Editing United States Armed Forces (section)

===U.S. Space Force===
{{main|United States Space Force}}
[[File:X-37B concludes sixth mission (221111-F-XX000-0002).jpg|thumb|[[Boeing X-37|Boeing X-37B]] spaceplane after deorbiting and landing]]

The [[United States Space Force]] (USSF) is the United States Armed Forces' space force and is the newest military branch. Originally established in 2019, it traces its history through Air Force Space Command and the Western Development Division to 1954. The United States Space Force is the principal space service, responsible for [[space warfare]] operations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.com/history|title=Our History – U.S. Space Force|website=www.spaceforce.com}}</ref> The U.S. Space Force is composed of the Regular Space Force, not yet having organized a reserve component outside of the Air Force.

The U.S. Space Force is organized under the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], which is a military department under the leadership of the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|secretary of the Air Force]] and [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|under secretary of the Air Force]]. The U.S. Space Force itself is led by the [[chief of space operations]] and [[vice chief of space operations]], both [[general (United States)|general]]s who are advised by the [[chief master sergeant of the Space Force]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Leadership/|title=Leadership|website=www.spaceforce.mil}}</ref>

[[File:45th Space Wing Supports Successful Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Launch (6453152).jpeg|thumb|[[Delta IV Heavy]] launch for the [[NROL-44]] mission]]
The five core competencies of the Space Force are:<ref name="Spacepower">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita|title=Space Force releases 1st doctrine, defines "spacepower" as distinct form of military power|website=United States Space Force|date=10 August 2020 }}</ref>
*[[International security|Space security]]
*[[Space warfare|Combat]] [[power projection]]
*[[Military logistics|Space mobility and logistics]]
*[[Information warfare|Information mobility]]
*[[Space domain awareness]]
The five specified functions of the Space Force are:
#Provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space.<ref name="DoDI 5100.01" />
#Provide prompt and sustained space operations.<ref name="DoDI 5100.01" />
#Protect the interests of the United States in space.<ref name="DoDI 5100.01" />
#Deter aggression in, from, and to space.<ref name="DoDI 5100.01" />
#Conduct space operations.<ref name="DoDI 5100.01" />

====Orbital warfare and space electromagnetic warfare====
{{main|Space Delta 3|Space Delta 9}}
The Space Force's combat power is centered around Space Delta 3, which conducts [[electronic warfare|space electromagnetic warfare]] and Space Delta 9, which conducts [[space warfare|orbital warfare]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Program-Executive-Offices/Space-Domain-Awareness-Combat-Power | title=Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power }}</ref>

Combat power projection operations ensure freedom of action in space for the U.S. and its allies and denies an adversary freedom of action in space. These are divided into offensive and defensive space operations. Defensive operations preserve and protect U.S. and allied space capabilities, which are further sub-divided into active and passive actions. Offensive operations target a U.S. adversary's space and counterspace capabilities, achieving space superiority.<ref name="Spacepower"/>

Orbital warfare forces conduct protect-and-defend operations and provide U.S. national decision authorities with response options to deter and, when necessary, defeat orbital threats. The space electromagnetic warfare forces conduct offensive and defensive space control operations. Space Force cyber forces conduct defensive cyber operations to protect space assets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2510837/space-delta-9-builds-orbital-warfare-tradecraft-from-the-ground-up/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2510837/space-delta-9-builds-orbital-warfare-tradecraft-from-the-ground-up/|title=Space Delta 9 builds orbital warfare tradecraft from the ground up|website=Schriever Space Force Base (Archived)}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2506638/space-delta-3-focuses-on-electromagnetic-spectrum/http://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2506638/space-delta-3-focuses-on-electromagnetic-spectrum/|title=Space Delta 3 focuses on electromagnetic spectrum|website=United States Space Command}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

====Cyber operations and Satellite Control Network====
{{main|Space Delta 6}}
[[File:The Watchers on Oahu (7526583).jpeg|thumb|[[Satellite Control Network]] antenna at [[Kaena Point Space Force Station]]]]
Although the U.S. Space Force is not a [[cyber force]], it does conduct extensive [[cyberwarfare|cyber operations]] under Space Delta 6. The primary focus of Space Force cyber operations is defending U.S. Space Force networks and ensuring the operations of its spacecraft, which are controlled remotely from ground stations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/11/10/entering-year-four-space-force-focusing-on-cyber-capabilities | title=Entering Year Four, Space Force Focusing on Cyber Capabilities }}</ref> All space operations units have cyber squadrons assigned to defend them and incorporate offensive cyber operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-coming-to-grips-with-cybersecurity-threats/ | title=Space Force coming to grips with cybersecurity threats | date=7 July 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3190976/ | title=Space Force embeds Cyber Squadrons into delta missions | date=11 October 2022 }}</ref><ref name="auto17">{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-forces-plan-for-cyber-focused-airmen/ | title=Space Force's Plan for Cyber Warriors | date=29 May 2020 }}</ref>

