United States Space Force facts for kids

"Semper Supra" redirects here. For the official march of the United States Space Force, see Semper Supra (march).

Quick facts for kids United States Space Force
Space Force Delta
Founded	20 December 2019; 5 years ago (2019-12-20)
Type	Space force
Size	9,400 military personnel
Part of	United States Armed Forces Department of the Air Force
Headquarters	The Pentagon Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
Motto(s)	Semper Supra "Always above"
March	"Semper Supra"
Anniversaries	20 December
Equipment	See spacecraft and space systems
Engagements	As Air Force Space Command Grenada – Operation Urgent Fury Lebanese Civil War Libya – Operation El Dorado Canyon Persian Gulf – Operation Ernest Will Panama – Operation Just Cause Somalia – Operation United Shield Haiti – Operation Uphold Democracy Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Endeavor Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Guard Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Endeavor Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia – Operation Joint Forge Southwest Asia – Operation Vigilant Sentinel Southwest Asia – Maritime Intercept Operations Southwest Asia – Operation Southern Watch Southwest Asia – Operation Northern Watch Southwest Asia – Operation Desert Fox Haiti – Operation Secure Tomorrow Persian Gulf War Kosovo Air Campaign Kosovo Defense Campaign Iraq Campaign As U.S. Space Force Global War on Terrorism Afghanistan Campaign Inherent Resolve Campaign
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief	President Joe Biden
Secretary of Defense	Lloyd Austin
Secretary of the Air Force	Frank Kendall III
Chief of Space Operations	Gen B. Chance Saltzman
Vice Chief of Space Operations	Gen Michael Guetlein
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force	CMSSF John F. Bentivegna
Insignia
Flag
Seal
Emblem

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is the part of the U.S. military that focuses on space. It is one of only two independent space forces in the world.

The Space Force started from military space programs in the Air Force, Army, and Navy during the Cold War. U.S. military space forces first helped in combat during the Vietnam War. They have been part of every U.S. military operation since then. The Persian Gulf War was even called the "first space war" because space operations were so important. The idea of a U.S. Space Force became more serious in the 1980s.

Talks about creating a Space Force began in the 1990s and early 2000s. The idea came back in the late 2010s because other countries were developing their military space programs. This led to the Space Force being created on December 20, 2019.

The Space Force is part of the Department of the Air Force, just like the U.S. Air Force. The Department of the Air Force is led by the Secretary of the Air Force. The U.S. Space Force itself is led by the Chief of Space Operations.

What the Space Force Does

Secure our Nation's interests in, from, and to space.

The Space Force has important jobs to do in space. These jobs are listed in a law called the United States Space Force Act. The Space Force is set up to:

Help the United States operate freely in, from, and to space.
Carry out space operations.
Protect U.S. interests in space.

The Department of Defense also says the Space Force must:

Provide freedom to operate in space.
Perform space operations quickly and continuously.
Protect U.S. interests in space.
Stop attacks in, from, and to space.
Conduct space operations.

The Space Force divides its work into three main parts:

Space Superiority (in space)
Global Mission Operations (from space)
Assured Space Access (to space)

Space Superiority

Concept of a future space interception

Space superiority means protecting our spacecraft from threats. It also means stopping attacks that use enemy spacecraft. The Space Force needs to control space. This way, the U.S. can keep using its spacecraft. It can also stop enemies from using their spacecraft or space tools.

Missions that help with space superiority include:

Orbital warfare: Fighting in space.
Electromagnetic warfare: Using radio waves to control or stop signals.
Space battle management: Directing space operations.

Global Mission Operations

Missile warning radar at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland

Global mission operations connect different military actions around the world. Through space, the U.S. military and its friends can see, talk, and find their way. These operations also protect U.S. forces on Earth. They give early warnings of incoming missiles or other attacks. The Space Force says these operations help the rest of the U.S. military defend land, air, and sea.

Missions that support global operations include:

Missile warning: Spotting missiles early.
Satellite communications: Talking through satellites.
Positioning, navigation, and timing: Helping with GPS and accurate time.

Assured Space Access

USSF Falcon Heavy launch from Kennedy Space Center

Assured space access means the Space Force can launch and keep equipment in space. This includes launching rockets. It also means guiding spacecraft to avoid space junk. The Space Force needs to be able to launch and operate in space all the time.

Missions supporting space access include:

Launch: Sending things into space.
Range control: Managing launch areas.
Cyber: Protecting computer systems.
Space domain awareness: Knowing what is happening in space.

