Space Force Year in Photos

02 January 2026

The Space Force Year in Photos showcases the men and women of the U.S. Space Force participating in activities and operations necessary to develop and protect U.S. interests in space. The set highlights some of the memorable missions, achievements and events that helped shape the Space Force in 2025.

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A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Aug. 12, 2025. This was the Vulcan’s first U.S. national security mission, known as USSF-106, for the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command. (Courtesy photo by United Launch Alliance)

Guardians march during a basic military training graduation ceremony.

Guardians from Flights 057-063 march during a graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Dec. 18, 2025. The event, hosted by the 737th Training Group, represents a milestone for enlisted personnel completing Department of the Air Force Basic Military Training. Space Force Guardians wore the new service dress uniform for the first time at a BMT graduation, symbolizing the service’s growing identity and shared foundation with the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo Jonathan R. Mallard)

An Antenna Radome is installed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025. The radome enhances the range’s capacity and resilience by protecting critical tracking and communication systems from harsh environmental conditions. (Courtesy Photo)

NASA astronaut and Space Force Col. Nick Hague conducts a spacewalk.

NASA astronaut and Space Force Guardian Col. Nick Hague, Expedition 72 flight engineer, conducts a six-hour spacewalk in support of science experiments and maintenance on the International Space Station, Jan. 16, 2025. Hague launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft Sept. 28, 2024, as part of NASA's Crew-9 mission. His flight marked a significant moment in the history of the Space Force, as he became the first active-duty Guardian to fly to space and one of the first humans to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of NASA)

Space Launch Delta 45 leadership, military members and civilians participate in the Apollo 1 Memorial Ceremony at Space Launch Complex 34, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025. Astronauts Lt. Col. Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee and Ed White II lost their lives when a fire ignited inside their Apollo command module Jan. 27, 1967, during a routine test. The ceremony served as a reminder of the inherent risks of space operations and of SLD 45’s critical mission to ensure safe, reliable access to space. (U.S. Space Force photo by Amanda Inman)

Electronic Warfare Squadron, supports the Blue Cell

Capt. Tamara Fumagalli, 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron, supports the Space Electronic Warfare team during Chalkydri 1 at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., Feb. 18–21, 2025. The three-day wargame, led by Space Delta 10, evaluated command-and-control concepts for the space domain. (Courtesy photo by Judi Tomich)

The Maui Space Surveillance Complex, which is operated by the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron, is shown on Maui, Hawaii, Sept. 16, 2025. The MSSC is located on Haleakala, the third best place on Earth from which to view space, and the best location for daytime space domain awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Laura Anderson)

OTC graduation with Guardians in uniform. Photos feature pinning ceremony and officers in their formal blues.

Guardians, instructors, and guests gather during the Officer Training Course graduation at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Aug. 28, 2025. The Space Force has approximately 14,000 military and civilian Guardians, including nearly 5,000 uniformed officers. OTC will ultimately train more than a third of all Guardians. Roughly 60 percent of graduates will begin their first operational assignment in the Colorado Springs area. (U.S. Space Force photo by Isaac Blancas)

Support teams work around a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft shortly after it landed with NASA Astronaut and U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague off the coast of Tallahassee, Fla., Mar. 18, 2025. Hague’s flight marked a significant moment in the history of the Space Force, as he became the first active-duty Guardian to fly to space and one of the first humans to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. Hague logged 72,553,920 miles during his mission, spent 171 days in space and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of NASA by Keegan Barber)

Guardian Arena team, Launch Legends, compete in the Guardian Strike challenge at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., Dec. 8, 2025. Thirty-five teams, comprised of United States Space Force Guardians, United States Air Force Airmen, civilians, and representatives from international allies and partners, participated in the world’s largest Space Force exercise. The third annual Guardian Arena competition provided an opportunity to emphasize the ongoing importance of cultivating a combat-ready mindset, linking military and civilian space enterprises and instilling esprit de corps by operationalizing the Guardian ideals. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Becker)

A New Glenn rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Jan. 16, 2025. The New Glenn rocket marked the first launch from Space Launch Complex 36 in 20 years.

A New Glenn rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Jan. 16, 2025. The U.S. Space Force provided launch range support and ensured range safety during the mission, which marked the first launch from Space Launch Complex 36 in 20 years. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Samuel Becker)

Robert Orwig Jr., Space Base Delta 1 chief of protocol, cuts the cake with Spc. 3 Ruby Rogers, 76th Electronic Warfare Squadron electromagnetic warfare operator, accompanied by Combat Forces Command and SBD 1 leadership at a Space Force Birthday Celebration at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Dec. 19, 2025. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Justin Todd)

U.S. Space Force Guardians assigned to the 25th Space Range Squadron, Space Delta 11, adjust an antenna outside a Transportable Range Operations Center during exercise Resolute Space 2025, Pearl City, Hawaii, July 24, 2025. The 25th SRS supported Resolute Space, Resolute Forces Pacific and the broader Department-Level Exercise by providing an electromagnetic range environment that enabled exercise participants to train in realistic conditions. (U.S. Space Force photo by Ethan Johnson)

Space operators sit at computer workstations

Service members from multiple nations attend a briefing during exercise Global Sentinel 2025 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 30, 2025. The annual exercise, hosted by U.S. Space Command, focuses on multinational collaboration in space operations and security. (U.S. Space Command photo)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink (left) walks with U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr. (pointing ahead), Commander of Space Operations Command, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 28, 2025. Space Operations Command Guardians and Airmen demonstrated their combat readiness and warrior ethos, providing Meink with a deep dive into multiple critical mission areas, to include Space Domain Awareness; Electromagnetic Warfare; Missile Warning; Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting; Orbital Warfare and Positioning, Navigation and Timing; as well as the critical mission support provided by the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink walks with U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., Commander of Space Operations Command at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., May 28, 2025. During the visit, Meink received an in-depth look at several critical mission areas, including space domain awareness, electromagnetic warfare, missile warning, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting, orbital warfare, and positioning, navigation and timing, as well as the essential mission support provided by the Department of the Air Force. (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)

Gen Chance Saltzman offers a keynote address at the Air Space and Cyber conference.

