Understanding the Space Force: What It Is and When It Started
The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, officially established on 20 December 2019. Created under the Department of the Air Force, the USSF was formed to organise, train, and equip military personnel to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.
Initially part of the Air Force Space Command, the Space Force became an independent entity to address the growing reliance on space-based technologies and defend against emerging threats. This includes overseeing satellites, communications, navigation systems, and missile-warning infrastructure.
What Does the Space Force Actually Do?
The mission of the USSF is to ensure freedom of operations in the space domain. Its responsibilities include:
- Satellite communications: Managing GPS, satellite internet, and global military communications.
- Space surveillance: Tracking over 45,000 objects in orbit to prevent collisions and monitor potential threats.
- Missile warning systems: Detecting and defending against intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches.
- Cyber defence and network operations: Safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring secure data transmission in space.
These tasks play a pivotal role in national defence and support both civilian and commercial sectors. From air travel safety to banking systems and navigation apps, the technologies Space Force maintains are critical to modern life.
How Does It Benefit the US – and the World?
While the Space Force is a U.S. entity, its reach is global. By ensuring stability in orbit, it protects key infrastructure that supports global communications, navigation, finance, weather forecasting, and even agriculture. Disruption to any of these systems would have serious international consequences.
The USSF also enables partnerships through international military cooperation, such as exercises with the UK, Australia, and Japan, strengthening collective space security. According to a report by the Air and Space Forces Association, the Space Force also supports National Guard space missions, expected to expand in October 2025.
The Growing Impact on the Aerospace & Defence Industry
The Space Force is stimulating rapid innovation across the Aerospace & Aviation, Defence & Security, and Engineering sectors. It has opened new channels for:
- Private sector contracts: Tech companies are developing satellites, launch systems, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Space engineering roles: Creating demand for systems engineers, aerospace designers, and cyber specialists.
- Data and AI roles: Analysts, AI developers, and data engineers are increasingly needed to handle the immense data volumes from satellite systems.
Its creation has accelerated digital transformation in defence, aligning with similar trends in the aviation industry’s shift to a digital-first strategy.
The Space Workforce: Skills, Careers, and Opportunities
As global space activity grows, so too does the need for a highly skilled workforce. The space economy is projected to reach over $1 trillion by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley. This growth demands engineers, project managers, software developers, data analysts, and security experts.
For candidates looking to enter this sector, a background in aerospace, systems engineering, or cybersecurity can be highly beneficial. Equally, those with experience in defence logistics or communications may find exciting career transitions into space-focused roles.
At VHR, we help technical professionals find opportunities across Aerospace & Aviation, Engineering & Defence, and other rapidly evolving sectors. We connect skilled talent with world-leading employers, including those pushing the boundaries of space.
Looking Ahead: Why the Space Force Is Here to Stay
Although it began just a few years ago, the Space Force is not a temporary initiative. Its role in future-proofing critical infrastructure and supporting global stability makes it a permanent and growing fixture of the defence sector.
With increasing commercial interest in space – from satellite internet to space tourism – the USSF’s role in maintaining order, safety, and collaboration in orbit becomes all the more vital.
VHR’s Role in a Changing Industry
As the demand for space-focused talent grows, recruitment strategies must evolve. VHR supports international clients with ethical, compliant staffing solutions across high-skill sectors like Aerospace & Aviation and Defence & Security.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity in a future-facing industry or need help sourcing hard-to-find technical talent, we can help. Visit our Defence & Security page to explore more.