Additionally, Space Delta 6 is responsible for managing the [[Satellite Control Network]], a global network of antennas used to communicate with the service's spacecraft. The [[22nd Space Operations Squadron]] is responsible for overall operations, with the [[21st Space Operations Squadron]] and [[23rd Space Operations Squadron]] managing the ground station sites at [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], [[New Boston Space Force Station]], [[Kaena Point Space Force Station]], Diego Garcia, Guam, Greenland, and the United Kingdom.<ref name="auto17"/>

====Space domain awareness====
{{main|Space Delta 2}}
[[File:15th SPSS- The neighborhood watch of space (7542481).jpeg|thumb|[[15th Space Surveillance Squadron]] [[Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance|GEODSS]] telescope at [[White Sands Missile Range]]]]
The Space Force's Space Delta 2 operates the [[United States Space Surveillance Network]], tracking 47,000 objects in space as of 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3196701/us-space-command-to-transfer-space-object-tracking-to-department-of-commerce/#:~:text=Right%20now%2C%20U.S.%20Space%20Command,there%2C%20the%20Spacecom%20commander%20said | title=U.S. Space Command to Transfer Space Object Tracking to Department of Commerce }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Delta 2 monitors deep space |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article/2564700/space-delta-2-monitors-deep-space/ |website=Nellis Air Force Base|date=7 April 2021 }}</ref> Space domain awareness encompasses the identification, characterization, and understanding of any factor associated with the space domain that could affect space operations.<ref name="Spacepower"/>

Space Delta 2 sensors include the [[AN/FPS-85]] phased array radar at [[Eglin Air Force Base]] and the [[Space Fence]] radar at Kwajalein Atoll operated by the [[20th Space Surveillance Squadron]]; and a global network of three [[Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance]] telescopes operated by the [[15th Space Surveillance Squadron]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/391473/premier-space-surveillance-squadron-located-at-eglin/ | title=Premier space surveillance squadron located at Eglin | date=12 December 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/space-fence.html | title=Space Fence | date=7 March 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/249016/ground-based-electro-optical-deep-space-surveillance/ | title=Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance | access-date=4 March 2023 | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304180422/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/249016/ground-based-electro-optical-deep-space-surveillance/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[18th Space Defense Squadron]], collocated with the [[Combined Space Operations Center]], executes command and control of the Space Surveillance Network and manages the [[Satellite Catalog Number|Space Catalog]] of all objects in Earth orbit. The [[19th Space Defense Squadron]] focuses on objects further in [[cislunar space]], beyond [[geosynchronous orbit]], with a specific focus on supporting [[NASA]]'s [[Artemis program]] and other human spaceflight operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/space-force-rounds-out-delta-2s-structure | title=Space Force Rounds Out Delta 2's Structure | date=4 May 2022 }}</ref>

====Missile warning====
{{main|Space Delta 4}}
[[File:STS-44 DSP deployment.jpg|thumb|Deployment of a [[Defense Support Program]] missile warning spacecraft from the [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Space Shuttle ''Atlantis'']] on the [[STS-44]] mission]]

The Space Force's Space Delta 4 uses orbital spacecraft and ground-based radars to conduct theater and strategic missile warnings for the United States and its international partners.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2334034/space-delta-4#:~:text=Space%20Delta%204%20(DEL%204,strategic%20and%20theater%20missile%20warning | title=Space Delta 4 | access-date=26 February 2023 | archive-date=21 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321034107/http://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2334034/space-delta-4#:~:text=Space%20Delta%204%20(DEL%204,strategic%20and%20theater%20missile%20warning | url-status=dead }}</ref> This includes the network of [[Upgraded Early Warning Radar]]s at [[Beale Air Force Base]], [[Clear Space Force Station]], [[Cape Cod Space Force Station]], [[Pituffik Space Base]], and [[RAF Fylingdales]], along with the [[AN/FPQ-16 PARCS]] radar at [[Cavalier Space Force Station]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/news/2022/09/16/all-five-uewrs-complete-second-generation-hardware-software-upgrades|title=All five Upgraded Early Warning Radars complete second generation hardware, software upgrades|date=19 September 2022|website=raytheonmisslesanddefense.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002201919/https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/news/2022/09/16/all-five-uewrs-complete-second-generation-hardware-software-upgrades|archive-date=2 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/|title=Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System|website=Air Force Space Command (Archived)}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Currently, the Space Force is working with the [[Missile Defense Agency]] to acquire the [[Long Range Discrimination Radar]] at Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. These ground-based radars also contribute to the Space Surveillance Network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/lrdr.pdf|title=Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Clear Space Force Station (CSFS), Alaska|website=mda.mil}}</ref>

