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.
Air Force leaders proposed next-gen OPIR as a fast-track program that could be ready to launch by 2023 using Section 804 authorities from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.
Continuous production agility aims to use standard satellite buses and modular payloads so the Air Force can expand its supplier base and buy buses and payloads from multiple vendors.
Rocket Lab’s Electron launched three technology demonstration satellites for the U.S. Air Force in May 2019.
The Air Force plans to select two providers in 2020 to split all national security launches from 2022 to 2026.
The House Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act directs the Air Force to create more opportunities for new entrants to compete in the Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement.
The House Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2020 NDAA requires the Air Force to set aside $500,000,000 to help companies build launch pads and get their rockets certified.
Col. Robert Bongiovi stated that the Air Force will reopen the competition for Phase 3 starting in 2025 and will award Launch Service Agreement cost-sharing contracts so companies can invest in their vehicles and infrastructure.
Col. Robert Bongiovi estimated that the HASC language could expose the Air Force to having to make up to $1,500,000,000 available to SpaceX and perhaps other companies that win missions in Phase 2 after the first 29 launches.
The Air Force planned to use the STP-2 launch to gain experience with reused boosters.
The Air Force procured the STP-2 launch from SpaceX in 2012 for a launch originally scheduled for 2015.
Patrick Shanahan personally oversaw the writing of the legislative proposal to establish a Space Force under the Air Force.
Harris Corp. received an $18,000,000 contract modification on 2019-06-21 to build L- and S-band antennas for the Air Force Satellite Control Network.
The solicitation from the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center set an objective of achieving on-orbit capability within 24 hours from call-up notification.
Lt. Gen. John Thompson, Commander of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, seeks partnerships with many small launch providers to deliver 400 kg or 450 kg payloads to low Earth orbit reliably and cheaply.
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center requested Defense Innovation Unit assistance in 2017 to work with emerging small launch providers following a $15,000,000 Congressional insertion for the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative.
Rocket Lab launched three experimental Air Force satellites to orbit on 2019-05-05 as the first of five missions planned for 2019 under the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative.
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Launch Enterprise Systems Directorate issued a request for vendors’ statements of capabilities on 2019-05-30 with proposals due 2019-07-15 to meet rapid space launch requirements.
John Stopher was in charge of the Air Force’s space portfolio, space procurement reforms, and personnel initiatives.
Retired Air Force Gen. Les Lyles serves as chair of the NASA Advisory Council and as a member of the National Space Council’s Users’ Advisory Group.
In April 2018, John Stopher became the principal assistant to the secretary of the Air Force for space.