View source for Organization:Space Operations Command

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Space Operations Command
| image = Space Operations Command emblem.png
| caption = Space Operations Command emblem
| start_date = 21 October 2020; {{Age in years and months|2020|10|21}}<ref name="lineage">{{cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2886917/space-operations-command-ussf/|title=Space Operations Command (USSF) Lineage|access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref><br />''as Space Operations Command''
----
1 September 1982; {{Age in years and months|1982|9|1}}<ref name="lineage"/><br />''as Air Force Space Command''
| country = {{flagu|United States}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = {{space force|United States}}
| type = Field command
| role = *[[Social:Space warfare|Space operations]]
*Cyber operations
*Intelligence<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Operations-Command|title=About Space Operations Command|website=www.spoc.spaceforce.mil}}</ref>
| size = 11,000 personnel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2746751/space-forces-operational-commander-describes-history-of-space-as-a-contested-do|title=Space Force's operational commander describes history of space as a contested domain|website=Space Operations Command (SpOC)}}</ref>
| command_structure = 
| current_commander = 
| garrison = Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, U.S.
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| ceremonial_chief = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment = 
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| motto = {{ubl|{{lang|la|Semper Venator}}|"Always the Hunter"<ref>{{Cite web | title=Semper Venator: Always the Hunter. SpOC Updates Motto > Space Operations Command (SpOC) > Article Display | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4046867/semper-venator-always-the-hunter-spoc-updates-motto | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202100119/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4046867/semper-venator-always-the-hunter-spoc-updates-motto | access-date=2025-08-22 | archive-date=2025-02-02}}</ref>}}
| colors = {{color box|#7C878E}} [[Platinum (color)|Platinum]]<ref name="dvidshub.net">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/771038/space-operations-command-emblem-reveal|title = Space Operations Command Emblem Reveal}}</ref>
| march = 
| mascot = 
| battles = 200px<br />Global War on Terrorism<ref name="AFHRA"/>
| decorations = 200px<br />Air Force Organization Excellence Award<ref name="AFHRA"/>
| notable_commanders = 
| anniversaries = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Flag of the Space Operations Command.svg|150px|center]]
| identification_symbol_label = Flag
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:SpOC Subdued emblem.jpg|100px|center]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Space Operations Command subdued emblem
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = {{nowrap|{{Flagicon image|Flag of a United States Space Force lieutenant general.svg|size=23px}} Lt Gen David N. Miller}}
| commander1_label = Commander
| commander3 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of a United States Space Force brigadier general.svg|size=23px}} Brig Gen Chandler Atwood
| commander3_label = Vice Commander and {{abbr|DCG|Deputy Commanding General}} (Operations)
| commander4 = Brian T. Kehl<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spoc.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/2878231/|title=Dr. Brian T. Kehl|website=spoc.spaceforce.mil}}</ref>
| commander4_label = DCG (Support)
| commander5 = BGen. Kyle C. Paul, RCAF<ref name=Paul>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/3052091/bgen-kyle-c-paul|title=BGen Kyle C. Paul|date=16 June 2022|website=Space Operations Command}}</ref>
| commander5_label = {{nowrap|DCG (Transformation)}}
| commander6 = CMSgt Caleb M. Lloyd<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/2380678/caleb-m-lloyd |date=2023-08-07 |title=CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT CALEB M. LLOYD |website=[[Organization:Space Operations Command|Space Operations Command]]}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>
| commander6_label = Senior Enlisted Leader
| website = {{URL|https://spoc.spaceforce.mil}}<br />{{URL|https://afspc.af.mil}} (archived)
}}

'''Space Operations Command''' ('''SpOC''') is the [[Organization:United States Space Force|United States Space Force]]'s [[Social:Space warfare|space operations]], cyber operations, and intelligence field command. Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Operations-Command|title = About Space Operations Command}}</ref> it consists of its mission deltas and garrison commands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Space Operations Command |url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2550627/space-operations-command |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525215303/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Operations-Command |archive-date=2023-05-25 |website=www.spoc.spaceforce.mil |publisher=U.S. Space Force}}</ref>