Space-based missile warning systems include the [[Defense Support Program]] and [[Space-Based Infrared System]] (SIBRS) spacecraft, which use infrared sensors to conduct missile defense and missile warning. SIBRS also has a battlespace awareness and technical intelligence mission.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sbirs.html | title=SBIRS | date=9 August 2022 }}</ref> The Defense Support Program spacecraft are also capable of detecting nuclear detonations, in addition to space and missile launches.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197774/defense-support-program-satellites/ | title=Defense Support Program Satellites }}</ref>

====Global Positioning System and military satellite communications====
{{main|Space Delta 8}}
[[File:4th Space Operations Squadron (7141773).jpeg|thumb|Members of the [[4th Space Operations Squadron]] Mobile Operations Flight conducting armed convoy operations]]
The Space Force's Space Delta 8 is the operator of the [[Global Positioning System]] and the military's array of communications spacecraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Units/Space-Delta-8/|title=Space Delta 8|website=www.schriever.spaceforce.mil|access-date=26 February 2023|archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226020120/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Units/Space-Delta-8/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Global Positioning System is operated by the [[2nd Space Operations Squadron]], providing [[positioning, navigation, and timing]] information for civilian and military users across the entire world.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197765/global-positioning-system/ | title=Global Positioning System }}</ref> The Space Force's GPS system has become an integral element of the global information infrastructure, being used in virtually all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, aviation, marine transportation, surveying and mapping, and transit navigation. Its timing signal is used to synchronize global communication systems, electrical power grids, and financial networks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gps.gov/applications/timing/|title=GPS.gov: Timing Applications|website=www.gps.gov}}</ref> The Global Positioning System also has a secondary mission of carrying [[Nuclear detonation detection system|nuclear detonation detection sensor]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-delivers-enduring-space-based-nuclear-detonation-detection-capability | title=NNSA delivers enduring space-based nuclear detonation detection capability }}</ref>

Military satellite communication systems include the [[Fleet Satellite Communications System]], [[UHF Follow-On satellite]], and [[Mobile User Objective System]], operated by the [[10th Space Operations Squadron]] and inherited from the U.S. Navy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3146952/10th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=10th Space Operations Squadron }}</ref> The payloads on the [[Wideband Global SATCOM]] and [[Defense Satellite Communications System]] are operated by the [[53rd Space Operations Squadron]], a role inherited from the U.S. Army.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3146992/53rd-space-operations-squadron/ | title=53rd Space Operations Squadron }}</ref> Finally, spacecraft operations for the Wideband Global SATCOM and Defense Satellite Communications System are conducted by the [[4th Space Operations Squadron]], in addition to the [[Milstar]] and [[Advanced Extremely High Frequency]] satellites, which both additionally support command and control of strategic nuclear forces.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=4th Space Operations Squadron }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2381348/advanced-extremely-high-frequency-system-aehf | title=Advanced Extremely High Frequency System (AEHF) | access-date=4 March 2023 | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304180427/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2381348/advanced-extremely-high-frequency-system-aehf | url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Space launch====
{{main|Space Launch Delta 30|Space Launch Delta 45}}
[[File:SpaceX Falcon Heavy DoD STP-2 Launch (NHQ201906250100).jpg|thumb|Launch of the [[Falcon Heavy]] on the [[Space Test Program|STP-2]] mission]]
The Space Force's [[space launch]] enterprise is organized under [[Space Systems Command]], with [[Space Launch Delta 30]] managing the [[Western Range (USSF)|Western Range]] from [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]] and [[Space Launch Delta 45]] managing the [[Eastern Range]] from [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]].<ref name="auto16">{{cite web | url=https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Program-Executive-Offices/Assured-Access-To-Space | title=Assured Access to Space }}</ref>

