| Space Operations Command | |
|---|---|
 Space Operations Command emblem | |
| Founded | 21 October 2020; 4 years, 11 months[1] as Space Operations Command 1 September 1982; 43 years, 1 month[1] as Air Force Space Command |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Type | Field command |
| Role | |
| Size | 11,000 personnel[3] |
| Headquarters | Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado, U.S. |
| Mottos |
|
| Colors | Platinum[5] |
| Engagements |  Global War on Terrorism[6] |
| Decorations |  Air Force Organization Excellence Award[6] |
| Website | spoc afspc |
| Commanders | |
| Commander |  Lt GenDavid N. Miller |
| Vice Commander andDCG (Operations) |  Brig GenChandler Atwood |
| DCG (Support) | Brian T. Kehl[7] |
| DCG (Transformation) | BGen. Kyle C. Paul,RCAF[8] |
| Senior Enlisted Leader | CMSgt Caleb M. Lloyd[9] |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
| Space Operations Command subdued emblem |  |
Space Operations Command (SpOC) is theUnited States Space Force'sspace operations,cyber operations, andintelligencefield command. Headquartered atPeterson Space Force Base inColorado Springs, Colorado,[10] it consists of its mission deltas and garrison commands.[11]
It was established on 1 September 1982 asSpace Command (SPACECOM), the first dedicated U.S.space command. On 15 November 1985, it was renamedAir Force Space Command (AFSPC orAFSPACECOM) to distinguish it from U.S. Space Command,Naval Space Command, andArmy Space Command. On 20 December 2019, after the establishment of theUnited States Space Force as an independent service, Air Force Space Command was redesignated asUnited States Space Force (USSF) and served as the transitional headquarters of the new service, but remained a component of the U.S. Air Force. On 21 October 2020, United States Space Force was redesignated as Space Operations Command and officially transitioned from being a U.S. Air Force major command to a U.S. Space Force field command.[6]
AsU.S. Air Force space programs began to mature in the 1970s and in the early 1980s, their disjointed nature presented operational problems. The impending entry into service of theSpace Shuttle in partnership withNASA sparked major competition between Air Force commands for internal control. Air Force Systems Command'sSpace and Missile Systems Organization had responsibility for military development of the shuttle, but it also sought operational responsibility as it was responsible for space launches. Aerospace Defense Command argued that its responsibility for thespace surveillance system gave it the requisite experience required for shuttle operations. Traditionalair defense had also lost its importance, and Aerospace Defense Command saw space operations as a way to preserve its existence.[12]
Strategic Air Command andMilitary Airlift Command, which served as the Air Force's lead on transportation, also argued they should have responsibility. In 1980, Aerospace Defense Command was inactivated as an Air Force major command (although preserved as a specified command withinNORAD), with its air defense mission transferred toTactical Air Command in 1979 and its space assets moved to Strategic Air Command in 1980.[12] Calls for an independentspace command grew within the 1980s, with some inCongress even calling for the Air Force to be reorganized as the U.S. Aerospace Force. On 1 September 1982, the Air Force established Space Command as a major command, creating the first operational space command within theUnited States Armed Forces.[12]
When Space Command was established, it was headquartered atPeterson Air Force Base, Colorado and consisted of theAerospace Defense Center andCheyenne Mountain Support Group.[6] In 1983, Strategic Air Command began to transfer its space and missile warning, systems, bases, and units to Space Command, establishing the1st Space Wing on 1 January 1983. Major transfers from Strategic Air Command includedPeterson Air Force Base,Thule Air Base,Sondrestrom Air Base,Clear Air Force Station, and responsibility for the creation ofFalcon Air Force Station. By 1984, Strategic Air Command ceased to be responsible for space operations, transferring theDefense Meteorological Satellite Program andDefense Support Program, as well as operational responsibility for theMilitary Strategic and Tactical Relay andGlobal Positioning System, both of which were in development. In 1985, Space Command activated the2d Space Wing and renamed to Air Force Space Command on 15 November, to distinguish itself fromNaval Space Command and the newUnited States Space Command. In 1986, Air Force Space Command established the3rd Space Support Wing and inactivated the Aerospace Defense Center and Cheyenne Mountain Support Group. In 1989, the73d Space Surveillance Group was activated under Air Force Space Command, centralizing its space surveillance capabilities.[12]
Unlike Strategic Air Command, Air Force Systems Command was reluctant to transfer its space assets. TheAir Force Satellite Control Network was not reassigned to Air Force Space Command until 1987. TheCombined Space Operations Center would not be fully transferred over until 1993[12] Space launch would remain under Air Force Systems Command until 1990, when Air Force Space Command began a gradual takeover. While Air Force Space Command had sought the mission since its activation, Air Force Systems Command had fought the change at every turn.Delta II andAtlas E launches transferred first, followed by theAtlas II,Titan II, andTitan IV. On 1 October 1990, Air Force Systems Command transferredPatrick Air Force Base,Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, andVandenberg Air Force Base to Air Force Space Command. On the same day, the9th Space Division and Space Communications Division were activated to manage launch functions.[12]
