United States Space Command
United States Space Command | |
---|---|
Active | 23 September 1985 – 1 October 2002 (16 years, 10 months)[1] (First incarnation) 29 August 2019 – present (4 years, 6 months) |
Country | United States |
Type | CMSgt Jacob C. Simmons, USSF[5] |
Insignia | |
Flag |
The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM or SPACECOM) is a
Space Command was originally created in September 1985 to provide joint command and control for all military forces in outer space and coordinate with the other combatant commands. SPACECOM was disestablished in 2002, and its responsibilities and forces were merged into United States Strategic Command.[7] It was reestablished on 29 August 2019, with a reemphasized focus on space as a warfighting domain.
The
Mission
U.S. Space Command, working with allies and partners, plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower into multi-domain global operations in order to deter aggression, defend national interests, and when necessary, defeat threats.[8]
U.S. Space Command has four "space truths" that provide the foundation for its vision and operations:[9]
- Space is a vital interest that is integral to the American way of life and national security.
- Space superiority enables the Joint Force to rapidly transition from competition to conflict and prevail in a global, all-domain fight.
- Space warfighters generate the combat power to win in space.
- Space provides the warfighter a combat advantage from the ultimate high ground to the last tactical mile.
History
Early military space defense
Early military space activities were predominantly focused on research and development, rather than operations, and split across the Air Force, Army, and Navy. In 1959, Admiral Arleigh Burke proposed the creation of the Defense Astronautical Agency to control all military space programs. This proposal was supported by the Army and Navy, but opposed by the Air Force.[10]
Arguing that space defense was an extension of air defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff ultimately agreed with the Air Force, putting operational control of space defense forces under the unified
Strategic Defense Initiative and the first U.S. Space Command
Name | Headquarters | Dates | |
---|---|---|---|
Army service components | |||
Army Space Planning Group[11]
|
1985–1986 | ||
Army Space Agency
|
Colorado Springs, Colorado | 1986–1988 | |
Army Space Command
|
1988–August 1992 | ||
Army Space and Strategic Defense Command
|
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama | August 1992–1 October 1998 | |
Army Space and Missile Defense Command
|
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama | 1 October 1997 – 1 October 2002 | |
Naval service components | |||
Naval Space Command | Dahlgren, Virginia | 1 October 1985 – July 2002 | |
Naval Network Warfare Command | Norfolk, Virginia | July 2002 – 1 October 2002 | |
Air Force service components | |||
Air Force Space Command
|
Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado | 23 September 1985 – 23 March 1992 | |
Fourteenth Air Force | Vandenberg Air Force Base , California
|
23 March 1992 – 1 October 2002 |
The Reagan Administration's
On 23 September 1985, U.S. Space Command was activated as a functional combatant command at
In 1991, the Joint Chiefs of Staff debated establishing U.S. Strategic Command assume responsibility for nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and space. U.S. Space Command would have been made a sub-unified command under the U.S. Strategic Command. However, the decisive role played by U.S. Space Command in the
In 1997, General
Following the September 11 attacks, there was a growing focus on homeland defense and counter-terrorism at the expense of space. The Defense Department was intent on establishing United States Northern Command, merging U.S. Space Command and U.S. Strategic Command in 2002. On 1 October 2002, the first U.S. Space Command was shut down.[13]
Space in U.S. Strategic Command
On 1 October 2002, as U.S. Space Command inactivated, a new
Following the inactivation of U.S. Space Command in 2002, Russia and China began developing sophisticated on-orbit capabilities and an array of counter-space weapons. In particular, China conducted the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test, destroying its Fengyun spacecraft, which, according to NASA, created 2,841 high-velocity debris items, a larger amount of dangerous space junk than any other space event in history.[15][16] In 2008, U.S. Strategic Command conducted Operation Burnt Frost to destroy a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite, before its toxic hydrazine tank could reenter and cause potential harm to human safety, with a RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 launched from the USS Lake Erie.[17][18]
This construct lasted until 2017, when the commander of Air Force Space Command became the Joint Force Space Component Commander, replacing it.[13]
U.S. Space Command reestablished
The
On March 26, 2019,
USSPACECOM has two subordinate commands: Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC), and Joint Task Force Space Defense (JTF-SD).
