About
1954

The Western Development Division is established

The U.S. Armed Forces established its first dedicated space organization under General Bernard Schriever.
Spaceforce.com_History_Western_Development_Division_establised
1958

Explorer 1 Launched

The first U.S. satellite to carry science instruments was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Cape Canaveral, FL.
Spaceforce.com_History_Explorer_1_Launched
1978

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_First_GPS
1982

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_AFSC_Activated
1983

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.
AFSPC Slogan Adopted
1991

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_Space_Tactics_alt
2019

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_Chief_of_Space_Operations
2019

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_Space_Force_established
2020

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_First_Space_Force_Rocket_Launch
2020

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_Air_Force_Academy_Graduates
2020

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.
Spaceforce.com_History_Space_Force_Partners_with_NASA
2021

Space Force takes over SATCOM missions

The Army and Navy transferred their satellite funding and responsibilities over to the Space Force.
Spaceforce.com_History_SATCOM_Missions
2022

Final Delta IV Heavy Launch

United Launch Alliance launched the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg SFB.
HistoryImages 330x217 DeltaIV
2022

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.
Lt. General B. Chance Saltzman
2023

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.
231229-F-AF999-2228
0
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.

Bases

Explore our bases across the U.S.

Learn more about U.S. Bases