It was established on 1 September 1982 as '''Space Command''' ('''SPACECOM'''), the first dedicated U.S. [[Social:Space command|space command]]. On 15 November 1985, it was renamed '''Air Force Space Command''' ('''AFSPC''' or '''AFSPACECOM''') to distinguish it from U.S. Space Command, Naval Space Command, and Army Space Command. On 20 December 2019, after the establishment of the [[Organization:United States Space Force|United States Space Force]] as an independent service, Air Force Space Command was redesignated as '''United 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.<ref name="AFHRA"/>

==History==
===Establishing Space Command===
[[File:Space Defense Operations Computation Center, NORAD.jpg|thumb|A NORAD Space Defense Center orbital analyst tracking [[Engineering:Kosmos 1402|Kosmos 1402]] in 1983]] 
As U.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 the [[Engineering:Space Shuttle|Space Shuttle]] in partnership with [[Organization:NASA|NASA]] sparked major competition between Air Force commands for internal control. Air Force Systems Command's Space 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 the space surveillance system gave it the requisite experience required for shuttle operations. Traditional air defense had also lost its importance, and Aerospace Defense Command saw space operations as a way to preserve its existence.<ref name="Beyond Horizons">{{Cite web| title=Beyond Horizons - A Half Century of Air Force Space Leadership | first=David N. | last=Spires | url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/AUPress/Books/B_0063_SPIRES_BRADLEY_STURDEVANT_ECKERT_BEYOND_HORIZONS.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613152956/https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/AUPress/Books/B_0063_SPIRES_BRADLEY_STURDEVANT_ECKERT_BEYOND_HORIZONS.pdf | archive-date=2019-06-13}}</ref> 

Strategic Air Command and Military 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 within NORAD), with its air defense mission transferred to Tactical Air Command in 1979 and its space assets moved to Strategic Air Command in 1980.<ref name="Beyond Horizons" /> Calls for an independent [[Social:Space command|space command]] grew within the 1980s, with some in [[United States Congress|Congress]] 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 the United States Armed Forces.<ref name="Beyond Horizons" />

===Unifying Space Forces under Air Force Space Command===
{{Gallery
| title        = Space divisions, wings, and groups
| align        = center
|width=120
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
| File:USAF 9th Space Division Crest.jpg|9th Space Division
| File:Space Communications Division emblem.png|Space Communications Division
| File:1st Space Wing.png|1st Space Wing
| File:2d Space Wing.png|2d Space Wing
| File:3d Space Support Wing.png|3d Space Support Wing
| File:73d Space Group.png|73d Space Group
}}
When Space Command was established, it was headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado and consisted of the Aerospace Defense Center and Cheyenne Mountain Support Group.<ref name="AFHRA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2886917/space-operations-command-ussf/|title = Space Operations Command (USSF)}}</ref> In 1983, Strategic Air Command began to transfer its space and missile warning, systems, bases, and units to Space Command, establishing the 1st Space Wing on 1 January 1983. Major transfers from Strategic Air Command included Peterson Air Force Base, Thule Air Base, Sondrestrom Air Base, Clear Air Force Station, and responsibility for the creation of Falcon Air Force Station. By 1984, Strategic Air Command ceased to be responsible for space operations, transferring the [[Engineering:Defense Meteorological Satellite Program|Defense Meteorological Satellite Program]] and [[Engineering:Defense Support Program|Defense Support Program]], as well as operational responsibility for the Military Strategic and Tactical Relay and [[Engineering:Global Positioning System|Global Positioning System]], both of which were in development. In 1985, Space Command activated the 2d Space Wing and renamed to Air Force Space Command on 15 November, to distinguish itself from Naval Space Command and the new United States Space Command. In 1986, Air Force Space Command established the 3rd Space Support Wing and inactivated the Aerospace Defense Center and Cheyenne Mountain Support Group. In 1989, the 73d Space Surveillance Group was activated under Air Force Space Command, centralizing its space surveillance capabilities.
<ref name="Beyond Horizons" />