In August 2020, In the meeting of the National Space Council, acting Director of National Intelligence announced ''in case of an attack on the U.S. satellites the operational control of intelligence community assets will be in the ambit of the military'', resulting in the National Reconnaissance Office being operationally subordinated to the commander of U.S. Space Command in matters of space defense.[29]
On 24 August 2021, two years after its establishment, U.S. Space Command announced that it had reached initial operating capability.[30] Achieving full operating capability, according to Lieutenant General John E. Shaw, deputy commander of U.S. Space Command, is dependent on the selection of the combatant command's permanent headquarters.[31]
U.S. Space Command is planning to reorganize its subordinate commands, possibly reactivating the
In 2023, U.S. Space Command regained its responsibility for missile defense from U.S. Strategic Command and will be taking over the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.[33]
Headquarters
In January 2021, it was announced that
Organization
Name | Function | Headquarters | |
---|---|---|---|
Service components[40] | |||
United States Space Forces – Space Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander (CJFSCC) |
Plans, integrates, conducts, and assesses global space operations in order to deliver combat relevant space effects, in, from, and to space | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California | |
Army Space and Missile Defense Command
|
Develop and provide Army space, missile defense, and high altitude forces | Redstone Arsenal, Alabama | |
Marine Corps Forces Space Command
|
Provides space operational support to the Fleet Marine Force | Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado | |
Navy Space Command | Responsible for Navy information network operations, offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, space operations and signals intelligence | Fort Meade, Maryland | |
Air Forces Space
|
Ensures the aerospace control and air defense of the continental United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico | Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida | |
Functional components[40] | |||
Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense | Synchronizes global missile defense planning | Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado | |
Combined Space Operations Center (subordinated to SPACEFOR–SPACE) | Execute operational command and control of space forces to achieve theater and global objectives.[41] | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California | |
Joint Navigation Warfare Center (subordinate to SPACEFOR–SPACE) | Enable positioning, navigation and timing superiority[42] | Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico | |
Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center (subordinate to SPACEFOR–SPACE) | Conduct integrated mission management to optimize the overhead persistent infrared enterprise[43] | Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado | |
Missile Warning Center (subordinate to SPACEFOR–SPACE) | Delivers global strategic and theater missile warning and nuclear detonation detection[44] | Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Colorado | |
National Space Defense Center (subordinate to SPACEFOR–SPACE) | Coordinates military, intelligence, civil, and commercial space for unified space defense operations[45] | Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado | |
Joint Force Headquarters Cyber - Air Force
|
Cyber support from U.S. Cyber Command[46]
|
Joint Base San Antonio, Texas |
Previous, now-deactivated functional components included the Combined Force Space Component Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and the Joint Task Force–Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Both were disestablished with the creation of U.S. Space Forces – Space to take on SpOC's Space Force responsibilities.[47]
Relationship with the United States Space Force
United States Space Command is the
Emblem and symbols
U.S. Space Command seal (2019)
Shield: The bald eagle, a traditional symbol of American strength and vigilance, carries an olive branch in his right talon, symbolizing the worldwide goal of peaceful operations in space. In his left talon is a cluster of thirteen arrows with the silver delta as arrowheads, indicative of the strength and power necessary to protect our citizens and allies. The delta symbol is historically associated with space and represents change and innovation, and the cluster of deltoids thrusting upward into space signifies our ever growing aspirations in space beyond earth’s orbit. The blue globe with silver land masses, as viewed from space, signifies the origin and control point for all space assets and represents the global operations of the command in mission areas such as surveillance, navigation, communications and missile warning. The silver and white Polaris signifies our constant presence and vigilance in space now and in the future. Encompassing the globe are two white elliptical orbits representing the unity of U.S. Space Command with our joint and combined partners, and which intersect over the United States, the terrestrial heart of the command. An arc of four silver stars above the eagle symbolizes the four-star combatant commander of U.S. Space Command. The black background represents the infinity of space.
Seal: The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a black disk, bearing the night sky, enclosed by a silver border, and inscribed “UNITED STATES” above and “SPACE COMMAND” below, all silver.