How the Space Force is Organized

How the United States Space Force fits into the Department of Defense

The Space Force has a main headquarters that leads the force. It also has field commands that train and equip its members, called Guardians. Deltas support these commands and focus on specific missions. Squadrons specialize in things like buying equipment, cyber operations, and space operations.

Headquarters Space Force

The Space Force is led by the Chief of Space Operations. This is a four-star general who advises the Secretary of the Air Force. The Space Force and the U.S. Air Force together form the Department of the Air Force. This is similar to how the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps form the Department of the Navy.

Title		Current holder
	Chief of space operations (CSO)		Gen B. Chance Saltzman
	Vice chief of space operations (VCSO)		Gen Michael Guetlein
	Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF)		CMSSF John F. Bentivegna

Commands and Units

The Space Force has three main field commands. These commands are built for specific tasks. They organize, train, and equip Guardians. There are also "Component field commands" that help combine space forces into larger military plans. "Direct reporting units" are places for new ideas and special knowledge.

	Mission	Headquarters
Space Operations Command (SpOC)	Creates and supports space warfighting abilities	Peterson SFB, Colorado
Space Systems Command (SSC)	Develops and provides space tools	Los Angeles AFB, California
Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)	Trains Guardians for competition and conflict	Peterson SFB, Colorado

Bases

The Space Force headquarters is in Washington, D.C. But its other parts are all over the United States and in other countries. As of 2024, they are in 18 states and territories, and at 46 bases.

People and Culture

Symbols of the Space Force

The Delta Symbol

The delta symbol is very important to the Space Force. It comes from the rocket equation where "Delta v" means change in speed. Since the 20th century, the delta has looked like a rocket or an arrow. The United States Army Air Forces used it in 1940.

After World War II, the delta was used in space programs. It appeared on the U.S. Air Force-NASA X-15 aircraft. In 1962, the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division used the delta. It showed the Air Force's push into space and the rockets used to launch satellites. This delta later became the main shape for the Space Force's seal and logo.

Guardians

A Space Force specialist with the 4th Space Operations Squadron performing an armed security detail

Members of the Space Force are called Guardians. This is like how U.S. Marine Corps members are called Marines. The name "Guardian" comes from the Air Force Space Command's old motto: "Guardians of the High Frontier." Before December 2020, they were called "space professionals."

Semper Supra

The Space Force's motto is Semper Supra. This means "Always Above." It is similar to the mottos of the Marine Corps (Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful) and Coast Guard (Semper Paratus – Always Ready). The Space Force's official song is also named "Semper Supra."

Jobs and Badges

Space Operations	Intelligence	Cyberspace Operations	Acquisition and Engineering
Officers
13A – Astronaut 13S – Space Operations Officer	14N – Intelligence Officer	17S – Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer	62EXA – Aeronautical Engineer 62EXB – Astronautical Engineer 62EXC – Computer Systems Engineer 62EXE – Electrical/Electronic Engineer 62EXH – Mechanical Engineer 62EXI – Human Factors Engineer/Human Systems Integration 63A – Acquisitions Manager
Enlisted Members
5S – Space Systems Operator	5I0 – All Source Intelligence Analyst 5I1 – Geospatial Intelligence Analyst 5I2 – Signals Intelligence Analyst 5I3 – Fusion Analyst 5I8 – Targeting Analyst	5C – Cyberspace Operations

Space operators are the largest group in the Space Force. They lead space operations. Space operations officers (13S) plan and lead space combat. This includes orbital warfare and space access. Enlisted Space Systems Operators (5S) carry out these operations. They earn the Space Operations Badge after training.

Senior observer badge with the astronaut device as awarded to Space Force astronauts

The Space Force has two astronauts (13A). They are Space Force officers working with NASA. They fly spacecraft and work on the International Space Station. They also help the Department of Defense with spaceflight. After a spaceflight, they get the observer badge with an astronaut rating.

Intelligence officers (14N) lead the Space Force's intelligence work. They gather and analyze information. They lead enlisted analysts who specialize in different types of intelligence. These Guardians earn their intelligence badge after training.

Colonel Michael S. Hopkins became the U.S. Space Force's first astronaut when he transferred from the U.S. Air Force on the International Space Station on 18 December 2020

Cyberspace effects operations officers (17S) manage cyber weapons and satellite communication systems. They lead enlisted Cyberspace Operations Guardians. They earn the cyberspace operator badge after training.

Acquisition and engineering are jobs only for officers. Engineers (62E) work on things like aeronautical and computer systems. Acquisition managers (63A) handle how the Space Force buys new equipment.