Unlike Strategic Air Command, Air Force Systems Command was reluctant to transfer its space assets. The Air Force Satellite Control Network was not reassigned to Air Force Space Command until 1987. The [[Organization:Combined Space Operations Center|Combined Space Operations Center]] would not be fully transferred over until 1993<ref name="Beyond Horizons" /> 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. [[Engineering:Delta II|Delta II]] and Atlas E launches transferred first, followed by the [[Engineering:Atlas II|Atlas II]], Titan II, and Titan IV. On 1 October 1990, Air Force Systems Command transferred Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and Vandenberg Air Force Base to Air Force Space Command. On the same day, the 9th Space Division and Space Communications Division were activated to manage launch functions.<ref name="Beyond Horizons" />

===The Gulf War, Space Commission, and Global War on Terrorism===
{{Gallery
| title        = Space air forces, centers, and wings
| align        = center
| width=120
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
| File:Fourteenth Air Force - Emblem.png|Fourteenth Air Force
| File:Space and Missile Systems Center.png|Space and Missile Systems Center
| File:Space Innovation and Development Center.png|Space Innovation and Development Center
| File:614 AOC Patch (white background).jpg |614th Air and Space Operations Center
| File:21st Space Wing.png|21st Space Wing
| File:30th Space Wing.png|30th Space Wing
| File:45th Space Wing.png|45th Space Wing
| File:50th Space Wing.png|50th Space Wing
| File:310th Space Wing.png|310th Space Wing (Reserve)
| File:460th Space Wing.png|460th Space Wing
}}
[[File:2 SOPS space systems operator 040205-F-0000C-001.jpg|thumb|A space systems operator from the [[2nd Space Operations Squadron]] operating the [[Engineering:Global Positioning System|Global Positioning System]] in 2004]]

Air Force Space Command provided significant support to coalition forces during the Gulf War, providing communications and navigation through the [[Social:Defense Satellite Communications System|Defense Satellite Communications System]] and [[Engineering:Global Positioning System|Global Positioning System]]. Missile warning against SCUDs was provided by the [[Engineering:Defense Support Program|Defense Support Program]] and weather forecasting through the Defense Meteorological Support Program.<ref name="Beyond Horizons" /> Space forces operations were so decisive that the Gulf War was named the "first space war" by General Merrill McPeak and its status was elevated within the Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gps-and-the-world-s-first-space-war/|title = GPS and the World's First "Space War"|website = Scientific American}}</ref>

In 1991, Air Force Space Command underwent a major reorganization, inactivating the 9th Space Division and Space Communications Division and replacing it with the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg AFB and 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB for space launches. In 1992, it replaced the 1st Space Wing with the 21st Space Wing, the 2d Space Wing with the 50th 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 the Fourteenth Air Force and its missile forces under the 20th Air Force, while also activating the Space Warfare Center.<ref name="AFHRA" /> In 2001, following the recommendation of the Space Commission, the Space and Missile Systems Center was transferred from Air 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 the [[Religion:September 11 attacks|September 11 attacks]], Air Force Space Command provided space support to the Global War on Terrorism.<ref name="afspc.af.mil">{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/AFSPC-History/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327051722/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/AFSPC-History/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2019|title=AFSPC History|website=www.afspc.af.mil}}</ref>

In 2009, the Air Force decided to consolidate its nuclear forces, split between Air Force Space Command's Twentieth Air Force missiles and Air Combat Command's Eighth Air Force bombers, under Air 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 for Twenty-Fourth Air Force, the Air Force Network Integration Center, and Air Force Spectrum Management Office. In 2013, the Space Innovation and Development Center (previously the Space Warfare Center) was inactivated and merged with the Air 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.<ref name="afspc.af.mil"/>

