Schriever Space Force Base stands as a vital hub for America’s space defense operations. It’s tucked east of Colorado Springs, and you’ll find thousands of military personnel and civilian contractors working there.
People at Schriever control more than 170 satellites. The base also houses major mission centers that protect national security interests.
You’ll find Schriever Space Force Base about 10 miles east of Peterson Space Force Base in El Paso County, Colorado. It sits in rural terrain near Colorado Springs, which gives it a bit of strategic isolation for sensitive space operations.
The coordinates—38°48′12″N 104°31′32″W—put the base in a pretty ideal spot for satellite control. Colorado Springs acts as the main city for base personnel and their families.
El Paso County offers a mix of outdoor activities and city amenities. The Colorado landscape adds natural security barriers, but folks still have access to transportation networks.
Every day, personnel commute between Schriever SFB and the Colorado Springs area. The location strikes a balance between operational security and a decent quality of life for military families.
Schriever Space Force Base runs command and control for over 170 Department of Defense satellites. These satellites handle warning, navigation, and communications missions.
Building 400 is where they control the Global Positioning System. The base also hosts the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center, plus the National Space Defense Center.
These centers coordinate military, intelligence, and commercial space defense operations. They work together to counter new threats.
Space Operations Command units at Schriever manage satellite constellations—think GPS, missile warning, and secure comms networks. The base supports both defensive and offensive space capabilities.
Multiple deltas run 24/7 operations from Schriever. Combat training squadrons get personnel ready for space warfare, while test units work on new capabilities.
Schriever Space Force Base employs over 8,100 people—active duty, guard, reserve, civilian employees, and contractors. That’s one of the largest groups of space professionals you’ll find in Colorado.
The base houses major commands like Space Operations Command and Space Training and Readiness Command. Personnel operate advanced satellite control systems that need specialized training and security clearances.
Civilian employees work side by side with military personnel in key mission areas. Contractors add technical expertise for satellite ops, cybersecurity, and facility maintenance.
The 310th Space Wing is the biggest Air Force Reserve unit at Schriever SFB. Guard and reserve folks support active duty operations while keeping civilian jobs in Colorado Springs.
Schriever Space Force Base started as a backup satellite control facility in 1983. Over time, it grew into America’s main space operations center.
The base has gone through three major name changes and expanded its mission to support space defense.
The whole idea for Schriever SFB kicked off in September 1979. Officials approved the site to serve as a backup control center for satellite constellations and support NASA’s space shuttle program.
Construction began in May 1983. At first, they called it the Consolidated Space Operations Center.
By 1985, the military finished specialized facilities for space operations. Falcon Air Force Station opened in 1985.
The 2nd Space Wing activated at Peterson Air Force Base in July 1985, then moved to Falcon in September. The first move brought in 230 Air Force members, civilians, and contractors into 12 new buildings.
These teams took over satellite control operations in phases starting October 1987. The Air Force Satellite Control Network gradually shifted to Falcon, handling command and control for military satellites.
Falcon Air Force Station got upgraded to base status in June 1988. This change recognized its growing role in military space missions.
On January 30, 1992, the 2nd Space Wing inactivated. The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing took over after becoming the 50th Space Wing.
On June 5, 1998, Falcon Air Force Base was renamed Schriever Air Force Base. This honored a living Air Force veteran, which was pretty unique.
The Space Force brought the latest change on July 26, 2021. The base became Schriever Space Force Base to reflect its new branch and focus.
In November 2024, the Department of the Air Force picked Schriever to host Space Delta 15 with 250 personnel. This unit is set to become fully operational by summer 2027.
General Bernard Adolph Schriever made his mark as the pioneer of American ballistic missile programs during the Cold War. He turned theoretical ideas into real weapon systems that shaped military space capabilities.
Schriever worked for 35 years on ballistic missile and satellite tech for the Air Force. His efforts built the foundation for today’s space operations and satellite communications.
