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”

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)

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

DECEMBER 22, 2019 15:51

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.

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