real military branch's struggle to be taken seriously|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/netflix-comedy-space-force-shows-real-military-branch-s-struggle-n1217786|access-date=2021-02-03|website=NBC News|language=en}}</ref> The Space Force was accused of being a "vanity project" for President Trump, despite the concept being debated since the 1990s as a means to counter Chinese and Russian military threats in space. Trump falsely claimed in 2018 to have created the idea of the Space Force, saying "nobody even thought about the Space Force" before him, while in reality it was first proposed by representatives [[Jim Cooper]] and [[Mike Rogers (Alabama politician)|Mike Rogers]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=2021-01-13|title=Can Biden solve the Space Force's public relations crisis?|url=https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/01/13/can-biden-solve-the-space-forces-public-relations-crisis/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Defense News|language=en-US}}</ref> After President [[Joe Biden]] took office in January 2021, White House Press Secretary [[Jen Psaki]] confirmed that the Biden administration would not revisit the decision to establish the Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reuters Staff|date=2021-02-03|title=Biden decides to stick with Space Force as branch of U.S. military|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-spaceforce-idUSKBN2A32Z6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224011556/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-spaceforce-idUSKBN2A32Z6|archive-date=2021-02-24|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-07|website=[[Reuters]]|language=en}}</ref>
 
Logos, uniforms, and word choices used by the Space Force resulted in comparisons to science fiction franchises, and sometimes criticism, on social media. The delta on its seal and emblem was compared to the [[Starfleet]] symbol from ''[[Star Trek]]'',<ref name="spacenews">{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|date=2020-01-25|title=U.S. Space Force says its new seal is not a Starfleet knockoff|url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-says-its-new-seal-is-not-a-starfleet-knockoff/|access-date=2020-04-04|website=SpaceNews.com}}</ref> and naming their personnel "guardians" resulted in comparisons to the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe|Marvel]] film [[Guardians of the Galaxy (film)|''Guardians of the Galaxy'']].<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|last=Morales|first=Christina|date=2020-12-19|title=The Newest Guardians of the Galaxy Are Run by the U.S. Military|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/19/us/space-force-guardians-mike-pence.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219184141/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/19/us/space-force-guardians-mike-pence.html |archive-date=2020-12-19 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-30|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Space Force responded the delta symbol has a long history of use by military space forces that predates ''Star Trek,<ref name="spacenews" />'' and that the title "guardian" was derived from Air Force Space Command's 1983 motto "Guardians of the High Frontier."<ref name=":10" />
 
Following the departure of Donald Trump from the presidency and the confirmation of the Space Force's establishment by the Biden administration, less critical and more analytical coverage Space Force has arisen. In a February 2021 article for ''[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]]'', Wendy Whitman Cobb, an [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]] professor, blamed the generally derisive and inaccurate public perception of the Space Force on the influence of [[science fiction]] and [[Popular culture|pop culture]], claiming that "modern pop culture depictions of the Space Force as a joke are distracting from the serious responsibilities the USSF is taking on."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cobb |first=Wendy Whitman |title=Space Force sounds like a joke thanks to pop culture – that could be a problem for an important military branch |url=http://theconversation.com/space-force-sounds-like-a-joke-thanks-to-pop-culture-that-could-be-a-problem-for-an-important-military-branch-155265 |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]] |language=en}}</ref> High-ranking military officers and commentators interviewed by ''[[Politico]]'' in another agreed that President Trump's influence and image were in part the cause for the negative reception of the Space Force, and that improving its public image would take time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Feldscher |first=Jacqueline |last2=O'Brien |first2=Connor |date=2021-02-03 |title=Can the Space Force shake off Trump? |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/03/space-force-jay-raymond-white-house-465497 |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=[[POLITICO]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Intelligencer (website)|Intelligencer]]'' has described the Space Force in a November 2021 article as "Trump's most misunderstood creation," attributing the negative reception of the Space Force on the impact of [[military science fiction]] on American culture, as well as on the [[public image of Donald Trump]] at the time of its creation, and the subsequent appropriation and politicization of the idea of a Space Force by President Trump and his supporters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Margaret |date=2021-11-09 |title=Let’s Get to Know Space Force, Trump’s Most Misunderstood Creation |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/space-force-guide.html |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=[[Intelligencer (website)|Intelligencer]] |language=en-us}}</ref> In May 2022, the ''American Homefront Project'', a collaboration of [[Public broadcasting|public media]] stations that reports on military and veteran affairs, released a story consulting several Space Force cadets and officers which clarified the role of the Space Force and emphasized its importance as a branch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Eric |date=2022-05-05 |title=Misunderstood and sometimes parodied, the U.S. Space Force is educating the public about its mission |url=https://americanhomefront.wunc.org/news/2022-05-05/misunderstood-and-sometimes-parodied-the-u-s-space-force-is-educating-the-public-about-its-mission |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=The American Homefront Project |publisher=[[WUNC (FM)|WUNC]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[Asteroid impact avoidance]]<ref>[https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2205526/spacecom-space-force-officials-discuss-planetary-defense-astronaut-launch/ Spacecom, Space Force Officials Discuss Planetary Defense]</ref>
* [[Space Force Association]]
* [[Space National Guard]]
* [[Strategic Defense Initiative]]
*[[:Category:Equipment of the United States Space Force|Equipment of the United States Space Force]]
* [[Militarisation of space]]
* [[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=978-0-912799-62-9|oclc=20826476|url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/24/2001329775/-1/-1/0/AFD-100924-024.pdf|access-date=19 August 2019}}
* {{Cite book|last=Spires|first=David N.|title=Beyond Horizons: A Half Century of Air Force Leadership - Revised Edition|publisher=Air University Press|year=1998|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=|isbn=1-58566-060-4|url=https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/25/2001330110/-1/-1/0/AFD-110125-038.pdf|oclc=831675552|access-date=2021-02-01}}
 
{{refend}}
 
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|wikt=no|n=no|q=no|s=no|b=no|v=no|d=Q55088961|c=United States Space Force|commonscat=yes}}
{{Library resources box}}
 
*{{Official website}}
* {{YouTube | id=J2nbWehU9U4 | title=20170622 Markup of HR2810 FY18NDAA&nbsp;— Strategic Forces (ID: 106134) U.S. House Armed Services Committee}}
* [https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2810 H.R.2810&nbsp;— National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018&nbsp;— House version], United States Congress
* [https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1519/text S.1519&nbsp;— National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018&nbsp;— Senate version], United States Congress
* [https://partner-mco-archive.s3.amazonaws.com/client_files/1533834803.pdf Final Report on Organizational and Management Structure for the National Security Space Components of the Department of Defense]
 
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