US President Donald Trump authorised steps towards creating a space force on 19 February. Initially, however, it will resemble more of a corps similar to the US Marine Corps (USMC), which has its own chief of staff and resides under another service.
Space Policy Directive-4 directs the Pentagon to develop a legislative proposal establishing a US Space Force (USSF) as a sixth branch of the US military, initially within the US Air Force (USAF). This could be temporary, because as the USSF matures it will be necessary to create a separate military department to be known as the Department of the Space Force, according to the directive. This department would take over some, or all, responsibilities for the USSF from the USAF.
US President Trump on 19 February authorised steps towards creating an independent space force. This force will eventually manage space acquisition for capabilities such as launch. Pictured here is United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V. (US Navy)
The defence secretary is directed to conduct periodic reviews to determine when to recommend that the president seek legislation to establish an independent Department of the Space Force. If created, it will likely have its own civilian secretary, as do the other independent services, although this was not specified in the directive. At the time of writing a request for comment made to the Pentagon had not been returned.
Creating the USSF would consolidate existing forces and authorities for US military space activities to minimise duplication of effort and eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies. This does not include the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) or other non-military space organisations.
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