The Space Force does not just manage military space launches, but also supports [[NASA]] and commercial space launches.<ref name="auto16"/> Major space launch vehicles flown or scheduled to fly off of Space Force launch ranges include [[NASA]]'s [[Space Launch System]], [[SpaceX]]'s [[SpaceX Starship|Starship]], [[Falcon Heavy]], and [[Falcon 9]], and [[United Launch Alliance]]'s [[Vulcan Centaur|Vulcan]], which will replace the [[Atlas V]] and [[Delta IV Heavy]]. Currently, vehicles for the [[National Security Space Launch]] program include the Vulcan, Atlas V, Falcon Heavy, and Falcon 9 rockets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-in-transition-as-space-force-waits-for-vulcan/ | title=National security launch in transition as Space Force waits for Vulcan | date=19 August 2021 }}</ref>

An experimental [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] vanguard program that the Space Force leads, [[Rocket Cargo]], is exploring using rockets to supplement naval and air transport to rapidly deliver supplies to forces across the Earth.<ref name="auto11">{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/successstories/rocket-cargo-for-agile-global-logistics/ | title=ROCKET CARGO FOR AGILE GLOBAL LOGISTICS – Air Force Research Laboratory }}</ref> The [[SpaceX Starship]] rocket is one such system currently being explored.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/spacex-signs-a-deal-to-rocket-military-cargo-around-the-world/ | title=SpaceX signs a deal to rocket military cargo around the world }}</ref>

====Space Force commands====
The Space Force is organized into three field commands and multiple component field commands, which serve as joint force space component commands for the unified combatant commands.<ref name="spaceforce.mil">{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2287005/space-force-begins-transition-into-field-organizational-structure|title=Space Force begins transition into field organizational structure|website=United States Space Force|date=24 July 2020 }}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:Space Staff Identification Badge.png|75px]]
|[[Headquarters Space Force]] (HSF) 
| Space Force service headquarters led by the [[chief of space operations]]. 
|[[The Pentagon]], Virginia
|-
!colspan=4| Field commands
|-
|[[File:Space Operations Command emblem.png|75px]]
|[[Space Operations Command]] (SpOC)
|The Space Force's operations field command, conducting space operations, cyberspace operations, and intelligence operations. Space Force component to [[United States Space Command]].<ref>{{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>
|[[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Systems Command emblem.svg|75px]]
|[[Space Systems Command]] (SSC)
|Conducts research, development, acquisitions, and sustainment of Space Force systems and conducts space launch operations.
|[[Los Angeles Air Force Base]], California
|-
|[[File:Space Training and Readiness Command emblem.png|75px]]
|[[Space Training and Readiness Command]] (STARCOM)
|Conducts Space Force training, education, doctrine development, and testing.
|[[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado
|-
|[[File:Space Force Element to the National Reconnaissance Office emblem.png|75px]]
|[[National Reconnaissance Office|Space Force Element, National Reconnaissance Office]] (SFELM NRO)
|Space Force component for the [[National Reconnaissance Office]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nro.gov/Portals/65/documents/about/leadership/bios/Major_General_Christopher_S_Povak_bio.pdf?ver=Xl0BhACsBe5LE21mmLpDLA%3d%3d|title=Major General Christopher S. Povak|website=nro.gov}}</ref>
|Chantilly, Virginia
|-
|[[File:U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific emblem.png|75px]]
|[[United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific|U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific]] (USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC)
|Space Force component and joint force space component command for [[United States Indo-Pacific Command]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3227481/space-force-presents-forces-to-us-indo-pacific-command/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3227481/space-force-presents-forces-to-us-indo-pacific-command/|title=Space Force Presents Forces to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command|website=United States Space Force}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|[[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]], Hawaii
|-
|[[File:United States Space Forces Central emblem.png|75px]]
|[[United States Space Forces Central|U.S. Space Forces Central]] (USSPACEFOR-CENT)
|Space Force component and joint force space component command for [[United States Central Command]].
|[[MacDill Air Force Base]], Florida
|-
|[[File:United States Space Forces Korea emblem.png|75px]]
|[[United States Space Forces Korea|U.S. Space Forces Korea]] (USSPACEFOR-KOR)
|Space Force component and joint force space component command for [[United States Forces Korea]].
|[[Osan Air Base]], South Korea
|}