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  • Lockheed Martin GPS III (SV 01-10) Satellite

    GPS celebrates 25th year of operation

    The Global Positioning System, better known as GPS, marks its 25th year of operation Apr. 27, 2020. On this date in 1995, the system reached full operational capability, meaning the system met all performance requirements.  U.S. Air Force Space Command formally announced the milestone three months later.  “This is a major milestone,” Gen. Thomas S.
  • The License Reimbursement program allows Airmen’s spouses to recoup up to $1,000 following permanent changes of station or address. Licenses and certifications that qualify for the program vary by state, but the program covers a variety of qualifying costs including exam and registration fees, background checks and more. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Marcus Hill)

    Spouses can recoup licensure fees after PCS, PCA

    Service members and their spouses have the opportunity to save money following permanent changes of station or address through the Department of Defense’s Licensure Reimbursement Program.
  • SBIRS GEO-5 Vacuum Testing

    SBIRS GEO-5 Space Vehicle Enters Critical Thermal Vacuum Testing

    The Space and Missile Systems Center’s next Space Based Infrared System satellite (SBIRS GEO-5) reached a major milestone on its the road to launch when Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing began on April 16 at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Sunnyvale, California. SBIRS GEO-5 is a high-priority U.S. Space Force program that provides worldwide
  • Space X’s Crew Dragon, shown here with its solar arrays deployed during its first re-flight to the International Space Station for NASA. During a presentation on SpaceX’s latest developments and future launches shared to 50th Wing Staff Agency Airmen on April 17, the Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, elaborated on the design and technologic advancements featured on the spacecraft.

    Japanese astronaut prepares for flight aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon

    Four 50th Wing Staff Agency Airmen attended a SpaceX briefing on its latest developments and future travel plans to the International Space Station, by Soichi Noguchi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut, at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, April 17. Col. Jack Fischer, 50th Space Wing vice commander and former NASA astronaut, shared the conference, “Preparing for flight aboard SpaceX/Crew Dragon: Post Certification Mission 1,” to keep Airmen engaged and informed on the cooperative efforts to further the space mission alongside SpaceX, Space Force and NASA. “Soichi’s purpose was to share with astronauts and cosmonauts the current status of the Crew Dragon flights and answer questions about training,” Fischer said. “My purpose [in broadcasting the conference] was to share a neat experience with the Airmen and hopefully, inspire them a bit. Despite COVID, space exploration is continuing … and is awesome.” Noguchi, who has been an astronaut since 1996, will travel aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft (also known as Dragon) to the International Space Station alongside three NASA astronauts. The mission, US Crew Vehicle-1, also known as Crew-1, is tentatively set for August 2020. USCV-1 will be the first crewed operational flight of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
  • SMC Space Surveillance Telescope

    Space Surveillance Telescope Sees First Light: through US & Australian Partnership

    In partnership with the Australian Ministry of Defense, the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space and Missile Systems Center’s (SMC) Space Surveillance Telescope (SST) Program recently achieved “first light” on March 5, 2020, reaching a key milestone after it was moved from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico to Harold E. Holt Naval Communications
  • U.S. Air Force Airmen who transfer into the U.S. Space Force will continue to wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern utility uniform currently worn by USAF and U.S. Army personnel, but with distinct blue thread and a colored U.S. flag on the left arm. The USSF is the sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and is part of the Department of the Air Force.

    Want to transfer into the Space Force? Application period opens May 1

    The U.S. Space Force announced recently the opportunity for U.S. Air Force active duty members to volunteer to officially transfer into the new service begins May 1.
  • Colorado Air National Guard aircraft structural maintenance mechanic, put together lunch meals for guests at a hotel in Denver

    Colorado Air National Guard space warriors fight COVID-19

    Since Colorado Gov. Jared Polis activated the Colorado National Guard to join the fight against COVID-19 March 10, 2020, space warriors of the 233rd Space Group have been on the front lines, assisting civil authorities and augmenting critical space missions.More than 10 percent of the Colorado Air National Guard’s space force has stepped in to help

  • SMC’s Capt. Vowell wins USSF level 2020 Col. Jabara Award for Airmanship

    Capt. Benjamin Vowell from Space and Missile Systems Center Special Programs has been awarded the US Space Force 2020 Col. Jabara Award for Airmanship as the top nominee, a first under the newly established United States Space Force. The Jabara Award for Airmanship was first awarded in 1968 and was established by the family of Col. James Jabara,
  • The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center has been communicating with mission support group leaders across the Air Force and Space Force using Defense Collaboration Services. The four sessions to date focused on ensuring MSG teams receive the help they need to get through the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping their missions going by providing guidance, funding solutions and expertise to resolve issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Malcolm McClendon).

    AFIMSC swift action enables Air, Space Force to meet COVID-19 challenges

    The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is leading the effort to keep installations mission ready as the Air and Space Force continue operations while contending with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, administers the U.S. Space Force Oath of Office to the Eighty-Six Space Force Cadets during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2020 graduation at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

    Space Force welcomes first academy graduates to its ranks

    Eighty-six graduates from the United States Air Force Academy celebrated receiving their diplomas April 18 and moved directly into the U.S. Space Force, marking the first infusion of commissioned personnel into the new service since its creation last year.
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