{{Gallery
| title        = Missile air forces, wings, and groups (1993–2009)
| align        = center
| width=120
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
| File:Twentieth Air Force - Emblem.png|Twentieth  Air Force
| File:44th Missile Wing.PNG|44th Missile Wing
| File:90th Strategic Missile Wg.jpg|90th Space Wing
| File:91st Space Wing.png|91st Space Wing
| File:341 Missile Wing emblem.png |341st Space Wing
| File:351st Missile Wing.PNG |351st Missile Wing
| File:321 Missile Gp emblem (2).png |321st Missile Group
}}

{{Gallery
| title        = Cyber air forces, agencies, centers, and wings (2009–2018)
| align        = center
| width=120
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
| File:Twenty-Fourth Air Force - Emblem.png|Twenty-Fourth  Air Force
| File:AF Network Integration Ctr shield.jpg |Air Force Network Integration Center
| File:Air Force Spectrum Management Office emblem.png |Air Force Spectrum Management Office
| File:624th Operations Center emblem.png |624th Operations Center
| File:67th Network Warfare Wing.png |67th Cyberspace Wing
| File:USAF - 688th Cyberspace Wing.png |688th Cyberspace Wing
| File:USAF - 689 Combat Communications Wing.png |689th Combat Communications Wing
}}

===Redesignation as Space Operations Command and transfer to the Space Force===
[[File:Space Operations Command Stand-up ceremony (5).jpg|thumb|right|SpOC establishment ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, October 2020]]
When the [[Organization:United States Space Force|United 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's 61st Air Base Group, were realigned to report directly to United States Space Force.<ref name="Chiles">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2048114/14th-air-force-redesignated-as-space-operations-command|title=14th Air Force Redesignated as Space Operations Command|last=Chiles|first=Cody|work=United States Space Force |date=27 December 2019|publisher=Space Operations Command|access-date=1 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="AFHRA" /><ref name="SpOC Fact Sheet">{{cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Operations-Command|title=SpOC Fact Sheet|publisher=Space Operations Command|access-date=22 October 2020|quote="These initial actions provided immediate structure for the USSF but were not intended to reflect the end-state of the new branch of Service."}}</ref> 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.<ref name="organization">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter/|title=USSF field command structure reduces command layers, focuses on space warfighter needs|date=30 June 2020|agency=[[Organization:United States Space Force|United States Space Force]]|last=Kirby|first=Lynn|work=United States Space Force |access-date=22 October 2020|quote="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."}}</ref>

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 of Air Combat Command and Air Education and Training Command, including the 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group. The 21st Operations Group was replaced by Space Delta 2 for [[Astronomy:Space domain awareness|space domain awareness]], the 721st Operations Group was replaced by Space Delta 3 for [[Social:Electronic warfare|space electromagnetic warfare]], the 460th Operations Group combined with elements of the 21st Operations Group to form Space Delta 4 for missile warning, the 614th Air Operations Center became Space Delta 5 for command and control, the 50th Network Operations Group became Space Delta 6 for cyberspace operations, the 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group became Space Delta 6 for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, the 50th Operations Group became Space Delta 8 for [[Earth:Satellite navigation|navigation warfare]] and satellite communications, and the 750th Operations Group became Space Delta 9 for [[Social:Space warfare|orbital warfare]]. The 21st Space Wing and 50th Space Wing was replaced by Peterson-Schriever Garrison, which oversaw Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Pituffik Space Base, New Boston Air Force Station, and Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station, while the 460th Space Wing was replaced by Buckley Garrison, which oversaw Buckley Air Force Base, Cape Cod Air Force Station, Cavalier Air Force Station, and Clear Air Force Station. The 25th Space Range Squadron, 328th Weapons Squadron, 527th Aggressor Squadron, and 533rd Training Squadron were incorporated into Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional), pending the activation of [[Organization:Space Training and Readiness Command|Space Training and Readiness Command]] as a full field command.<ref>{{Cite news|last=United States Space Force|first=Public Affairs|date=2020-06-24|title=Space Force begins transition into field organizational structure|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2287005/space-force-begins-transition-into-field-organizational-structure|access-date=2021-02-03|website=United States Space Force|language=en-US}}</ref>

