About this Unit
The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing was established in 1960 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as a unit of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). Its primary mission was the testing and evaluation of ballistic missile and space systems, including support for the development and launch of early U.S. military satellites. The wing played a key role in the advancement of space launch capabilities during the Cold War, particularly in support of the Atlas, Titan, and Thor missile programs. The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing was inactivated in 1979 as part of organizational restructuring within the Air Force’s space and missile operations.
Historical Facts
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Establishment and Purpose: The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing (AFSC) was established in 1964 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, specifically to support the testing and development of Air Force space systems during the height of the Cold War.
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Key Role in Satellite Launches: The unit played a critical role in the launch, testing, and evaluation of early U.S. military satellites, including reconnaissance, communications, and weather observation systems.
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Support for CORONA Program: The 6595th supported operations related to the CORONA program—the United States' first series of photo-reconnaissance satellites—which provided invaluable intelligence during the Cold War.
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Instrumentation and Range Support: The wing managed a wide array of tracking, telemetry, and command facilities used to monitor and control test flights and space launches, making it a technological hub for its era.
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First Military Space Wing: The 6595th was among the first dedicated military space wings, setting the foundation for future space operations within the U.S. Air Force and eventually the U.S. Space Force.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The wing was inactivated in 1979, but its personnel, expertise, and infrastructure were key contributors to the formation of later organizations such as the 30th Space Wing and the Air Force Space Command.
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Support for Manned Spaceflight: The wing provided critical range support for NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs, including the launch of military-related satellites that supported these missions.
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Testing ICBM Systems: The 6595th was instrumental in testing and evaluating Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) re-entry vehicle technology, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
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Innovations in Aerospace Technology: The unit was involved in the development and testing of early anti-satellite (ASAT) technologies and other advanced aerospace systems.
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Commemoration and Recognition: The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing’s historical significance has been recognized at Vandenberg (now Vandenberg Space Force Base), and its pioneering achievements are commemorated in U.S. military space heritage.
