About this Unit
Space Command, originally established as United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in 1985, was created to coordinate the nation's military space operations and ensure dominance in the increasingly critical domain of space. The command oversaw missile warning, satellite operations, and space control functions, integrating efforts across the Air Force, Army, and Navy. In 2002, USSPACECOM was inactivated and its responsibilities were absorbed by U.S. Strategic Command. However, recognizing the growing importance of space in modern warfare, it was reestablished as a unified combatant command in 2019, tasked with deterring aggression and defending U.S. and allied interests in space.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Cold War: The original United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) was established in 1985 during the Cold War to coordinate military operations in space, reflecting the growing importance of space in national defense.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: USSPACECOM was deactivated in 2002 and its responsibilities were transferred to United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). It was reactivated as a separate unified combatant command on August 29, 2019.
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Distinct from the Space Force: Space Command is a combatant command responsible for military operations in space, while the U.S. Space Force is a separate military branch that organizes, trains, and equips space forces.
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First Commander: General John W. Raymond served as both the first Chief of Space Operations for the Space Force and the first Commander of the reestablished Space Command.
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Mission Focus: Space Command's mission includes space operations such as satellite communications, missile warning, navigation, and space domain awareness, ensuring the U.S. can operate freely in space.
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Operation Olympic Defender: Space Command leads Operation Olympic Defender, an ongoing multinational effort to strengthen deterrence against hostile actions in space.
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Global Partnerships: USSPACECOM works closely with allies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada to coordinate space defense efforts and share critical information.
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Space War Games: The command regularly conducts large-scale exercises such as "Space Flag" to test and develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for space warfare scenarios.
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Space Situational Awareness: Space Command monitors more than 27,000 objects in orbit, tracking space debris and satellites to prevent collisions and protect vital assets.
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Colorado Headquarters: USSPACECOM is headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base (formerly Peterson Air Force Base) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a hub for U.S. military space operations.
