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.
In the 2021 budget the U.S. Air Force transferred $15,400,000,000 from existing accounts to the U.S. Space Force.
The U.S. Space Force was established 2019-12-20 as an independent service under the Department of the Air Force.
The Air Force received $1,200,000,000 in 2020 for four national security launches.
The Air Force requested $88,000,000 in its 2021 military construction budget for an upgraded space operations facility at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act created the U.S. Space Force and gives the Department of Defense and the Air Force flexibility to adjust the organization subject to conditions.
The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) is an experimental navigation satellite developed by L3Harris for the U.S. Air Force that passed a preliminary design review on 2020-02-05.
Thompson stated that the Air Force aims to make systems as cybersecure as possible, acknowledging that achieving complete cyberproof systems may not be realistic.
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a contract in September 2018 for up to 22 GPS 3F satellites.
The 2018 contract for NTS-3 includes options for the Air Force to buy up to nine satellites.
Virgin Orbit is working with the U.S. Air Force to perform a LauncherOne launch from Guam to demonstrate the system’s flexibility.
Under the 2014 contract for CCS Block 10.2, L3Harris will deliver systems in 2020 to Air National Guard units in California, Colorado, Florida, and Hawaii, as well as to the 4th Space Control Squadron.
In 2020 the Air Force plans additional initiatives including additional Space Pitch days, accelerator projects, and a Hyperspace Challenge to link tech startups with government innovators.
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center will expand its campaign in 2020 to draw on the innovation of companies that are not traditional government contractors.
The U.S. Air Force first deployed three Counter Communications System Block 10.0 units in 2004 in response to electronic warfare systems fielded by other countries.
Singapore startups NuSpace and Aliena plan to send their joint NuX-1 demonstration satellite on Momentus’ Vigoride orbital transfer vehicle after it launches in early 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Details on how the new assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration office will be organized will be provided on 2020-03-31 in a separate NDAA-mandated update.
NASA, using the Air Force’s Hosted Payload Solutions contract vehicle, tasked Maxar with installing the Ball Aerospace-built TEMPO payload on a geostationary satellite.
The 2020 NDAA requires the secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Space Operations to regularly brief defense and appropriations committees through March 2023.
The Air Force plans to start operational testing of the GPS enterprise in 2020.
Gen. John W. Raymond named Air Force Brig. Gen. (select) Michael Conley vice commander of Space Operations Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on 2020-01-30.