Fact File U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs, 901 SAC Blvd, Suite 1A1, Offutt AFB NE 68113-6020

Military Space Forces

America depends on space, especially for the nation's defense. Through the control of satellites that provide ballistic missile warning, communications, weather, navigation, and imagery capabilities, space operations increase the effectiveness of U.S. and allied air, land, and sea forces worldwide. Space assets also provide the means to help other services perform their missions. U.S. Strategic Command coordinates the use of the Department of Defense's military space forces in providing:

• Missile Warning -- Defense Support Program satellites and ground-based radars provide both ICBM and Theater Ballistic Missile warning to the commander in chief and to deployed troops worldwide. 
• Communications -- Communication satellites provide constant global connectivity with deployed forces. (Systems: Defense Satellite Communications System - DSCS, Milstar, FLTSATCOM UHF Follow on).
• Navigation -- The Air Force Space Command?s Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation of 28 satellites provides precise navigation and timing support to coordinate the positioning and maneuver of U.S. and allied aircrews, naval forces and ground forces.
• Weather -- Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) collects and distributes global weather data.
• Imagery & Signals Intelligence -- U.S. military space operators coordinate space-based imagery between intelligence agencies and planners within Unified Commands.

USSTRATCOM provides space support to deployed U.S. military forces worldwide and defends the Defense Information Infrastructure, the computer and communications networks, of the Department of Defense against unauthorized intrusion or attack. The command's space missions consist of:

• Space Support: Launching and operating satellites. Includes satellite operations and telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C), and spare activation. All launches occur at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., or Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
• Force Enhancement: Satellite communications, navigation, weather, missile warning and intelligence.
• Space Control: Assuring U.S. access to and freedom of operation in space, and denying enemies the same.
• Force Application: Researching and developing space-based capabilities that have the potential to engage adversaries from space. Requires policy change before implementation.

USSTRATCOM Space Components:

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Arlington, Va.
• Naval Network Warfare Command, Dahlgren, Va.
• Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.

IMPORTANCE OF SPACE AND COMPUTER CAPABILITIES:

Defending the Department of Defense computer and communication networks is vitally important to the nation. The United States is the nation most heavily reliant on technology for its economy, defense and way of life. Key facts:

• Near real-time satellite imagery and weather, combined with instant satellite communications and the accuracy and timing provided by GPS, gives U.S. and allied commanders unparalleled awareness of operations occurring within their designated areas of responsibility.
• Space support to current operations are a perfect example of how the United States fights. Satellite-aided munitions, communications, navigation, and weather systems, combine to achieve military objectives in a relatively short amount of time.
• Global communications are growing. The use of cellular phones and pagers, ATMs, and satellite-delivered TV are a way of life for most Americans.