In 1998, they named the base after him while he was still alive, which doesn’t happen often. General Schriever passed away on June 20, 2005—seven years after the base took his name.
His legacy lives on through the space operations at the base. The facility now runs over 170 Department of Defense satellites, providing warning, navigation, and communications—direct results of Schriever’s work.
Schriever Space Force Base acts as the nerve center for satellite ops and space warfare capabilities. Specialized units there control more than 170 Department of Defense satellites and work on the next wave of space defense systems.
Space Base Delta 1 handles daily operations at Schriever. This setup replaced the old Air Force wing system when the Space Force launched its own model.
The 50th Space Wing runs as the main mission unit. This wing manages command and control for warning, navigation, and communications satellites.
Space Force Delta 41 started up in June 2025. It’s a focused unit for GPS security operations and the newest delta at Schriever.
The Space Innovation and Development Center researches and tests emerging space technologies. The center works with the Missile Defense Agency to boost defensive capabilities.
Roughly 8,000 military and civilian personnel support these units. Many transferred from Air Force operations to Space Force missions.
The base runs the Air Force Satellite Control Network, which the 2nd Space Wing originally managed. Now, the focus is on keeping satellite communications and surveillance up and running.
Personnel operate in contested space using the Space Mission Force construct. This approach leans into both defensive and offensive space capabilities.
Detection and targeting operations are a core mission. Crews keep an eye out for threats to American space assets and coordinate with other military commands.
The facility keeps 24/7 operations centers tracking satellite health. Operators adjust satellite positions, communications, and defense measures as needed.
Navigation satellite control is a big deal here. The base makes sure GPS accuracy stays sharp for military and civilian users worldwide.
Schriever Space Force Base is home to key space operations units and defense organizations. Space Base Delta 1, several wings focused on space warfare, and specialized centers for missile defense all call the installation home.
Space Base Delta 1 officially activated at Schriever SFB in June 2025, led by Colonel Eric D. Bogue. This unit marks the Space Force’s new approach to managing space ops.
The 50th Space Wing works alongside Space Base Delta 1 as a main tenant. This wing manages satellite communications and warning systems for military missions worldwide.
The 50th Mission Support Group includes the 50th Contracting Squadron. This squadron handles procurement for Peterson-Schriever Garrison, managing over $134 million in contracts and supporting 22 tenant units.
Personnel from these groups deploy worldwide to support Space Force missions. The 50th Space Wing keeps satellite operations running, connecting military units across the globe.
The Missile Defense Agency has a major presence at Schriever SFB with its Integration and Operations Center. This facility coordinates missile defense systems across multiple domains.
Operations staff watch for missile threats and coordinate responses from this center. The facility links up with radar and interceptor sites across North America for broad missile defense coverage.
Defense contractors work right alongside military personnel to maintain and upgrade missile defense tech. The center processes data from satellites and ground sensors to track threats in real time.
Technical specialists run regular tests of missile defense protocols here. These tests make sure systems stay ready and effective against new missile technologies.
The Air Force Warfare Center at Schriever SFB develops combat tactics and procedures for space-based military systems. It’s where personnel train on advanced space warfare concepts and technology.
Military strategists at the center build doctrine for space operations across all branches. The facility has simulation systems so people can practice space combat scenarios without risking real satellites.
The center teams up with other Department of Defense organizations to integrate space capabilities into joint operations. Staff work with Army, Navy, and Marine Corps units to make sure space assets support ground, sea, and air missions.
Research teams evaluate new technologies for military use. These assessments help the Space Force decide which capabilities to fund and develop.
Schriever Space Force Base runs with about 8,000 military and civilian personnel working together on critical space missions. Contractors and civilian employees bring specialized technical expertise and support services, working hand-in-hand with military teams across the installation.
At Schriever Space Force Base, contractors bring specialized technical services that call for deep industry know-how. The 50th Contracting Squadron oversees these partnerships, handling more than 560 contracts each year—worth over $134 million.
