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 Department of the Air Force began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018.
LinQuest supports the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and other U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence agencies.
The CRADA with AFRL West provides iRocket with resources, expertise, and site facility support to conduct propulsion, stage, and grasshopper testing at the High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base.
The High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base has tested programs including Big Dumb Booster, High Thrust Space Shuttle Alternative (1969–1971), and Super Hippo (1976–1979).
Many launches of the Thor rocket were conducted from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The Air Force utilized the Atlas for larger payloads, but the upgraded Thor was significantly cheaper and aimed to carry heavier payloads.
Most of the military payloads placed into orbit by Thor in the early 1960s launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The Air Force developed the Thor intermediate range ballistic missile as a lower-cost alternative to the Atlas for launching payloads into orbit.
The United States Air Force considered the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile for launching satellites into orbit in the mid-1950s.
Intelligent Waves operates under multiple contract vehicles for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin conducted a planned flight test of the unarmed, developmental Mk21A reentry vehicle in the Pacific Ocean on 2024-06-17.
The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center is headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico and has more than 2,000 military and civilian personnel assigned to 20 locations worldwide.
Amentum has a proven track record of research and development, systems engineering, and test support for multiple US Defense agencies, including DARPA, the Air Force, Navy, and Army.
On December 16, 1958, Vandenberg Air Force Base was christened as the Air Force's west coast launch facility with its first missile shot.
The first military satellite launch attempt at Vandenberg Air Force Base took place on February 28, 1959, with the launch of Discoverer 1.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall sought to reallocate $117,000,000 under quick-start authorities for the Resilient GPS project.
CMSEO selected 14 astronauts from air force pilots in 1998 for its first spaceflight missions.
Axumite's planned launcher, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, was developed for fleet defense by the US Navy and later adopted by the US Air Force.
The Space RCO established the R2C2 program office in February 2023 in response to directives from Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.
RapidFlight will provide comprehensive operations and maintenance training for SPX to United States Air Force operators throughout the contract.