Spacepower Disciplines

Members of the 4th Space Operations Squadron Mobile Operations Flight conducting armed convoy operations

The U.S. Space Force has seven main areas of expertise:

Orbital Warfare: Knowing how to move and fight in orbit. This helps keep space free for U.S. forces.
Space Electromagnetic Warfare: Understanding and using radio waves. This can stop enemies from using their signals.
Space Battle Management: Making quick decisions in space. This helps protect missions and stop enemies.
Space Access and Sustainment: Knowing how to launch and keep things working in space. This ensures continuous space operations.
Military Intelligence: Using information to understand threats. This helps defend space.
Engineering and Acquisition: Making sure the Space Force has the best tools. This involves working with other groups and companies.
Cyber Operations: Protecting the computer networks that space operations rely on. This includes cyber defense and future attack abilities.

Ranks

Officers

The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, a top place for Space Force officers to start their careers.

Officers are the leaders in the Space Force. They plan missions and manage people. Officers can join after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, or Air Force Officer Training School.

The U.S. Air Force Academy is a top place for Space Force officers to start. About 10% of each class becomes Space Force officers. The Academy has a long history with space, offering space majors and courses. In April 2020, 86 officers from the Academy joined the Space Force.

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps is available at many colleges. It also commissions officers into the Space Force. The Air Force Officer Training School is another way to become an officer. The first all-Space Force group from this school graduated in March 2023.

Space Force officers continue their education at places like Johns Hopkins University. They also train at the 319th Combat Training Squadron and National Security Space Institute.

US DoD pay grade	O-10	O-9	O-8	O-7	O-6	O-5	O-4	O-3	O-2	O-1	Officer candidate
NATO code	OF-9	OF-8	OF-7	OF-6	OF-5	OF-4	OF-3	OF-2	OF-1		OF(D)
Insignia											Various insignia
Service dress uniform (Class A)
Service uniform (Class B)
Mess dress uniform
OCP uniform
Title	General	Lieutenant general	Major general	Brigadier general	Colonel	Lieutenant colonel	Major	Captain	First lieutenant	Second lieutenant	Cadet / Officer trainee
Abbreviation	Gen	Lt Gen	Maj Gen	Brig Gen	Col	Lt Col	Maj	Capt	1st Lt	2d Lt	Cdt / OT

Enlisted Members

Enlisted service cap badge.

Enlisted members support and participate in operations. They complete Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio. This training is similar to the Air Force's, but with Space Force-specific lessons. The first enlisted members joined the Space Force in October 2020. In May 2022, the Space Force started its own training for Guardians.

Enlisted members can earn an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force. They also get professional military education at the Forrest L. Vosler Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force service cap badge.

The Space Force's enlisted ranks use a hexagon shape. This shows that it is the sixth military service. The horizontal stripes for Specialists are called "Vandenberg stripes." The delta symbol represents the Space Force. The specialist stripes show a strong foundation of skills. Higher ranks have traditional chevrons and symbols like the "Delta, Globe, and Orbit." These show their higher responsibilities.

General David D. Thompson welcomes the first four enlisted Space Force recruits.
The first seven enlisted Guardians graduate from Basic Military Training.

US DoD pay grade	Special		E-9	E-8	E-7	E-6	E-5	E-4	E-3	E-2	E-1
NATO code	OR-9			OR-8	OR-7	OR-6	OR-5	OR-4	OR-3	OR-2	OR-1
Insignia
Title	Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman	Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force	Chief master sergeant	Senior master sergeant	Master sergeant	Technical sergeant	Sergeant	Specialist 4	Specialist 3	Specialist 2	Specialist 1
Abbreviation	SEAC	CMSSF	CMSgt	SMSgt	MSgt	TSgt	Sgt	Spc4	Spc3	Spc2	Spc1

Uniforms

Air Force Mess Dress Uniform (interim)	Service Dress Uniform Class "A"	Service Uniform Class "B"	Air Force Service Dress Uniform (interim)	OCP Uniform	Physical Training Uniform

Space Force insignia worn on Air Force uniforms

The Space Force is creating its own unique uniforms. For now, Guardians wear Air Force uniforms with some changes. These changes include Space Force symbols and buttons. They also wear Space Force rank insignia and hexagonal nametags.

The main Space Force uniform is the OCP Uniform. It uses "space blue" thread for ranks and badges. It also has a full-color flag on the left sleeve.

Space Force cadets in Air Force Academy parade dress with their platinum sashes

The Space Force showed its new blue and gray service dress uniform in 2021. The dark blue comes from the Space Force seal and represents space. The six buttons show it is the sixth armed service. The Physical Training Uniform was shown in September 2021. These new uniforms are expected to be available in the next few years.

