A space force is a military branch that operates in outer space. The first space force was established by Russia in 1992, which went through mergers and restructuring within other military branches. Currently, there are two independent space forces: the United States Space Force and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force. These forces conduct space warfare, handle satellite communications, and other vital functions beyond Earth's atmosphere.
June 1944: First Artificial Object Crosses Kármán Line
In June 1944, the MW 18014, a German A-4 rocket (V-2), became the first artificial object to cross the Kármán line, marking the beginning of space travel.
1945: US Air Force Begins Space Program
In 1945, the US Air Force began developing its own space program.
1954: Western Development Division Established
In 1954, the Western Development Division was created as the U.S. military's first space organization.
October 1957: Sputnik 1 Launched
In October 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, under the responsibility of the Artillery of the Reserve of the Supreme High Command (RVGK).
1958: NASA Created
In 1958, NASA's creation consolidated space-related agencies and established the Air Force as the primary military space organization.
1958: First Discussions of a Military Space Service in the US
In 1958, the first discussions about establishing a separate military space service in the United States took place.
1960: Soviet Military Space Forces Reorganized
In 1960, Soviet military space forces were reorganized under the Main Missile Directorate of the Ministry of Defence.
1964: Space Forces Integrated into Strategic Rocket Forces
In 1964, the Soviet military space forces became part of the Strategic Rocket Forces' Central Directorate of Space Assets.
1967: Anti-Ballistic Missile and Anti-Space Defense Forces Established
In 1967, the Anti-Ballistic Missile and Anti-Space Defense Forces were established within the Soviet Air Defense Forces.
1970: Main Directorate of Space Assets Renamed
In 1970, the Central Directorate of Space Assets was renamed the Main Directorate of Space Assets.
1982: Air Force Space Command Established
In 1982, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), the direct predecessor to the U.S. Space Force, was established.
1982: Main Directorate of Space Assets Reports Directly to Ministry of Defense
In 1982, the Main Directorate of Space Assets was transferred to report directly to the Soviet Ministry of Defense.
1983: Space Forces Used in Invasion of Grenada
In 1983, U.S. space forces provided support during the invasion of Grenada.
1986: Space Forces Used in Bombing of Libya
In 1986, space forces were used in the bombing of Libya.
1986: Chief Directorate of Space Assets Established
In 1986, the Main Directorate of Space Assets became the Chief Directorate of Space Assets.
1989: Space Forces Used in Invasion of Panama
In 1989, U.S. space forces supported the invasion of Panama.
1991: Military Space Forces Established in Russia
In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia established its Military Space Forces as an independent entity under the Ministry of Defense.
1992: Russian Space Forces Established
In 1992, the world's first space force, the Russian Space Forces, was established as an independent military service.
1997: Rocket and Space Defence Troops Merged with Military Space Forces
In 1997, the Rocket and Space Defence Troops and Military Space Forces were merged into the Strategic Missile Forces.
1997: Russian Space Forces Merged into Strategic Rocket Forces
In 1997, the Russian Space Forces lost its independence and was absorbed into the Strategic Rocket Forces.
1998: PLA Begins Creating Space Forces
In 1998, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) began developing its space forces under the General Armaments Department.
2001: Russian Space Forces Re-established
In 2001, the Russian Space Forces was re-established as an independent entity within the Strategic Rocket Forces after a period of absorption.
2001: Russian Space Forces Re-established
In 2001, the Russian Space Forces were re-established as independent troops.
2001: Space Commission Advocates for Space Corps
In 2001, the Space Commission recommended the creation of a Space Corps between 2007 and 2011.
2007: Proposed Timeline for Space Corps
2007 was the start of the proposed timeline for the creation of a Space Corps as suggested by the 2001 Space Commission.
2010: French Joint Space Command Created
In 2010, France established the Joint Space Command.
2011: Proposed Timeline for Space Corps
2011 was the end of the proposed timeline for the creation of a Space Corps as suggested by the 2001 Space Commission.
2011: Russian Space Forces Merged into Aerospace Defense Forces
In 2011, the Russian Space Forces again lost its independence, becoming part of the newly formed Russian Aerospace Defense Forces.
2011: Russian Space Forces Becomes Part of Aerospace Defense Forces
In 2011, the Russian Space Forces became the Russian Space Command within the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces.
2015: Russian Space Forces Becomes Sub-branch of Aerospace Forces
In 2015, the Russian Space Forces was integrated into the Russian Aerospace Forces as a sub-branch, marking another loss of its independent status.
2015: PLA Strategic Support Force Space Systems Department Established
In 2015, the PLA reorganized its space capabilities into the PLA Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) Space Systems Department.
2015: Russian Space Forces Integrated into Aerospace Forces
In 2015, The Russian Space Forces became a sub-branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
2017: Bipartisan Proposal for Space Corps
In 2017, a bipartisan proposal in Congress aimed to create a Space Corps.
December 2019: United States Space Force Established
In December 2019, the United States Space Force was officially established, marking a significant milestone in military space operations.
2019: French Space Command Announced
In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of the Space Command as a major command within the Air Force.
July 2020: French Air Force Renamed Air and Space Force
In July 2020, the French Air Force was officially renamed the Air and Space Force.
September 2020: French Air and Space Force Logo Unveiled
In September 2020, the French Air and Space Force unveiled its new logo.
2020: National Defense Authorization Act
In 2020, The National Defense Authorization Act included the establishment of the US Space Force.
June 2022: Spanish Air and Space Force Announced
In June 2022, the Spanish government announced that the Spanish Air Force would be renamed the Spanish Air and Space Force.
April 2024: PLA Aerospace Force Established
In April 2024, the space force element of the PLASSF became the People's Liberation Army Aerospace Force.
2024: Independent Space Forces Exist
As of 2024, there are two independent space forces: the United States Space Force and the People's Liberation Army Aerospace Force.