Army element shoulder sleeve and distinctive unit insignia
Shoulder sleeve insignia
Black and gold together symbolize the United States Army. Black signifies the vast infinity of space and gold denotes high standards for excellence. The demi-globe represents the earth as seen from space and symbolizes the global operations of the command. The crossed orbital rings denote the unity of United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) with joint and combined partners. The rings intersect over the United States, identifying the terrestrial heart of the command. The gold pheon represents the combat power of Army Space. Four stars represent the four-star combatant commander of USSPACECOM. The Polaris star signifies constant presence and vigilance in space now and into the future.[50]
Distinctive unit insignia
Black and gold together symbolize the United States Army. Black signifies the vast infinity of space and gold denotes high standards for excellence. The demi-globe represents the earth as seen from space and symbolizes the global operations of the command. The crossed orbital rings denote the unity of United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) with joint and combined partners. The gold pheon represents the combat power of Army Space. Four stars represent the four-star combatant commander of USSPACECOM. The Polaris star signifies constant presence and vigilance in space now and into the future. The motto translates to, “MUD TO SPACE.”[51]
Locations
Locations in the contiguous United States.
Name | Location | State | Major USSPACECOM unit emblem | Major USSPACECOM unit | Other USSPACECOM units |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Buckley Space Force Base | Aurora | Colorado | Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center | ||
Kirtland Air Force Base | Albuquerque | New Mexico | Joint Navigation Warfare Center | ||
Fort Meade | Fort Meade | Maryland | Navy Space Command | ||
Peterson Space Force Base | Colorado Springs
|
Colorado | United States Space Command | Marine Corps Forces Space Command
| |
Redstone Arsenal | Huntsville
|
Alabama | Army Space and Missile Defense Command
|
||
Schriever Space Force Base | Colorado Springs
|
Colorado | National Space Defense Center | ||
Tyndall Air Force Base | Panama City | Florida | Air Forces Space
|
||
Vandenberg Space Force Base | Lompoc
|
California | United States Space Forces – Space | Combined Space Operations Center | |
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station | Cheyenne Mountain | Colorado | Missile Warning Center |
List of commanders
Note: The numeric order of the commanders were reset due to the second establishment being considered a different command than the first.
No. | Commander | Term | Service branch | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portrait | Name | Took office | Left office | Term length | ||
Commander–in–Chief, United States Space Command | ||||||
1 | General Robert T. Herres | 23 September 1985[52] | 6 February 1987 | 1 year, 136 days | U.S. Air Force | |
2 | General John L. Piotrowski | 6 February 1987 | 30 March 1990[53][54] | 3 years, 84 days | U.S. Air Force | |
3 | 1 April 1990 | 30 June 1992 | 2 years, 60 days | U.S. Air Force | ||
4 | General Chuck Horner | 30 June 1992 | 13 September 1994 | 2 years, 75 days | U.S. Air Force | |
5 | General Joseph W. Ashy | 13 September 1994 | 26 August 1996 | 1 year, 348 days | U.S. Air Force | |
6 | General Howell M. Estes III | 26 August 1996 | 14 August 1998 | 1 year, 353 days | U.S. Air Force | |
7 | 14 August 1998 | 22 February 2000 | 1 year, 192 days | U.S. Air Force | ||
8 | General Ralph Eberhart | 22 February 2000 | 1 October 2002 | 2 years, 221 days | U.S. Air Force | |
Commander, United States Space Command | ||||||
1 | General John W. Raymond | 29 August 2019 | 20 August 2020 | 357 days | U.S. Space Force | |
2 | General James H. Dickinson | 20 August 2020 | 10 January 2024 | 3 years, 143 days | U.S. Army | |
3 | General Stephen Whiting | 10 January 2024 | Incumbent | 75 days | U.S. Space Force |
See also
References
Citations
- ^ "Air Force Magazine". Air Force Association. 21 December 2006 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b "United States Space Command Organizational Fact Sheet" (PDF). United States Space Command. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- ^ U.S. Air Force Academy, Band (27 August 2009). "Space Command March". Spotify. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "Approved JMUAs - 2020 09 30" (PDF). prhome.defense.gov.
- ^ "CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT JACOB C. SIMMONS". United States Space Command. 7 August 2023.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". United States Space Command.
- ISBN 0-275-96295-4.
- ^ Commander's Strategic Vision (PDF). U.S. Space Command. January 2021.
- ^ Strout, Nathan (2 February 2021). "We hold these Space Truths to be self-evident". C4ISRNet. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-58566-060-5.
- ^ Chapter 4: Renewed Interest in Space and The War in the Persian Gulf, 1985-1991: The Army Returns to Space (PDF).
