First batch of recruits for US Space Force to shape the agency’s culture for generations

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 18, 2020

Insight summary

The US Space Force, established in 2019, aims to safeguard American interests in space and preserve it as a shared resource. It contributes to international stability and progress in space exploration, potentially inspiring other advanced economies to establish their own space military organizations. This move comes with implications such as increased opportunities for scientific research, enhanced national security, and growth in the space industry. However, concerns about the militarization of space and the need for international agreements to regulate activities arise as well.

US Space Force context

Established in 2019, the US Space Force stands as a distinctive branch within the Armed Forces. As the first and only independent space force worldwide, its primary purpose is to safeguard American interests in space. By acting as a deterrent against potential aggression in this uncharted territory, the Space Force aims to ensure that space remains a shared resource for the entire global community. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in facilitating expedient and continuous space operations, including commercial, scientific pursuits, and defense-related activities.

In a significant move, around 2,400 members of the US Air Force were chosen for transition into the nascent US Space Force in 2020. These individuals now face the task of undergoing a comprehensive series of evaluations and training specifically tailored to the unique conditions prevalent in the vast expanse of space. This rigorous preparation includes a diverse range of scenarios, such as adjusting to zero gravity environments and managing prolonged periods of isolation and confinement. 

The establishment of the US Space Force reflects the growing recognition of the critical role that space plays in the modern world. This new organization contributes to the preservation of international stability and the continued progress of space exploration. This move can also be a precursor to other advanced economies establishing their own space military organizations.

Disruptive impact

As the inaugural cohort, these Air Force personnel will also have a hand in forming the norms and expectations for professionals working in the US Space Force, which could set the terms of the agency’s culture for generations. 

As the agency grows, an entirely distinct talent pipeline for the Space Force will be developed, allowing recruits to specialize early in their military careers into space-specific skills, education, and training programs. For example, early recruitment into this force includes military professionals specializing in aviation, engineering, intelligence gathering, and cybersecurity. 

It goes without saying that the existence of a Space Force implies the potential use of force in space or from space. Such a force also implies the development of space weapons and infrastructure. This escalation follows similar space militarization activities being carried out by China and Russia, who have both been investing in space-based defensive technologies over the last decade. 

The militarization of space is largely inevitable as most modern militaries depend heavily on space-based satellites for a variety of military surveillance, targeting, communications, and other war-fighting functions. Long term, the US Space Force may collaborate with its civilian counterpart, NASA, to develop future asteroid-mining operations, space stations, and moon and Mars bases.

Implications of the US Space Force

Wider implications of the US Space Force may include:

• Increased opportunities for scientific research and exploration in space, fostering advancements in our understanding of the universe and potential discoveries.


• Enhanced national security through the protection of critical space-based assets and infrastructure, ensuring the continued functioning of vital communication, navigation, and surveillance systems.


• Growth of the space industry, generating new economic opportunities and job creation in areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space tourism.


• Expanded international collaboration in space missions and projects, leading to increased diplomatic relations and scientific cooperation among nations.


• Advancements in satellite technology and communications, facilitating improved global connectivity and enabling better access to information and resources.


• Improved disaster response and management capabilities through enhanced satellite-based monitoring, enabling rapid and effective disaster relief efforts.


• Increased focus on space debris mitigation and management, leading to cleaner and safer orbits and reducing the risk of collisions with active satellites.


• Potential advancements in transportation technology, such as reusable rockets and spaceplanes, which could have implications for long-distance travel on Earth.


• Strengthened national pride and inspiration as the US Space Force continues to contribute to the legacy of space exploration, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.


• Potential concerns regarding the militarization of space and the need for international agreements to maintain peace, prevent conflicts, and regulate space-based activities.

Questions to consider

• How do you think the US Space Force will evolve differently from its counterparts in the US Air Force and NASA? 


• Will the US Space Force become permanent? And if so, what do you think its future objectives or missions might be/look like?