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Capabilities

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ProtectingSatellites

Connecting everything from cellphones to traffic signals, communication satellites play an integral role in our daily lives. Through space tech and ground tactics, we ensure each satellite is secure from intrusion—such as space debris and other external threats—through comprehensive cyber operations and space-domain awareness.

47K+
OBJECTS TRACKED

31
ACTIVE GPS SATELLITES

8K
GUARDIANS

Space debris travels around Earth’s orbit at 22,000 miles per hour, making pieces as small as a paint chip dangerous enough to damage a satellite.

The Space Surveillance Network (SSN) is a collection of radar and optical sensors used to detect and track man-made objects orbiting the Earth and predict where collisions can be prevented.

The Satellite Catalog (SATCAT) tracks and classifies space debris, such as out-of-service satellites, and is currently managed by the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

AdvancedExtremelyHighFrequency(AEHF)

Seamlessly connects armed forces across the globe, ensuring warfighters are safer and more efficient.

AdvancedExtremelyHighFrequency(AEHF)

Assures critical intelligence is accessible to top decision makers, such as the U.S. President and Joint Chiefs of Staff.

AdvancedExtremelyHighFrequency(AEHF)

Consists of three segments: space (satellites), ground (mission control) and terminals (users).

Where it all connects
What happens if GPS goes dark?
All networks that use GPS (TVs, navigation, cell phones and weather forecasts) would be incapable of transmitting information.
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Targeting Analyst
Supervises and develops intelligence to analyze targets and assess threats.
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Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer
Ensures the effectiveness of cyberspace operations, from planning missions to supervising satellite communications.
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If I’m the adversary, the first thing I’m going to do is try and knock out GPS in order to blind us. ”

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), Air and Space Force Sciences

Guardian interviewee — Space Domain
As the first branch dedicated to space, constant innovation is a must.

featured news
As satellites and space junk proliferate, U.S. to revise rules
Space Force aims to revise old rules to better address the removal of space debris and repair in-orbit spacecraft.
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PERFORMINGMILITARY&HUMANITARIANOPS

Whether it’s aiding a country hit by a natural disaster, or integrating into a military operation, we coordinate across all domains and hostile environments to ensure communication is seamless between all branches. This includes the use of GPS and radar-enhanced systems to track and guide aircraft, ground vehicles and missiles.

8K
GUARDIANS
22K
MILES ORBITED

AdvancedExtremelyHighFrequency(AEHF)

Transmits vital, jam-resistant communications for military assets and missions across air, land and sea.

GlobalPositioningSatellites(GPSIII)

Improves global security and communication with three times the accuracy and is eight times harder to jam than its predecessors.

Space-BasedInfraredSystem(SBIRS)

Provides critical capabilities for space awareness, missile defense and intelligence transmission.

Military operations
No objective is out of our reach
We deter global threats with ground- and space-based systems to monitor missile launches and coordinate mission objectives across the globe.
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Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer
Ensures the effectiveness of cyberspace operations, from planning missions to supervising satellite communications.
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Signals Intelligence Analyst
Extracts and analyzes foreign communications through electromagnetic emissions.
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The intent was to consolidate (and) increase our operational capability; increase our readiness and do so in a more efficient manner. ”

Gen John W. Raymond, Former Chief of Space Operations

https://images.ctfassets.net/jv40w9pms0ga/7ufzsfMpa5qW9wrspO0vD7/03af1729f295aac77cc76f1a37a1de4f/GPS.jpg?fm= — GPS
Whether it's cell phones, GPS or guided missiles, space is where it all connects.

featured news
Space Cockpit a new way to visualize space operations
November 11, marks the year anniversary for Space Cockpit, situational awareness tool that helps satellite operators visualize the satellites they control in real-time.
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Facilitatinglaunches

We facilitate commercial launches across the Department of Defense (DoD) from initial development to final execution. Crews on the ground construct and program rockets to meet requirements, while our global satellite operators track environmental factors to ensure launches are safe and seamlessly successful.

200+
LAUNCHES
5
LAUNCH SITES

MerlinEngine

Two-speed superchargers built to improve power at higher altitudes.

PayloadFairing

Stores and protects cargo during missions.

Interstage

Shifts the rocket’s center of pressure to guide it for reentry.

Payload

Provides a secure environment for ascent.

Multi-Manifest

Optimizes mass to orbit.

GEM-63XLsolidrocketboosters

Boost propulsion during initial launch.

Meteorological Forecasting
Protecting Takeoff
Guardians forecast atmospheric conditions to properly direct and optimize launching operations.
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Space Systems Operator
Performs vital tasks to assist in rocket launches and space flight operations.
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Space Operations Officer
Plans, organizes and directs space operations.
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It takes a dedicated and highly-skilled industry and government team to ensure a successful launch for this one-of-a-kind national asset. ”

Col Robert Bongiovi, Director of Space and Missile Systems Center’s, Launch Enterprise

featured news
ULA Launches Missile Warning Satellite for U.S. Space Force
The United Launch Alliance marks their 95th Space Security launch with the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO)-6 mission.
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