August 24, 2020

One Year Anniversary of the Re-Established United States Space Command

Did you know, August 29th marks the first anniversary of POTUS re-establishing U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM)? This signifies a historic year for Colorado Springs—the past, present, and best future home to USSPACECOM and the epicenter of national security space – holding the title as the current location of the 11th Combatant Command in the Department of Defense! The command was created to boost America’s military dominance in orbit amid rising threats from rival nations.

Sitting at an elevation of 6,035 feet in the sky, Colorado Springs is home to the Space Foundation (World Headquarters) and Discovery Center, the Air Force Reserve’s only space wing, the sole Army Space Brigade, the National Space Defense Center, plentiful veteran programs & resources, and five military installations. The talent pipeline is just as plentiful in the Pikes Peak region with a wide diversity of skillsets in satellite operations, cybersecurity, homeland security, defense, and intelligence missions.

Colorado Springs is the Provisional Home to USSPACECOM for the Next Six Years

One of the many reasons Colorado Springs is the perfect location for USSPACECOM is the high number of U.S. Space Force operational units here, including 8 of 9 recently created Space Deltas. The region is home to more than 250 aerospace and defense companies, plus the operations of key national defense commands. Good news for those interested in the field—Space Force is looking for recruits with a degree in many STEM fields and backgrounds including cyber-technology and intelligence.

Additionally, the area’s extensive military and defense industry – as well as the growing concentration of space operation infrastructure – make it the ideal location for the permanent establishment of U.S. Space Command. Projected to create a mix of over 1,400 military and civilian jobs, permanently securing the headquarters would be a massive economic booster to the Colorado Springs’ economy.

A vast array of university programs and degrees create a never-ending talent-pipeline with a fueled hunger for higher-learning and a drive towards the future. In fact, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs offers the country’s No. 1 undergraduate program in aerospace engineering, and the Academy is currently the only source for commissioning officers directly into the Space Force.

Colorado Springs is the Past, Present, and Future Home of USSPACECOM

Equipped to house USSPACECOM, relocating this already well-oiled machine would be a significant loss in investment, such as the $148M Consolidated Space Operations Facility programmed for Schriever AFB. Keeping the USSPACECOM in its current location would be the most cost effective and least risky, making it the overall best choice for the mission. American taxpayers have invested heavily in Space Command right where it is today. Those investments will only grow over the next six years. Gov. Polis, U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, and other leaders have made the case directly to President Trump and Pentagon officials as to why Colorado Springs should be the permanent home by all mission, infrastructure, cost, and community support considerations.

Colorado Springs is proud of our rich military legacy and our growing aerospace economy, and we look forward to continuing this legacy and remaining the home to U.S. Space Command and the many future generations committed to protecting our skies.