5 Key Milestones As The US Space Force Marks 5th Anniversary

The United States Space Force (USSF) was established just a short, five years ago on December 20th, 2019. Since that day, the youngest branch of the US armed forces has been steadily growing and developing as a fully independent arm of the American military. As a split off from the US Air Force, the Space Force has almost 10,000 men and women in uniform today. Known as Guardians, they steadfastly defend America’s interests in the domain of space
and expand the limits of what is possible to safeguard national defense through space power.

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Creation of the Space Force

Where it all started

When the US Space Force was created, it marked a transformative shift in the United States’ approach to space as a distinct domain of warfare. The establishment of the USSF aimed to unify and streamline space operations through a dedicated organization. From its inception, the Space Force was tasked with creating a unified command to manage and protect space assets while ensuring readiness to respond to emerging threats.

Transforming departments of the US Air Force
laid the foundation for the Space Force’s organizational structure. Building off an established pool of skills and resources enabled them to operate autonomously and integrate with existing military branches easily from the outset. The creation of the Space Force recognized space as a strategic frontier with unique operational and strategic specialization, focusing on resources and personnel to address the unique challenges it presents.

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First Space Operations Squadron activation

Taking action to secure the final frontier

The First Space Operations Squadron is a component of Delta 9, headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The squadron was first activated October 5th, 1987, and officially integrated on June 19, 2020. In comments to Defense.gov, Gen B. Chance Saltzman reflected on half a decade of accomplishments:

“On average, we have tripled in size every year for the last five years in personnel, an astounding growth rate for any government organization. We have reimagined operations, redefined policies [and] reworked processes from the ground up to forge a service purpose-built for great power competition. All of this in just five years.”

Space Force squadrons manage vital national defense assets like communication satellites, navigation satellites, and space reconnaissance platforms. Their role is imperative to many layers of American defense and infrastructure.

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Launching the GPS III satellites

Renewed power for a legacy of excellence

The USSF took over responsibility for the Global Positioning System (GPS) when they separated from the USAF and continued the program to launch the GPS 3 modernization project with Lockheed Martin
. Just a few days ago, on December 16th, the Space Force and Lockheed Martin successfully launched the seventh satellite in the new GPS 3 network.

With the first launches in 2020, the third-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) is more robust, accurate, and resilient than the satellites that came before them. Integrating state-of-the-art technologies into the legacy GPS system has enabled the Space Force to achieve new levels of operational readiness for the Department of Defense (DOD):

“GPS III vehicles provide three times greater accuracy and eight times greater anti-jamming capability over existing satellites in the constellation. To better address mission needs and emerging threats, Lockheed Martin intentionally created GPS III with a modular design, allowing new technology and capabilities to be added in the future.”

The constellation of GPS satellites that circle the globe provides an essential navigation service for more than just the military. Commercial aircraft, ships, smartphones, and countless other devices rely on GPS to get from point “A” to point “B.” GPS is a household name because billions of people use it every day. Thanks to the Guardians of the US Space Force, we can count on it to always be there when we need it.

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Space Domain Awarenesss

Building the complete picture

The Space Force has made it a primary mission to integrate a comprehensive network of observation, surveillance, and tracking systems into a complete network under the banner of Space Domain Awareness. This program covers an umbrella of over 60 ground and space-based systems. Some of the functions of this network include tracking debris and satellites in orbit and identifying hostile actions such as anti-satellite weapon tests and cyber intrusions targeting space systems.

The newly centralized command of all these systems provides a consolidated and streamlined organization capable of providing real-time data about the orbital environment. This network can also accumulate historical data for analysis, enhancing its ability to anticipate and respond to threats.

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Integration of Space Force with joint operations

One team, one fight

As a new service branch, forging a position in the combined strategy of the armed forces is not a simple task. Seamless integration with other military branches is essential for the Space Force to execute coordinated defense strategies effectively. Embedding space operations within joint missions ensures that space capabilities are leveraged across all domains of warfare.

Integration entails collaboration on joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and the development of interoperable tactics and technologies. The Space Force ensures its assets are fully utilized to support ground, air, maritime, and cyber operations. This holistic approach not only maximizes the utility of space-based resources but also reinforces the strategic importance of space in achieving military objectives.

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Key milestones

Creation of the Space Force (December 20, 2019)

First Space Operations Squadron Activation (June 18, 2020)

Launch of the GPS III Satellites (2020-2024)

Space Domain Awareness Initiatives (2019-2024)

Integration of Space Force with Joint Operations (2019-2024)