About
The Western Development Division is established
The U.S. Armed Forces established its first dedicated space organization under General Bernard Schriever.
Explorer 1 Launched
The first U.S. satellite to carry science instruments was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Cape Canaveral, FL.
First GPS satellite launched
After four years and hundreds of tests, the Air Force sets the first Block 1 development Navstar/GPS satellite into orbit. Three more Navstar satellites were launched by the end of 1978.
Air Force Space Command was activated
The Air Force unified their space operations under AFSPC focusing on launch operations, satellite control, missile warning and space surveillance.
AFSPC Slogan Adopted
"Guardians of the High Frontier" (where our term “Guardians” came from) was adopted to promote AFSPC's heritage of protecting space assets.
Space tactics take priority
Space forces proved to be critical in U.S. involvement during Operation Desert Storm, further validating the Space Command’s mission.
First Chief of Space Operations is assigned
General John Raymond was sworn in at the White House as the U.S. recognized its newest branch of the military.
Space Force is established
The National Defense Authorization Act was passed. At which point, the Air Force Space Command was reclassified as the U.S. Space Force and became the sixth U.S. military branch.
The first Space Force rocket launch
United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched the Space Force’s first payload from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Space Force welcomes its first Air Force Academy graduates
Eighty-six Air Force Academy graduates moved directly into the Space Force, marking its first admission of commissioned personnel.
Space Force partners with NASA
The Space Force and NASA formed the Foundation for Broad Collaboration to work on matters concerning space policy, transportation, operations and planetary defense.
Space Force takes over SATCOM missions
The Army and Navy transferred their satellite funding and responsibilities over to the Space Force.
Final Delta IV Heavy Launch
United Launch Alliance launched the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg SFB.
Second Chief of Space Operations is Assigned
Lt. General B. Chance Saltzman was sworn in by the Senate as the U.S. Space Force’s second Chief of Space Operations.
United States Space Force Launches Seventh X-37B Mission
The SpaceX rocket in partnership with USSF, carried into orbit an X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), marking the seventh space flight for the X-37B program and its first launch on a Falcon Heavy.
Our Mission
Space now defines our daily lives and the modern way of war.
From GPS to strategic warning and satellite communications, we defend the ultimate high ground.
