The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is the space service branch of the U.S. Department of Defense, established in December 2019. Its primary role is to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space by ensuring space superiority. The USSF manages space launch operations, satellite operations, space environment surveillance, and satellite defense, and partners with organizations like NASA on space domain awareness and planetary defense. Key areas of focus include missile warning, satellite communications, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The United States Space Force (USSF) has a direct supporting relationship with NASA for personnel recovery support to U.S. astronauts.
Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit on Saturday, 2024-03-30 at 9:30 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
SpaceX targeted Thursday, 2024-03-28 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base with liftoff targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT and backup opportunities available until 11:24 p.m. PT.
These tenets guide Space Force activities and investments to protect U.S. interests without compromising space domain usability.
Sejong-1, a Spire-built satellite carrying an optical payload for HANCOM InSpace, launched in May 2022 on the SpaceX Transporter-5 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
U.S. Space Force General Chance Saltzman presented his vision for ensuring U.S. space superiority.
The third Falcon 9 launch was scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base during a four-hour window that opened at 10:30 p.m. EDT (7:30 p.m. California time; 02:30 GMT on 2024-03-31).
David D. Thompson contributed to creating the Space Force and represented the Chief of Space Operations in high-level meetings, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The U.S. Space Force is expected to seek bids 2024 for further developed ESS prototypes.
The Space Force is evaluating two PTS prototype payload designs, one by Boeing and one by Northrop Grumman, that could launch for in-orbit demonstrations in 2025.
David D. Thompson (Ret.) served 38 years in the Air and Space Forces and was the first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force.
General David D. Thompson served as the first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force.
The Space Force has $1,200,000,000 allocated for military satellite programs in the fiscal year 2024 defense funding bill passed by Congress on 2024-03-21.
U.S. Space Force 18th Space Defense Squadron tracking data initially showed objects associated with the 2024-03-13 launch in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The Delta family of launch vehicles has flown 388 launches to date, including 293 from the U.S. East Coast and 95 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
There have been 44 Delta IV launches to date, all successful, for the Air Force, Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and commercial customers.
The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command manages a $15,600,000,000 space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and oversees AATS responsibilities including range sustainment and assured access to space.
Liftoff for the planned NROL-70 mission was scheduled for 1:40 p.m. EDT (1740 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The U.S. Space Force will continue to invest in sensors that use optical, radar, and radio frequency phenomenologies and in tools to integrate and contextualize sensor data for decision makers.
United Launch Alliance has conducted 44 Delta IV launches to date, all successful, for Air Force, Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and commercial customers.