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 General Stephen N. Whiting assumed command.<ref name="AFHRA" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/805608/spoc-reengineering-explainer|title=SpOC ReEngineering Explainer|website=DVIDS}}</ref>

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, the 30th Space Wing was redesignated as Space Launch Delta 30 and the 45th Space Wing redesignated as [[Astronomy:Space Launch Delta 45|Space Launch Delta 45]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spacecom.mil/MEDIA/IMAGERY/igphoto/2002656847/#:~:text=Col.%20Anthony%20Mastalir%2C%20Space%20Launch%20Delta%2030%20commander%2C,Space%20Force%20member%20by%20Mastalir%20during%20the%20ceremony.|title = Vandenberg AFB gets new U.S. Space Force name}}</ref> On 13 August 2021, it transferred its launch deltas to Space Systems Command as it activated and on 23 August 2021 Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional) was inactivated and its squadrons transferred to [[Organization:Space Training and Readiness Command|Space Training and Readiness Command]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2731535/ussf-establishes-2nd-field-command-guetlein-assumes-command/|title=USSF establishes 2nd Field Command, Guetlein assumes command|website=United States Space Force|date=13 August 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2742956/space-force-activates-space-training-and-readiness-command/|title=Space Force activates Space Training and Readiness Command|website=United States Space Force|date=23 August 2021 }}</ref>

==Symbolism==
{{Gallery
| title        = Emblems of Space Operations Command and its predecessors
| align        = center
| width=140
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
|File:Space Operations Command emblem.png|Space Operations Command (2020–present)
|File:Patch of the Office of the Chief of Space Operations.png|United States Space Force (2020)
|File:Air Force Space Command Logo.svg|Air Force Space Command and Space Command (1982–2019)
}}

===Space Operations Command emblem and color===
The large delta in the Space Operations Command emblem is derived from the legacy Air Force Space Command emblem, which also is found in the Seal 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 the U.S. Space Command seal, represent Space Operations Command's combatant command mission and the role of its deltas, garrisons, and SpOC West to be the arrows in U.S. Space Command's warfighting quiver. They represent Space Operations Command's core competencies of [[Social:Space warfare|operations]], military intelligence, and cyber. The star field is the constellation [[Astronomy:Orion (constellation)|Orion]], representing the mythological Greek hunter [[Unsolved:Orion (mythology)|Orion]]. 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.<ref name="dvidshub.net"/>

[[Platinum (color)|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.<ref name="dvidshub.net"/>

Space Operations Command's emblem was unveiled on 21 October 2020 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado with the resignation of United States Space Force, previously Air Force Space Command, as Space Operations Command.<ref name="dvidshub.net"/>

===Air Force Space Command emblem and motto===
[[File:USAF - Occupational Badge - Space and Missile.svg|thumb|150px|The Space Badge, which inspired the design of the Space Command emblem]]

The first commander of Air Force Space Command, General James V. Hartinger, suggested that the Air Force Space Command emblem be patterned after the Space Badge and the final emblem drawn on it for most of its elements.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/AFSPC-History/afspcemblem/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125090206/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/AFSPC-History/afspcemblem/|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2020|title=Air Force Space Command (Archived) > About Us > AFSPC History > afspcemblem|website=www.afspc.af.mil}}</ref>

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.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

