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.
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The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent with Northrop Grumman and Boeing competing for the award.
The final Delta 2 launch from Space Launch Complex 2 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base was planned for September 2019.
The first-stage booster used on the SES-12 launch first flew on 2018-09-07 on the Air Force’s Orbital Test Vehicle 5 mission.
SpaceX launched the all-electric SES-12 telecom satellite on 2018-06-04 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 rocket.
The Falcon 9 rocket carrying SES-12 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base at 12:45 a.m. Eastern.
The U.S. Air Force approved Firefly Aerospace to take over Space Launch Complex 2 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The U.S. Air Force plans to move from satellites designed to last 10 to 15 years to satellites built to operate for three to five years to enable more frequent in-orbit technology updates.
The Air Force is collaborating with NASA and the National Reconnaissance Office.
The Air Force's Rocket Systems Launch Program has flown more than 700 payloads for various research and development and technology demonstration missions.
Going forward, the Air Force seeks to conduct operational missions with costs and manufacturing times similar to Class C but with reduced overall mission risk.
The U.S. Air Force aims to respond to emerging threats with resilient satellite constellations that can be built, launched, and refreshed quickly.
The Air Force and national security space community are seeking to adopt the latest technology, which may include commercial parts manufactured outside the United States.
The Air Force reserves Class C missions for low-to-medium cost demonstration or experimental satellites designed to operate for less than two years.
The Air Force plans to update future satellite constellations every three to five years.
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 on 2018-05-22 from Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying five Iridium Next satellites and two GRACE-FO Earth science satellites using a previously-flown first stage.
The U.S. Air Force currently builds and tests satellites to ensure they can withstand radiation while in orbit for ten to 15 years.
The Air Force is exploring greater use of non-military standard parts and additive manufacturing to meet speed and mission assurance requirements.
Through the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, the Air Force has launched more than $50 billion in assets into orbit on 72 successful launches.
A key ingredient of the Air Force's success has been its knowledge of how each rocket is designed, tested, fabricated, and operated.
Col. Jon Strizzi is the chief engineer for the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Launch Directorate.