- ^ a b c d "History of the Unified Command Plan" (PDF). www.jcs.mil. 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Shugart, Gary (1 October 2018). "Re-establishing U.S. Space Command". purview.dodlive.mil. Archived from the original on 2 January 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
- ^ "USSTRATCOM reaches first milestone in command restructure". 3 October 2017.
- ^ Cooney, Michael (28 July 2010). "NASA identifies Top Ten space junk missions". Network World. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Will Not Let China, Russia Deny Its Space Superiority, DOD Officials Say". U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
- ^ "JSpOC intergral to Burnt Frost success". Vandenberg Space Force Base. 29 February 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Operation Burnt Frost: The Power of Social Networks | APPEL Knowledge Services". appel.nasa.gov. 1 June 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ a b Erwin, Sandra (26 March 2019). "Trump nominates Raymond to be commander of U.S. Space Command". SpaceNews. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ Thomas, Will (17 August 2018). "Trump Signs National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019". American Institute of Physics. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- National Archives.
- ^ Note: General Raymond later transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force on December 20, 2019.
- ^ Pawlyk, Oriana (26 March 2019). "Air Force General Tapped to Head US Space Command". Military.com. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
- ^ Browne, Ryan (5 April 2019). "Trump's Space Command to be based in Colorado, Alabama or California". CNN. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
- ^ Mehta, Aaron (20 August 2019). "Space Command to launch Aug. 29". Defense News. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
- ^ "Trump formally reestablishes U.S. Space Command at White House ceremony". SpaceNews. 29 August 2019.
- ^ Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs (15 May 2020). "Department of the Air Force expands potential basing locations for US Space Command Headqu". United States Space Force. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ a b Hitchens, Theresa (30 August 2019). "Raymond's First SPACECOM Move: Two New Subcommands and Their Leaders". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
- ^ Erwin, Sandra (23 October 2019). "Five things to know about U.S. Space Command". SpaceNews. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- National Defense Magazine.
- Air Force Magazine.
- ^ Hitchens, Teresa (15 November 2021). "Exclusive: SPACECOM reorganizing amidst theater component command debate". Breaking Defense.
- ^ Hitchens, Theresa (31 May 2023). "SPACECOM takes over missile defense ops from Strategic Command". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ Robinson-Smith, Will (13 January 2021). "Space Command headquarters coming to Huntsville". www.waaytv.com. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- ^ Koren, Marina (26 January 2021). "What Happens to the Space Force Now?". The Atlantic. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- ^ Erwin, Sandra (22 February 2021). "Pentagon chief Austin stands behind Air Force amid investigation of Space Command basing decision". SpaceNews. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
- ^ Roop, Lee (10 May 2022). "Air Force backs plan to move Space Command HQ to Alabama". al. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
- ^ Insinna, Valerie (10 May 2022). "OIG finds Huntsville choice for SPACECOM HQ justified". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ Demirjian, Karoun (31 July 2023). "Biden Cancels Space Command Move to Alabama Amid Tuberville Feud". New York Times.
- ^ a b "Warfighting Units". United States Space Command. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Combined Space Operations Center / Space Delta 5 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Vandenberg Space Force Base. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "Kirtland Air Force Base > Units > Joint Navigation Warfare Center". www.kirtland.af.mil. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Joint Overhead Persistent-Infrared Center (JOPC)" (PDF). Vandenberg Space Force Base. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "Missile Warning Center Fact Sheet" (PDF). Vandenberg Space Force Base. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "National Space Defense Center". Joint Task Force-Space Defense. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ Pomerleau, Mark (8 April 2022). "Cyber Command's force is growing, in part, to support space". FedScoop. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "USSF Creates New Component for SPACECOM". 12 December 2023.
- ^ "About Space Operations Command". www.spoc.spaceforce.mil. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ Kirby, Lynn (21 October 2020). "Space Force activates first field command". United States Space Force. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- ^ "Shoulder Sleeve Insignia". tioh.army.mil. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Distinctive Unit Insignia".
- ^ Mehuron, Tamara A. (August 2009). "2009 Space Almanac: The US military space operation in facts and figures" (PDF). Air Force Magazine – via Space-Library.com.
- ^ ""USAF Almanac: Facts and Figures"" (PDF). Air Force Magazine. February 2000. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ ""General John L. Piotrowski"". United States Air Force Historical Support Division. March 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
Sources
- General Accounting Office (November 1990). "Defence Reorganization: DOD's Efforts to Streamline the Space Command"(PDF).