Primary contractor services include:
Contractors and military personnel work together to keep space systems running and up to date. They handle technical areas like satellite operations, cybersecurity, and advanced communications systems.
The base counts on contractors for the trickier maintenance jobs on complex space equipment. These folks often introduce commercial innovations that improve military space operations.
Civilian employees and contractors join military teams to get the mission done. Department of Defense civilians fill all sorts of roles—from engineering to admin support.
The 50th Contracting Squadron has 64 military and civilian contracting pros who operate as unified teams. These groups blend military discipline with the technical chops of civilian experts.
Contractors get security clearances and follow military protocols for classified projects. They also join in on training exercises and mission planning with uniformed personnel.
Integration happens through:
This team approach lets the base take advantage of both military readiness and commercial innovation in space operations.
Schriever Space Force Base acts as the nerve center for the Air Force Satellite Control Network, managing America’s GPS constellation. From here, the base controls 37 GPS satellites that send navigation data to billions around the globe.
The 2nd Space Operations Squadron runs the main GPS command center out of Building 400. Operators there monitor and control the entire GPS constellation around the clock.
They manage 37 GPS satellites orbiting Earth every 12 hours. These satellites send out precise timing and location data that commercial space tourism companies need for flight operations and passenger safety.
Operators rely on the $800 million Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) ground control system. This upgrade replaced old equipment without interrupting GPS services. Now, satellite communications are more reliable for space tourism flights.
The Air Force Reserve’s 19th Space Operations Squadron also works from this hub. Both squadrons team up to keep the system running for spacecraft launches and landings at commercial spaceports across the country.
The Air Force Satellite Control Network at Schriever does more than just GPS. The base commands over 170 Department of Defense satellites that handle warning, navigation, and communications.
The 23rd Space Operations Squadron controls more than 190 satellites from several sites. These satellites help with intelligence, weather monitoring, and secure communications that support commercial spaceflight.
Space tourism companies count on this satellite network for tracking flights and handling emergencies. The network keeps ground control and spacecraft in touch during passenger flights to space.
Schriever houses advanced tracking systems to monitor satellite health and performance. This setup supports the growing commercial space industry by delivering reliable navigation and communication services that keep civilian space travel safe.
Schriever Space Force Base works closely with Peterson Space Force Base, which sits just 10 miles west near Colorado Springs. Both bases fall under Space Base Delta 1, which makes coordination for space operations across the region much smoother.
The two bases are within about 16 miles of each other in Colorado Springs. This makes it easy for military personnel to move between them. Many service members live in housing communities that serve both installations.
Peterson sits at 6,035 feet in Colorado Springs proper and shares runways with the city’s municipal airport. Schriever, on the other hand, focuses on satellite control to the east.
Support services and facilities are often shared. Personnel sometimes work at both bases during their assignments. Families at either location can use recreational and medical services at both.
Colorado Springs sees real economic benefits from these installations. The combined workforce brings thousands of jobs to the area. Defense contractors and space industry companies set up shop nearby to support both missions.
Space Base Delta 1 runs unified command for Peterson and Schriever. This setup gets rid of operational silos and lets both installations coordinate space operations across several mission areas.
Schriever handles satellite command and control. Peterson focuses more on space operations support and headquarters duties. Splitting up the responsibilities keeps things running efficiently.
Personnel rotate between the two bases regularly. This cross-training helps build expertise across different space mission areas. Officers get experience in both places, which is pretty valuable.
The bases coordinate training and share specialized gear. Joint exercises test how well their systems work together. By sharing resources, the Space Force boosts its operational capabilities in Colorado.
The Consolidated Space Operations Center marked a turning point in military space operations during the 1980s. This facility set the groundwork for today’s space command and control systems, which still protect American space assets.
