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 U.S. Air Force awarded L3Harris Technologies an $81,000,000 contract to deliver a new multi-orbit, multi-waveform satellite communications (SATCOM) capability.
The Air Force Strategic Development and Planning office is overseeing the L3Harris $81,000,000 SATCOM contract as part of the Global Lightning program.
In 2020, the U.S. Air Force awarded contracts that established multi-orbit SATCOM terminals for multiple aerial platforms.
The Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) was created in 2017 through the Air Force Space Systems Command to bridge the gap between military buyers and commercial space startups and small businesses through Other Transaction Authorities.
In 2020, the U.S. Air Force awarded contracts that established multi-orbit SATCOM terminals for multiple aerial platforms.
The U.S. Air Force awarded L3Harris Technologies an $81,000,000 contract to deliver a new multi-orbit, multi-waveform satellite communications capability.
This $81,000,000 award continues L3Harris’ support of the Air Force Global Lightning program.
The U.S. Air Force launched the first GPS satellite capable of broadcasting the M-code signal in 2005.
The Department of the Air Force selected Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, as the preferred location to host Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters (STARCOM).
The Department of the Air Force selected Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, as the preferred location to host Space Delta 10.
Valerie Vasquez serves as a Foreign Affairs Officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
The Air Force selected Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, as the preferred location for Space Delta 11.
The Air Force selected Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, as the preferred location for Space Delta 12.
The Department of the Air Force selected Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, as the preferred location for the headquarters of the Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Delta 10 on 2023-05-31.
The Department of the Air Force will conduct environmental impact analyses at each base, which are expected to be completed later 2023 before final decisions are made.
Under the U.S. Air Force Tactical Funding Increase program last August, Ursa Major and AFRL had a contract to qualify the 5,000-pound-thrust oxygen-rich staged-combustion Hadley rocket engine for future Department of Defense missions.
Ursa Major’s contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory is an eight-figure agreement and is larger than a $3,600,000 Air Force contract the company received last year for development of its Hadley engine for small launch vehicles.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has been questioned by lawmakers about the relocation decision, which is still under review.
The fight over the relocation began after the Air Force's proposal during the final days of the Trump presidency to move Space Command from Colorado to Alabama.
Rep. Mike Rogers stated that the Air Force's actions concerning the selection of Space Command headquarters require the Committee to seek document preservation.