Space Force cadets at the Air Force Academy wear similar uniforms to Air Force cadets. However, in their parade uniforms, they wear a special platinum sash.

Awards and Decorations

Ribbons for the proposed Guardian of the Year Ribbon.

The Space Force and the United States Air Force share many of the same awards. In November 2020, many Air Force awards were renamed to include "Air and Space" to include the Space Force.

The Space Force is also creating its own Good Conduct Medal for enlisted members. This was approved in August 2023. There are also talks about changing the Airman's Medal to the Air and Space Force Medal.

Devices
Arctic "A" Device	Arrowhead Device	Combat "C" Device	Oak leaf cluster		Remote "R" Device	Service Star		Valor "V" Device

Decorations

Medal of Honor	Air Force Cross	Distinguished Service Medal	Silver Star Medal	Legion of Merit	Distinguished Flying Cross	Airman's Medal	Bronze Star Medal	Purple Heart	Meritorious Service Medal	Air Medal	Aerial Achievement Medal	Air and Space Commendation Medal	Air and Space Achievement Medal

Unit Awards

Presidential Unit Citation	Gallant Unit Citation	Meritorious Unit Award	Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award	Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award

Campaign and Service Awards

Combat Action Medal	Combat Readiness Medal	Space Force Good Conduct Medal	Air and Space Recognition Ribbon	Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal	Air and Space Campaign Medal	Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal	Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon (Short Tour)	Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon (Long Tour)	Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon		Air and Space Longevity Service Award	Developmental Special Duty Ribbon	Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon	Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon	Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon	Air and Space Training Ribbon

Spacecraft and Systems

Spacecraft

U.S. Space Force Spacecraft
Name	Mission	Operator	Number
Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF)	Satellite communications	Space Delta 8	6
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)	Environmental monitoring	Mission Delta 2	4
Global Positioning System (GPS)	Positioning, navigation, and timing	Mission Delta 31	32
Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP)	Space surveillance	Space Delta 9	6
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)	Missile warning Missile defense Battlespace awareness Technical intelligence	Mission Delta 4	7
X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle	Orbital test spaceplane	Space Delta 9	2

Space Systems

U.S. Space Force Space Systems
Name	Mission	Operator
AN/FPS-85	Space surveillance	Mission Delta 2
Cobra Dane	Missile defense Space surveillance	Mission Delta 4
Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS)	Space surveillance	Mission Delta 2
Satellite Control Network (SCN)	Ground station	Space Delta 6
Space Fence	Space surveillance	Mission Delta 2
Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR)	Missile warning Missile defense Space surveillance	Mission Delta 4

Space Launch Vehicles

U.S. Space Force Contracted Space Launch Vehicles
Name	Class	Contractor
Atlas V	Medium-lift launch vehicle	United Launch Alliance
Electron	Small-lift launch vehicle	Rocket Lab
Falcon 9	Medium to Heavy-lift launch vehicle	SpaceX
Falcon Heavy	Heavy to Super heavy-lift launch vehicle	SpaceX
Pegasus	Air launched small-lift launch vehicle	Northrop Grumman

Future Plans and Budget

United States Space Force Budget	2020	2021	2022	2023 (Enacted)	2024
Operation & Maintenance	$40,000,000	$2,492,114,000	$3,611,012,000	$4,086,883,000	0TBA
Procurement	—	$2,310,994,000	$2,787,354,000	$4,462,188,000	$3,752,194,000
Research, Development, Test & Evaluation	—	$10,540,069,000	$11,794,566,000	$16,631,377,000	$19,551,449,000
Military Personnel	—	—	—	$1,109,400,000	0TBA
Total	$40,000,000	$15,343,177,000	$18,192,932,000	$26,289,848,000	0TBA

NASA's return to the Moon through the Artemis program means more focus on space around the Moon.

A concept for a space-based solar power spacecraft.

The U.S. Space Force is working hard to update its technology. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) will track objects far away in space. It will have three sites around the world.

A spacecraft called Oracle will test new ways to track objects between Earth and the Moon. This will help NASA's Artemis program as it returns to the Moon. It will also help track dangerous objects near Earth.

Another project is Arachne, which is about space-based solar power. This project aims to show how to send solar power from space to Earth. This could power military bases without needing fuel trucks. If successful, this technology could also be used by civilians.

The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) will test new ways to improve GPS. It will help make sure that positioning, navigation, and timing systems are strong and reliable.

The Space Force's Rocket Cargo program is looking into using rockets to quickly move military supplies. This could allow up to 100 tons of cargo to be launched anywhere in the world.

Images for kids

Launch of an Army Ground Based Interceptor from Vandenberg Space Force Base.