The Us Space Force: 6 Things You Need To Know

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the US military, established on December 20, 2019. As the sixth branch of the US Armed Forces, the USSF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces to protect US interests in space and to deter aggression in the space domain. Here are six things you need to know about the US Space Force:

1. Origins and Creation

The US Space Force was established as a separate branch of the US military with the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The creation of the USSF was a response to the growing importance of space in modern warfare and the need for a dedicated force to protect US interests in space. The USSF is the first new branch of the US military to be created since the US Air Force was established in 1947.

Key Dates in USSF History

March 2019: The US Air Force Space Command is redesignated as the US Space Force
August 2019: The US Space Force is officially established as a separate branch of the US military
December 2019: The USSF is officially stood up as a separate branch of the US military
January 2020: The USSF begins to assume responsibility for space operations from the US Air Force

2. Mission and Responsibilities

The US Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces to protect US interests in space and to deter aggression in the space domain. The USSF is also responsible for providing space-based capabilities to support joint military operations. The USSF's mission is to:

Protect US interests in space
Deter aggression in the space domain
Provide space-based capabilities to support joint military operations
Organize, train, and equip space forces

USSF Core Values

Guardianship: Protecting US interests in space
Excellence: Striving for excellence in all aspects of space operations
Innovation: Embracing innovation and new technologies to stay ahead in space
Selflessness: Putting the needs of the nation and the space community first

3. Organization and Structure

The US Space Force is organized into several key components, including:

Space Operations Command (SpOC): Responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces
Space Systems Command (SSC): Responsible for acquiring and developing space systems
Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM): Responsible for training and preparing space forces for operations

USSF Leadership

Chief of Space Operations (CSO): The senior leader of the USSF
Vice Chief of Space Operations (VCSO): The second-in-command of the USSF
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSF): The senior enlisted leader of the USSF

4. Space Systems and Capabilities

The US Space Force operates a range of space systems and capabilities, including:

Satellites: Used for communications, navigation, and surveillance
Launch Vehicles: Used to launch satellites into orbit
Ground Control Systems: Used to operate and control space systems
Space-Based Sensors: Used to detect and track objects in space

USSF Space Systems

Global Positioning System (GPS): A network of satellites used for navigation and timing
Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS): A network of satellites used for communications
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS): A network of satellites used for missile warning and surveillance

5. International Cooperation and Partnerships

The US Space Force is committed to international cooperation and partnerships in space. The USSF works closely with allies and partners to promote stability and security in space.

US Space Force international cooperation

USSF International Partners

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
European Space Agency (ESA)
Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Australian Space Agency (ASA)

6. Future Plans and Developments

The US Space Force is committed to innovation and modernization. The USSF is developing new space systems and capabilities, including:

Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (NG-OPIR): A new missile warning system
Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS): A new communications system
Space Launch System (SLS): A new heavy-lift launch vehicle

USSF Future Plans

Develop new space systems and capabilities
Expand international cooperation and partnerships
Continue to protect US interests in space

US Space Force Image Gallery

What is the US Space Force?

The US Space Force is the newest branch of the US military, established on December 20, 2019. It is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces to protect US interests in space and to deter aggression in the space domain.

What is the mission of the US Space Force?

The mission of the US Space Force is to protect US interests in space, deter aggression in the space domain, and provide space-based capabilities to support joint military operations.

What are the core values of the US Space Force?

The core values of the US Space Force are guardianship, excellence, innovation, and selflessness.

What is the relationship between the US Space Force and NASA?

The US Space Force and NASA are two separate organizations with different missions and responsibilities. The US Space Force is a military organization responsible for space operations, while NASA is a civilian agency responsible for space exploration and scientific research.

What is the future of the US Space Force?

The US Space Force is committed to innovation and modernization. It is developing new space systems and capabilities, including next-generation missile warning systems, communications systems, and launch vehicles.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the US Space Force. As the newest branch of the US military, the USSF is committed to protecting US interests in space and to deter aggression in the space domain. With its core values of guardianship, excellence, innovation, and selflessness, the USSF is poised to play a critical role in the future of space operations.