Air Force Space Command provided significant support to coalition forces during theGulf War, providing communications and navigation through theDefense Satellite Communications System andGlobal Positioning System. Missile warning againstSCUDs was provided by theDefense Support Program and weather forecasting through theDefense Meteorological Support Program.[12] Space forces operations were so decisive that the Gulf War was named the "first space war" by GeneralMerrill McPeak and its status was elevated within the Air Force.[13]
In 1991, Air Force Space Command underwent a major reorganization, inactivating the 9th Space Division and Space Communications Division and replacing it with the30th Space Wing at Vandenberg AFB and45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB for space launches. In 1992, it replaced the 1st Space Wing with the21st Space Wing, the 2d Space Wing with the50th Space Wing, and inactivated the 3d Space Support Group. In 1993, Air Force Space Command was assigned responsibility for intercontinental ballistic missiles. It centralized its space forces under theFourteenth Air Force and its missile forces under the20th Air Force, while also activating theSpace Warfare Center.[6] In 2001, following the recommendation of the Space Commission, theSpace and Missile Systems Center was transferred fromAir Force Materiel Command to Air Force Space Command, unifying space acquisitions and operations under the same command. This gave Air Force Space Command a unique status among the other Air Force major commands, as it was the only one to be responsible for its own acquisition. After theSeptember 11 attacks, Air Force Space Command provided space support to theGlobal War on Terrorism.[14]
In 2009, the Air Force decided to consolidate its nuclear forces, split between Air Force Space Command's Twentieth Air Force missiles andAir Combat Command'sEighth Air Force bombers, underAir Force Global Strike Command. Twentieth Air Force was transferred on 1 December 2009, however Air Force Space Command had been assigned the cyberspace mission in the same year, assuming responsibility forTwenty-Fourth Air Force, theAir Force Network Integration Center, andAir Force Spectrum Management Office. In 2013, theSpace Innovation and Development Center (previously the Space Warfare Center) was inactivated and merged with theAir Force Warfare Center. In 2018, the cyber mission and Twenty-Fourth Air Force were transferred to Air Combat Command leaving Air Force Space Command with sole responsibility for space forces.[14]
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When theUnited States Space Force was established as an independent service on 20 December 2019, Air Force Space Command was redesignated as United States Space Force and served as its interim headquarters, but remained part of the U.S. Air Force. Fourteenth Air Force was redesignated as Space Operations Command, however its wings, along with the Space and Missile Systems Center's61st Air Base Group, were realigned to report directly to United States Space Force.[15][6][16] In June 2020, the Space Force announced its plan to establish Space Operations Command as the first of three field command, with Space Operations Command (formerly Fourteenth Air Force) at Vandenberg AFB to be renamed SpOC West.[17]
In July 2020, United States Space Force's wings and operations groups were renamed deltas and it assumed responsibility for space operations units previously part ofAir Combat Command andAir Education and Training Command, including the544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group. The21st Operations Group was replaced bySpace Delta 2 forspace domain awareness, the721st Operations Group was replaced bySpace Delta 3 forspace electromagnetic warfare, the460th Operations Group combined with elements of the 21st Operations Group to formSpace Delta 4 formissile warning, the614th Air Operations Center becameSpace Delta 5 forcommand and control, the50th Network Operations Group becameSpace Delta 6 forcyberspace operations, the544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group becameSpace Delta 6 forintelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, the50th Operations Group becameSpace Delta 8 fornavigation warfare andsatellite communications, and the750th Operations Group becameSpace Delta 9 fororbital warfare. The21st Space Wing and50th Space Wing was replaced byPeterson-Schriever Garrison, which oversawPeterson Air Force Base,Schriever Air Force Base,Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station,Pituffik Space Base,New Boston Air Force Station, andKaena Point Satellite Tracking Station, while the460th Space Wing was replaced byBuckley Garrison, which oversawBuckley Air Force Base,Cape Cod Air Force Station,Cavalier Air Force Station, andClear Air Force Station. The25th Space Range Squadron,328th Weapons Squadron,527th Aggressor Squadron, and533rd Training Squadron were incorporated intoSpace Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional), pending the activation ofSpace Training and Readiness Command as a full field command.[18]
On 21 October 2020, United States Space Force was redesignated as Space Operations Command, officially transferring from a U.S. Air Force major command to a U.S. Space Force field command when Lieutenant GeneralStephen N. Whiting assumed command.[6] In 2021, SpOC restructured its headquarters staff by dividing it into three deputy commanding general (DCG) positions, a deputy commanding general each for operations, support, and transformation. It also organized oversight of Space Deltas 2 to 9 under the deputy commanding general (operations) by creating five mission area teams (MAT): intelligence, battle management C3, componency, combat power, and information mobility.[19]
