About
FAQ
Many of the questions you have about the Space Force have been asked before. Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Learn more about what we do and why we serve.
Our mission is to defend our nation and its freedom to operate in space. With a singular focus on this domain, we train, equip and deploy forces to improve defense technology, global security, communication and provide independent options to achieve national objectives by applying military spacepower.
Both organizations work to improve our capabilities in space but with different directives. NASA is a civil agency that focuses on developing resources for education, exploration, innovation and research, while Space Force is a military service centered around the vital capabilities needed to defend the United States’ interests and freedom to operate in space.
The Space Force trains, organizes and equips Guardians to perform global space operations that improve how our joint services fight, communicate and achieve national objectives. These operations include developing and defending communication satellites, engineering global cybersecurity networks, supporting rocket launches, tracking space debris and coordinating battlefield operations across all war-fighting domains.
The Space Force was established on December 20, 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The Space Force consists of approximately 8,000 Active Duty Guardians.
The term “Guardians” has a long history in space operations, tracing back to the Air Force Space Command’s (AFSPC) motto in 1983, “Guardians of the High Frontier.” This name strongly connects our culture and heritage to our mission to protect our country and its freedom to operate in space.
Unlike other military branches, the Space Force does not have a national guard or reserve component. It consists of only full-time enlisted, officer and civilian personnel.