Air Force Space Command's motto, "Guardians of the High Frontier," was developed from the submissions of three individuals at Space Command and the United States Air Force Academy before being announced on 17 February 1983.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The motto later inspired the title of "Guardian" for U.S. Space Force members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2452593/us-space-force-unveils-name-of-space-professionals/#:~:text=Guardians%20is%20a%20name%20with%20a%20long%20history,interest%20of%20the%20U.S.%20and%20its%20allies.%20Guardians.|title = U.S. Space Force unveils name of space professionals| work=United States Space Force }}</ref>

==Structure==
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!colspan=5| Space mission deltas
|-
| 60px || Mission Delta 2 || [[Astronomy:Space domain awareness|Space domain awareness]] ||Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Raj Agrawal<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-23 |title=Col. Raj Agrawal assumes command of Delta 2 |url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3439301/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spoc.spaceforce.mil%2FNews%2FArticle-Display%2FArticle%2F3439301%2Fcol-raj-agrawal-assumes-command-of-delta-2 |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=Space Operations Command (SpOC) |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 60px || Mission Delta 3|| [[Social:Electronic warfare|Electromagnetic warfare]] ||Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Angelo Fernandez<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-11|title=Space Electromagnetic Warfare mission delta changes leadership|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/news/article-display/article/4115663/space-electromagnetic-warfare-mission-delta-changes-leadership |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Space Operations Command (SpOC) |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 60px || Mission Delta 4 || Missile warning and tracking ||Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Aaron L. Cochran<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-17|title=A Changing of the Guard for Missile Warning Guardians |url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4248603/a-changing-of-the-guard-for-missile-warning-guardians/ |access-date=2025-08-07 |website=Space Operations Command (SpOC) |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 60px || Space Delta 6 || [[Cyberwarfare|Cyberspace operations]] ||Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Christopher A. Kennedy
|-
| 60px || Space Delta 7 || Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ||Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Phoenix L. Hauser<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17|title=Space Delta 7 welcomes new ISR commander |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3809074/space-delta-7-welcomes-new-isr-commander/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Space Operations Command (SpOC) |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 60px || Space Delta 8 || Satellite communication and [[Earth:Satellite navigation|navigation warfare]]||Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Jeffrey Weisler<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-28|title=Space Delta 8 welcomes new SATCOM commander|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3821734/space-delta-8-welcomes-new-satcom-commander/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Space Operations Command (SpOC) |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 60px || Space Delta 9 || [[Social:Space warfare|Orbital warfare]] ||Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Ramsey M. Horn
|-
| [[File:Position, Navigation, and Timing Delta (Provisional) emblem.png|frameless|83x83px]] || Mission Delta 31 || [[Earth:Satellite navigation|Navigation warfare]] || Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado || 	Col Andrew S. Menschner
|-
!colspan=5| Space base deltas
|-
| 60px || Space Base Delta 1 || Mission and medical support ||Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Kenneth F. L. Klock
|-
| 60px || Space Base Delta 2 || Mission and medical support ||Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Marcus D. Jackson
|-
| 60px || Space Base Delta 41 || Mission and medical support ||Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado || Col Eric D. Bogue
|-
|}

==List of commanders==
[[File:Thomas S Moorman Jr.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|General [[Thomas S. Moorman Jr.]] was the first space operations officer to serve as commander of Air Force Space Command and be appointed a four-star general. He was the only space officer to serve as Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan=2| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan=2| Portrait
! rowspan=2| Name
! colspan=3| Term
|-
! Took office
! Left office
! Duration
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 1
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Stephen N. Whiting (2).jpg
| officeholder      = Stephen Whiting
| born_year         = 1967
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 21 October 2020
| term_end          = 9 January 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|21 October 2020|9 January 2024}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 2
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen David N. Miller Jr.jpg
| officeholder      = David N. Miller
| born_year         = {{circa|1971}}
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 9 January 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|9 January 2024|}}
}}
|}

