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.
Leonardo signed a Letter of Intent with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia to collaborate on the supply and support of M-346 F Block 20 aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force.
The U.S. Air Force will provide facilities at Kirtland Air Force Base for Viridian Space to test its propulsion system.
The CRADA with the U.S. Air Force creates pathways for the Department of Defense to leverage VLEO and helps Viridian Space develop an offering for the commercial sector.
The Viridian-U.S. Air Force CRADA will be run out of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In March 1967 the Air Force study considered an infrared sensor operating in the 2.68 to 2.97 micron wavelength range for detection of ICBMs and short-burn missiles in medium-altitude or geosynchronous orbit.
In the early 1970s the Air Force began development of the Satellite Data System (SDS) communications relay satellite with the CIA responsible for the relay payload.
The NRO Air Force component known as Program A was based in Los Angeles and was responsible for developing signals intelligence and photographic reconnaissance satellites.
A new Titan rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on March 21, 1971 carrying a thicker fairing the same diameter as the Titan core stage.
Aviation Week identified JUMPSEAT’s Air Force code number as 711 and disclosed its launcher, elliptical orbit, contractor, and SIGINT mission level in a report published one year before the first launch.
During the 1960s the Navy developed the GRAB and later POPPY programs while the Air Force pursued Program 770 large SIGINT satellites and Program 11 (later Program 989) small suitcase-sized satellites.
The Air Force planned to have a new spacecraft available in 15–18 months for urgent ABM-related sensing tasks.
Zhang Lu served in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and achieved the rank of Senior Colonel.
The GAO recommended that the Secretary of the Air Force ensure the Space Development Agency follows a more collaborative process with warfighter participants to define and prioritize requirements.
Iridium NEXT launches take place from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and Iridium planned a fourth launch in late November 2017 to continue constellation deployment toward completion in 2018.
Tomorrow.io has attracted attention from government and enterprise customers including Ford, Uber, and the U.S. Air Force.
The Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) is modeled after the Air Force’s Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF).
Dr. Gladys West was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jared Isaacman visited NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base.
Edwards Air Force Base has runways, dedicated airspace, and unique support capabilities that enable complex flight tests in controlled conditions.
Space Vehicle SV09 is named in honor of U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut Col. Ellison Onizuka.