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.
The last HEXAGON satellite exploded at Vandenberg Air Force Base on 18 April 1986.
The United States Air Force launched the KH-11 KENNEN satellite in late 1976 from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The Air Force signed a contract in 1996 to develop the Space Based Infrared System-High (SBIRS-High).
The Relay Ground Station-Pacific located at Pine Gap, Australia, relayed data from DSP satellites back to Buckley Air Force Base.
The Air Force had no plans to retire the DSP program as of 2010.
By June 2001, the SBIRS Mission Control Station at Buckley Air Force Base assumed control of DSP satellites.
The Air Force moved the Atlantic DSP satellite to position at 37 degrees west after concerns about the SS-20 threat.
The Air Force launched DSP satellite 5R on November 28, 1987, almost fourteen years after its initial delivery.
The Air Force conducted three test flights of Program 437AP, achieving one success before discontinuing the program.
Conor Johnson holds a PhD from Clemson and has a background in structural dynamics as a former Air Force officer.
In 2008, the Air Force Space Command made the ESPA a standardized service for small payloads.
The Air Force agreed to investigate secondary payload options due to the cost-saving potential during the late 1990s.
Construction on a new headquarters building began at the Air Force Phillips Lab on Kirtland Air Force Base in 1993.
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center consolidated four reporting units and established the Space Experimentation Program Office in 1993.
Dr. Alok Das was a space structures scientist dividing his time between the Phillips Lab and the Propulsion Directorate at Edwards Air Force Base in California in 1993.
The Air Force Space Command was activated in September 1982, a year after the first Space Shuttle mission.
On April 30, 1976, an Atlas F rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying a new type of satellite into space.
The US Air Force studied military lunar bases as part of their long-range plans.
The Secretary of the Air Force Special Projects office managed Mission 7300 in Los Angeles.
In 1963, the Air Force launched the first ‘hitchhiker’ off the side of a larger satellite.