On 22 April 2021, the Space and Missile Systems Center was realigned from Space Operations Command to the U.S. Space Force. In May 2021, the30th Space Wing was redesignated asSpace Launch Delta 30 and the45th Space Wing redesignated asSpace Launch Delta 45.[20] On 13 August 2021, it transferred its launch deltas toSpace Systems Command as it activated and on 23 August 2021Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional) was inactivated and its squadrons transferred toSpace Training and Readiness Command.[21][22]
The large delta in the Space Operations Command emblem is derived from the legacy Air Force Space Command emblem, which also is found in theSeal of the United States Space Force. It represents the people of the U.S. Space Force and the advanced systems Space Operations Command operates. The three smaller deltas, which take the shape of arrows when combined with the rocket trails behind them, are taken from theU.S. Space Command seal, represent Space Operations Command'scombatant command mission and the role of itsdeltas, garrisons, and SpOC West to be the arrows in U.S. Space Command's warfighting quiver. They represent Space Operations Command's core competencies ofoperations,military intelligence, andcyber. The star field is the constellationOrion, representing the mythological Greek hunterOrion. Orion signifies that Space Operations Command will always be the predator, and never the prey. The stars that make up the constellation also pay respect to the past luminaries and leaders of military space who have built the foundation on which Space Operations Command stands.[5]
Platinum is Space Operations Command's distinguishing color and matches the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command seals. Platinum represents the strength of guardians and airmen, the rarity of its calling, and the nobility of its mission.[5]
Space Operations Command's emblem was unveiled on 21 October 2020 atPeterson Air Force Base, Colorado with the resignation of United States Space Force, previously Air Force Space Command, as Space Operations Command.[5]
The first commander of Air Force Space Command, GeneralJames V. Hartinger, suggested that the Air Force Space Command emblem be patterned after theSpace Badge and the final emblem drawn on it for most of its elements.[23]
The centrally dominant globe represents the earth as viewed from space, the earth being both the origin and control point for all space satellites. The lines of latitude and longitude emphasize the global nature of Air Force space operations. The emblem is provided its distinctive appearance by two symmetric ellipses representing the orbital paths traced by satellites in earth orbit; the satellites themselves being symbolically depicted as four point stars. The 30 degree orbital inclination and symmetrically opposed placement of the satellites signify the worldwide coverage provided by Air Force satellites in accomplishing the surveillance and communications missions. The slight tapering of the orbital ellipses represents the characteristic eastward motion. The centrally superimposed deltoid symbolizes both the Air Force upward thrust into space and the launch vehicles needed to place all satellites in orbit. The distinctive dark blue background shading, small globe, and stars symbolize the space environment.[23]
Air Force Space Command's motto, "Guardians of the High Frontier," was developed from the submissions of three individuals at Space Command and theUnited States Air Force Academy before being announced on 17 February 1983.[23] The motto later inspired the title of "Guardian" for U.S. Space Force members.[24]
| No. | Portrait | Name | Term | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Took office | Left office | Duration | |||
| 1 | .jpg) | Lieutenant General Stephen Whiting (born 1967) | 21 October 2020 | 9 January 2024 | 3 years, 80 days |
| 2 |  | Lieutenant General David N. Miller (bornc. 1971) | 9 January 2024 | Incumbent | 1 year, 282 days |
| Launch designation | Satellite designation | Date/time, UTC | Launch site | Rocket | Orbit | Project | Function | Status | Patch | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFSPC-4[30] | USA-253, USA-254 | 29 July 2014 | CCSFS,SLC-37B | Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) | Geosynchronous | GSSAP-1 & 2[31] | Space Surveillance | Entered service, status unknown | First launch under AFSPC designation. | |
| AFSPC-5[32] | USA 261 | 20 May 2015 | CCSFS,SLC-41 | Atlas V 501 | Low Earth | X-37B OTV-4[33] | Technology demonstration | Mission Successfully | ||
| AFSPC-6[34] | USA-270, USA-271 | 19 August 2016 | CCSFS,SLC-37B | Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) | Geosynchronous | GSSAP-3 & 4[35] | Space Surveillance | Entered service, status unknown | ||
| AFSPC-11[36] | USA 283, USA-284, USA-285, USA-286, USA-287 | 15 April 2018 | CCSFS,SLC-41 | Atlas V 551 | Geosynchronous | CBAS-1,EAGLE & Others[37][38] | Technology demonstration | Entered service, status unknown | Last Launch under AFSPC designation. | |
| Launch designation | Satellite designation | Launch date/time (UTC) | Launch site | Rocket | Orbit | Project | Function | Status | Patch | Remarks |
U.S. Armed Forces forces commands
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.These initial actions provided immediate structure for the USSF but were not intended to reflect the end-state of the new branch of Service.
The staff and operations elements of USSF at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, which is also the former AFSPC, will become the headquarters SpOC. There is an existing unit at Vandenberg AFB, California, named Space Operations Command, which will be renamed upon activation of the field command SpOC.
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