==Missions==
{{sticky-header}}{{sort under}}
{| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header sort-under" style="font-size: 85%;"
|-
! Launch <br />designation
! Satellite <br />designation
! Date/time, UTC
! Launch site
! Rocket
! Orbit
! Project
! Function
! Status
! Patch
! Remarks

|-
| AFSPC-{{nts|4}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/151 |title=Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) - AFSPC-4 (GSSAP 1 & 2) |work=Next Spaceflight |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref> 
| USA-253, USA-254
| {{dts|29 July 2014}}<br />
| CCSFS, SLC-37B
| [[Engineering:Delta IV|Delta IV]] Medium+ (4,2)
| [[Astronomy:Geosynchronous orbit|Geosynchronous]]
| GSSAP-1 & 2<ref>{{cite web |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gssap-1.htm |title=GSSAP 1, ..., 10 (Hornet 1, ..., 10) |work=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref> 
| Space Surveillance
| Entered service, status unknown 
| style="text-align: center;" | 
|First launch under AFSPC designation.
|-
| AFSPC-{{nts|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/526 |title=Atlas V 501 - AFSPC-5 (OTV-4) |work=Next Spaceflight |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref> 
| USA 261
| {{dts|20 May 2015}}<br />
| CCSFS, SLC-41
| [[Engineering:Atlas V|Atlas V]] 501
| [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|Low Earth]]
| [[Engineering:OTV-4|X-37B OTV-4]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/x-37.htm |title=X-37B OTV 1, ..., 7 |work=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref> 
| [[Engineering:Technology demonstration|Technology demonstration]]
| Mission Successfully 
| style="text-align: center;" | 
|
|-
| AFSPC-{{nts|6}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/147 |title=Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) - AFSPC-6 (GSSAP 3 & 4) |work=Next Spaceflight |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref>
| USA-270, USA-271
| {{dts|19 August 2016}}<br />
| CCSFS, SLC-37B
| [[Engineering:Delta IV|Delta IV]] Medium+ (4,2)
| [[Astronomy:Geosynchronous orbit|Geosynchronous]]
| GSSAP-3 & 4<ref>{{cite web |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gssap-1.htm |title=GSSAP 1, ..., 10 (Hornet 1, ..., 10) |work=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref> 
| Space Surveillance
| Entered service, status unknown 
| style="text-align: center;" | 
|
|-
| AFSPC-{{nts|11}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/503 |title=Atlas V 551 - AFSPC-11 (CBAS & EAGLE) |work=Next Spaceflight |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref> 
| USA 283, USA-284, USA-285, USA-286, USA-287
| {{dts|15 April 2018}}<br />
| CCSFS, SLC-41
| [[Engineering:Atlas V|Atlas V]] 551
| [[Astronomy:Geosynchronous orbit|Geosynchronous]]
| CBAS-1, EAGLE & Others<ref>{{cite web |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cbas.htm |title=CBAS 1, 2, 3 |work=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eagle.htm |title=EAGLE |work=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref>  
| [[Engineering:Technology demonstration|Technology demonstration]]
| Entered service, status unknown 
| style="text-align: center;" | 
|Last Launch under AFSPC designation. 
|-
! Launch<br />designation
! Satellite<br />designation
! Launch<br />date/time (UTC)
! Launch site
! Rocket
! Orbit
! Project
! Function
! Status
! Patch
! Remarks

|}

==See also==
* Combined Force Space Component Command
* United States Space Command
'''U.S. Armed Forces forces commands'''
* United States Army Forces Command
* United States Marine Corps Forces Command
* United States Fleet Forces Command
* Air Combat Command

* [[Engineering:List of USSF launches|List of USSF launches]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* {{Official website|www.spoc.spaceforce.mil}}

{{United States Space Force}}
{{United States Space Command}}
{{Air Force Space Command}}

[[Category:Space warfare]]

{{Sourceattribution|Space Operations Command|1}}