The establishment of the United States Space Force represented a landmark moment in the evolution of the U.S. military, creating the first new branch since the U.S. Air Force's establishment in 1947. Announced by President Donald Trump, the Space Force was conceived out of concerns that space represents a critical environment for national defense, with adversaries like Russia and China advancing their capabilities to threaten U.S. satellites and other space assets. As part of the Department of the Air Force, it aimed to focus on organizing, training, and equipping personnel to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.

This move also reflects a broader vision of space as a theater of military operations. The vertical development of space-based technologies and warfare systems underscored a need for specialized training and strategies to effectively manage potential conflicts beyond Earth. The Space Force was empowered to coordinate space operations while establishing doctrine and policy regarding the use of tools and techniques that could protect American interests.

Headquartered at the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, the Space Force sought to attract and retain talent in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This included partnerships with private corporations focused on aerospace and defense to foster innovation. The establishment of this branch signaled a significant governmental commitment to fortifying U.S. capabilities in a realm where commercial interests and military concerns increasingly intersect.