The U.S. Air Force (USAF) plays a significant role in the space industry, historically serving as the Department of Defense's executive agent for space, and developing early military space programs and launch vehicles. Although the U.S. Space Force was established as an independent branch in 2019, the Air Force continues to contribute to space operations, including training personnel, research and development, and maintaining partnerships. The USAF's space-related activities encompass satellite operations, missile warning, communication support, and collaboration with allies to ensure regional stability. Key partners include the U.S. Space Force, other branches of the military, and international allies.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Erich Hernandez-Baquero was considered for the role of Air Force assistant secretary for space acquisition and integration after Frank Calvelli left the Defense Department at the end of January 2025.
The Air Force launched the SNAP-19C RTG on top of a mountain in the Himalayas to power a signals intelligence collection device for spying on China.
The U.S. Air Force provided funding to help complete the PHSF and add security measures such as internal shades over the high bay and airlock windows.
The Air Force launched the SNAP-10A reactor into orbit in 1965.
Before becoming a taikonaut, Zhang Zhiyuan served as a pilot in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and reached the rank of colonel.
Aireon supplies surveillance data to air navigation service providers.
The Space Force was established without its own legal career field and relies on Air Force judge advocates, a judiciary system, a defense bar, and victim’s counsel provided by the Air Force.
Zhang Zhiyuan previously served as a pilot in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and held the rank of colonel.
Lieutenant General Larry James USAF (Ret’d) has been appointed strategic adviser to the Australasian Space Innovation Institute.
The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Special Projects was a key component of the National Reconnaissance Office.
The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Special Projects oversaw satellite control operations in orbit.
The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Special Projects, or SAFSP, was a key component of the National Reconnaissance Office.
Tom Cooper estimated that the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force had ten operational Tomcats before the 2026 Iran war.
The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Special Projects oversaw recovery of satellite payloads that returned to Earth using aircraft and ships.
Iran renamed the Imperial Iranian Air Force as the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force in 1979.
The Department of the Air Force requested $350 billion in mandatory reconciliation funding for major aerospace programs.
Before being selected as a taikonaut, Zhang Zhiyuan served as a pilot in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and held the rank of colonel.
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, indicated that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara will likely generate a formal push to define member-state space capabilities.
Zhang Zhiyuan previously served as a pilot in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and reached the rank of colonel.
Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach said the Air Force budget would be used to increase readiness, support flight hours, improve fleet maintenance, and provide advanced training.