What does Air Force Space Command do?

What Did the Air Force Space Command Really Do? (And Why You Should Care)

For years, the idea of military operations in space seemed like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. But the truth is, the U.S. military has been keenly aware of space’s strategic importance for decades. And for a long time, the Air Force was the main player in this arena. While the U.S. Space Force is now its own independent branch, understanding the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)—its history and what it did—is key to understanding how we got where we are today. Think of AFSPC as the foundation upon which the Space Force was built. Activated on September 1, 1982, it was later redesignated as United States Space Force on December 20, 2019. AFSPC really spearheaded the effort to establish and maintain U.S. space capabilities.

From Sci-Fi to Reality: A Quick History

Back in 1982, when AFSPC was created, it was a pretty big deal. You see, as more and more military satellite projects started to mature in the ’70s and ’80s, the Air Force realized they needed a single command to manage all this complexity. It was like realizing you needed an air traffic controller for all the new planes taking off. AFSPC was that controller, consolidating all space-related functions to ensure the U.S. military could effectively use space for national defense.

Over time, AFSPC’s responsibilities just kept growing. On July 1, 1993, it took command and control of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Talk about a serious responsibility! This move really cemented its role in national security. AFSPC also served as the Air Force component of both the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) and the United States Strategic Command. It was deeply embedded in the military’s overall structure.

Then, in December 2019, came the big shift: the U.S. Space Force was established, and AFSPC was redesignated as the USSF. While the Space Force now handles the job of organizing, training, and equipping space forces, it’s important to remember that AFSPC laid the groundwork. It’s like knowing the history of the Wright brothers before jumping into the cockpit of a modern jet.

What Did AFSPC Actually Do?

So, what exactly did AFSPC do all those years? Well, its main goal was to provide reliable and cost-effective space and cyberspace capabilities for the military and the country. That’s a pretty broad statement, so let’s break it down.

• Supporting Space Missions: This meant launching satellites and other equipment into space and then keeping them running smoothly.
• Controlling Space: Making sure we could use space safely and effectively, which included keeping an eye on potential threats. Think of it as space traffic control, but with a military twist.
• Boosting Military Power: Providing critical information like weather data, secure communications, intelligence, missile warnings, and navigation capabilities to support our forces on the ground, in the air, and at sea.

In practical terms, this meant AFSPC was responsible for things like:

• Running Satellites: Managing and controlling Department of Defense (DOD) satellites to provide things like global communications, weather data, navigation, and early warnings of potential threats.
• Watching for Missiles: Operating systems that could detect ballistic missile launches, giving us critical early warning in case of an attack.
• Tracking Space Junk: Maintaining a global network to track satellites and space debris. You might not think about it, but space junk is a real problem, and keeping track of it is essential for safe spaceflight.
• Managing Launches: Overseeing space launch operations for the DOD, NASA, and even commercial companies.

From AFSPC to the Space Force: What’s the Deal?

The creation of the U.S. Space Force on December 20, 2019, was a game-changer. It signaled a new era for military space operations. The USSF was created to focus specifically on space, organizing, training, and equipping space professionals to protect U.S. interests and provide space capabilities to the joint force.

Even though the Space Force is now its own branch, it’s still closely tied to the Air Force. Both are part of the Department of the Air Force, which allows for continued teamwork and support. Think of it like siblings who work together but have their own apartments.

The Space Force took over many of AFSPC’s old responsibilities, like running satellites, watching for missiles, and tracking space objects. The USSF also works hand-in-hand with U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), which is responsible for actual military operations in space. The Space Force trains and equips the space forces, and USSPACECOM puts them to work.

The Space Force Today: What’s Next?

So, what’s the Space Force up to these days? Well, they’re building on the foundation that AFSPC created, focusing on three main areas:

• Space Superiority: Defending our assets in space and countering threats. This includes things like orbital warfare, electronic warfare, and managing space battles.
• Global Mission Operations: Integrating space capabilities into military operations around the world, including missile warning, satellite communications, and navigation.
• Access to Space: Ensuring we can get equipment and personnel into space when we need to, through launch operations, range control, and cybersecurity.

The Space Force is also working hard to modernize its technology and stay ahead of emerging threats. This means developing new systems for missile warning, space awareness, and satellite communications.

Show Me the Money: Budget and Resources

As the newest branch of the military, the Space Force has a smaller budget compared to the Air Force. For 2025, the U.S. Space Force requested $29.4 billion. While this was a slight decrease from the previous year, it still included important investments in research, personnel, and operations.

Looking ahead, the proposed budget for 2026 includes plans to increase the Space Force’s manpower from 9,800 to 10,400. The FY 2026 Space Force budget is $39.9B, an increase of $11.3B from the FY 2025 enacted budget. These resources are essential for the Space Force to keep modernizing and maintaining its edge in space.

The Bottom Line

The Air Force Space Command was the unsung hero that paved the way for the U.S. to become a leader in military space operations. Its legacy lives on in the U.S. Space Force, which is now responsible for protecting our interests in space and providing critical capabilities to our military. As space becomes more and more important, the Space Force will play an increasingly vital role in keeping our nation safe and secure. It’s not just science fiction anymore; it’s a critical part of our national defense.