Trump creates US Space Force – first new military branch in 70 years

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper: “Maintaining American dominance in that domain is now the mission of the United States Space Force”

DECEMBER 22, 2019 15:51

NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly captured an aurora from the International Space Station in this NASA handout photo taken on June 23, 2015. (photo credit: REUTERS) — NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly captured an aurora from the International Space Station in this NASA handout photo taken on June 23, 2015.

(photo credit: REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump signed legislation on Friday that officially established a new force with which America is henceforth prepared to do combat in outer space - the US Space Force.

The launch of an independent U.S. Space Force propels us into a new era dedicated to protecting U.S. national interests and security in space. @SpaceForceDoD pic.twitter.com/UE7xXoedvO
— Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Barbara Barrett (@SecAFOfficial) December 21, 2019

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said, “Our reliance on space-based capabilities has grown dramatically, and today, outer space has evolved into a war-fighting domain of its own,” according to CNN. “Maintaining American dominance in that domain is now the mission of the United States Space Force.”

The force is a continuation of the US Space Command which had been operating under the Air Force. It will employ roughly 16,000 people under the charge of Air Force General Jay Raymond.