The CSOC project started with groundbreaking ceremonies in May 1983 at what was then Falcon Air Force Station. Planners wanted a center that would pull together scattered Air Force space operations.
The original idea was to combine two major facilities. The CSOC would handle satellite command and control, while a separate Shuttle Operations Center would manage space shuttle support.
Construction teams built the center from 1983 to 1985. In September 1985, 230 Air Force members, civilian employees, and contractors moved into 12 new buildings.
The facility took charge of the Air Force Satellite Control Network through a phased transfer that began in October 1987. For the first time, military commanders got centralized control over critical space assets.
The CSOC shaped how the Space Force runs modern space operations. The center showed that centralized satellite control could boost mission effectiveness and cut costs.
Military strategists saw that space operations needed their own facilities, separate from traditional air bases. The CSOC became the model for this approach. Specialized buildings and equipment really do make a difference for complex satellite missions.
The center’s success led to more space installations across the country. Today’s Space Force bases still use many of the same principles—centralized command, specialized facilities, and dedicated personnel.
Now, the facility serves as headquarters for Space Base Delta 1. It continues to provide command and control for over 170 Department of Defense satellites. The CSOC’s legacy lives on in the way we protect American interests in space.
Schriever Space Force Base enforces strict security protocols that require visitors to plan ahead. As of early 2025, new policies did away with previous escort programs, so now everyone needs a base pass to get in.
There’s just one main entrance gate, located on Enoch Road about 10 miles east of Colorado Springs. The gate stays open 24/7 for authorized personnel and visitors with valid base passes.
Security staff are always on duty to check credentials and vehicle registrations. They inspect every vehicle before letting it onto the base.
The Visitor Control Center is open during normal duty hours and answers at (719) 567-5620. This office handles all visitor requests and hands out temporary vehicle passes.
Visitors should bring government-issued photo ID and vehicle registration. The checkpoint sometimes gets busy during peak hours when military personnel arrive for work.
Every visitor to Schriever must get an Unofficial Visitor Base Pass from the Visitor Control Center before showing up. Since the Trusted Traveler Program ended, military ID holders can’t escort guests without the right paperwork.
There are two ways to get a visitor pass. Option 1: A military sponsor comes along during business hours for in-person pickup at the Visitor Control Center. Option 2: You can process everything in advance, so you don’t need your sponsor there when you pick up the pass.
Contractors and official visitors on government business coordinate access through their base sponsor. They follow a separate process to get official credentials.
The base recommends Option 2 for smoother planning and to avoid last-minute delays. Processing times depend on security clearance and background checks.
Schriever Space Force Base brings major economic benefits to Colorado Springs and the wider Colorado region. The base supports thousands of jobs and teams up with local schools to push space technology research forward.
Schriever Space Force Base employs about 8,000 military and civilian personnel. This workforce has a big economic impact across Colorado Springs and nearby communities.
The base adds roughly $1.3 billion in indirect economic impact to the local economy. That number covers spending on goods, services, and housing by base staff and contractors.
Space Base Delta 1, operating out of Schriever, generates an annual economic impact of $4.3 billion when you count Peterson Space Force Base too. Both installations are key to U.S. Space Force operations in Colorado.
Local businesses benefit from steady demand. Restaurants, shops, and service providers see regular business from Schriever’s workforce.
Schriever partners with Colorado educational institutions to focus on space tech research and development.
The University of Colorado and Colorado State University work with Schriever staff on space-related research. Students get real-world space operations experience through internships.
Local contractors and tech companies win contracts for base operations and maintenance. This creates more jobs for Colorado residents with technical backgrounds.
The base also backs community events and charities in the Colorado Springs area. Military personnel often volunteer with nonprofits and educational programs.
Schriever Space Force Base is gearing up to permanently house Space Delta 15 and new intelligence squadrons, which will expand what the base can do. These changes signal a big growth phase for this Colorado installation.
Space Delta 15 plans to set up its permanent headquarters at Schriever Space Force Base. The unit’s been operating there temporarily since it activated in March 2023.
This command-and-control group works inside Space Operations Command. They provide mission-ready forces that back the National Space Defense Center’s mission to protect and defend space.
That job makes Space Delta 15 absolutely central to national space security efforts.
Space Force officials picked Schriever after they ran a bunch of site surveys. They looked at the location’s ability to support the mission and checked out the infrastructure.
They also weighed community support, environmental factors, and what it’d all cost. The 75th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron plans to join Space Delta 15 at the base.
This new squadron will take on the federated targeting mission using specialized orbital targeting sections.
The Department of the Air Force is running environmental impact studies at Schriever Space Force Base. These studies should wrap up later this year before anyone makes final decisions.
The new 75th ISR Squadron plans to integrate kinetic and non-kinetic targeting for the Joint Force across several orbital regimes. That’s a pretty advanced move for space-based operations.
Both Space Delta 15 and the ISR squadrons will work under Space Delta 7’s structure. Space Delta 7 embeds detachments in each of Space Operations Command’s other deltas to provide real-time intelligence.
Schriever’s role in space defense operations is about to get a lot bigger. The base will gain new abilities for threat analysis and tactical space operations support.
Schriever Space Force Base handles some pretty complex space missions. It also manages housing needs and visitor protocols.
Weather can really throw a wrench into satellite operations here. Support services step in to help military families stationed at this Colorado post.
Schriever Space Force Base is home to the 310th Space Wing, the Space Innovation and Development Center, and the Missile Defense Agency. The base acts as the main spot for satellite control and space mission support.
The Consolidated Space Operations Center manages space systems control. This center runs satellite constellations and backs up critical space assets.
Mission partners get access to specialized facilities built for aerospace operations. The base puts a big focus on information advantage systems and command and control infrastructure for detection and targeting.
Military personnel can pick from on-base or off-base housing at Schriever Space Force Base. On-base housing gives quick access to work and base services.
Off-base housing lets families live in Colorado Springs communities nearby. Personnel get a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to help pay for local civilian housing.
Temporary lodging is available for visiting personnel and families during moves. When local capacity fills up, the base works with Peterson Space Force Base for more lodging options.
Visitors need to get the right authorization before entering Schriever Space Force Base. Military sponsors arrange visitor access through the base security office and handle the paperwork.
Security does background checks and checks IDs at the main gate. Visitors have to bring valid government-issued photo ID and show up on the authorized visitor list.
Most civilian visitors need an escort while on base. Military personnel walk them to approved areas and make sure everyone follows security rules.
Colorado weather conditions can mess with satellite communications and operations at Schriever. Snow and ice storms sometimes limit ground-based satellite tracking.
High winds and thunderstorms force crews to adjust how they use sensitive gear. Lightning is a real threat to the electronics needed for space mission control.
Backup systems keep things running during bad weather. The base teams up with other space facilities to keep support going for critical missions when local weather gets rough.
Schriever Space Force Base offers essential services for military families stationed there. Medical care, dining options, and recreation programs support people working in space operations.
Peterson Space Force Base fills in for services Schriever doesn’t have. That full-service base, just ten miles away, has bigger medical facilities, a commissary, and extra family support programs.
Child development centers and youth programs help military families with kids. Educational support makes it easier for military dependents to get into local schools and keep up with academics during assignments.
U.S. Space Command actually coordinates operations between Schriever Space Force Base and Peterson Space Force Base. People from both places support space domain missions, and they often share personnel for some of the most important tasks.
Schriever Space Force Base mainly focuses on satellite control. Meanwhile, Peterson Space Force Base handles broader space command functions.
The two bases really have to work together to keep up space situational awareness. They also back each other up for mission support.
You’ll find that training exercises usually involve folks from several Colorado space installations. Joint operations help everyone stay in sync across different mission areas and keep readiness high throughout the space domain.