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman offers a keynote address at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Md. Sept. 24, 2025. The conference is an opportunity for Department of the Air Force senior leaders to meet and address Airmen, Guardians, allies, partners and industry leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Aug. 12, 2025. The launch marked Vulcan’s first U.S. national security mission, designated USSF-106, conducted on behalf of the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command, demonstrating the rocket’s capability to support critical national security space launch requirements. (Courtesy photo by United Launch Alliance)

U.S. Space Force Col. Ryan Hiserote assumes command of System Delta 80 from Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant during a stand-up ceremony at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Dec. 12. SYD 80 will procure, integrate and execute launch solutions, on-orbit servicing and range systems. (U.S. Space Force photo/SrA Samuel Becker)

A U.S. Space Force Guardian with the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron unrolls cables during exercise Resolute Space 2025 at Maui, Hawaii, July 30, 2025. The 527th SAS replicated adversary electromagnetic tactics, techniques and procedures during Resolute Space 2025 to challenge exercise participants in contested conditions. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman William Pugh)

service members standing in formation being inspected by two people

Service members stand in formation for a Standards and Readiness Review uniform inspection at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., March 21, 2025. These SRRs, mandated by the Chief of Staff and Headquarters Air Force, are focused assessments conducted at the unit level to identify and address factors inhibiting mission readiness and execution. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)

Air and Space Force members stand on a stage.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna attend the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 16, 2025, where recruits participated in an Oath of Enlistment ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kayla Brown, 21st Security Forces Squadron alarm monitor, conducts training as part of a field training exercise at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., March 18, 2025. This exercise culminated in establishing a forward arming and refueling point, a key mission scenario. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Justin Todd)

A SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink mission launches from Space Launch Complex 4-East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., at 6:07 a.m., Jan. 24, 2025. The launch marked the 4th space launch and missile test from the United States Space Force’s West Coast Spaceport and Test Range at Vandenberg SFB in 2025. (U.S. Space Force photo by Jennifer Green-Lanchoney)

A U.S. Space Force Guardian receives an Officer Training Course badge during the first OTC graduation ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Aug. 28, 2025. The OTC badge symbolizes the officer's successful completion of integrated foundational training in space, cyber, intelligence and acquisition and marks the start of their journey as a mission-ready leader. (U.S. Space Force photo by Isaac Blancas)

NASA’s Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellite mission deploys into low Earth orbit after launching on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 23, 2025. The U.S. Space Force’s role was to support, track and ensure space domain safety following launch. (Courtesy photo by SpaceX)

U.S. Space Force Capt. Erin Davis, 1st Range Operations Squadron range operations commander, maintains situational awareness inside the Morrell Operations Center during support for the Falcon 9 Starlink 6-78 mission at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Nov. 20, 2025. The Starlink 6-78 mission marks the 100th launch from the Eastern Range this year. The MOC supports every space launch from CCSFS and Kennedy Space Center. (U.S. Space Force photo by Gwendolyn Kurzen)

The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission Seven sits on the flightline at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., March 7, 2025, following a successful autonomous landing. The reusable spacecraft spent 434 days in orbit, conducting a series of classified experiments and technology demonstrations to advance future space operations. (U.S. Space Force courtesy photo)

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna meets with members of the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program at the Daytona 500, Daytona, Fla., Feb. 16, 2025. AFROTC is a college-based officer commissioning program that prepares students to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force while they earn a civilian degree. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

X-37B Mission 8 launches from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A.

The X-37B Mission 8 launches from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025. The X-37B is a dynamic, responsive spacecraft that conducts a range of tests and experiments to expedite the development of critical next-generation technologies and operational concepts for reusable space capabilities. (Photo courtesy of SpaceX)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink (left) gets a briefing from U.S. Space Force Capt. Nicholas Bacogiannis (right) of Mission Delta 3 (Electromagnetic Warfare) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 28, 2025. Space Operations Command Guardians and Airmen demonstrated their combat readiness and warrior ethos, providing Meink with a deep dive into multiple critical mission areas, to include Space Domain Awareness; Electromagnetic Warfare; Missile Warning; Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting; Orbital Warfare and Positioning, Navigation and Timing; as well as the critical mission support provided by the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink gets a briefing from the U.S. Space Force Capt. Nicholas Bacogiannis of Mission Delta 3 Electromagnetic Warfare at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., May 28, 2025. Space Operations Command Guardians and Airmen demonstrated their combat readiness and warrior ethos, providing Meink with a deep dive into multiple critical mission areas. (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)

Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, Air Force Accessions Center and Air Force Recruiting Service commander, administers the Oath of Enlistment to Delayed Entry Program members at a swearing-in ceremony in Times Square, New York, N.Y., May 16, 2025. Amrhein swore in about 65 civilians, who are preparing to start their service as Airmen and Guardians. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Washburn)

X-37B Mission 8 launches from pad 39A, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025. The X-37B is a dynamic and responsive spacecraft responsible for conducting a range of tests and experiments that expedite the development of critical next-generation technologies and operational concepts for reusable space capabilities. (Photo courtesy of SpaceX)

Chief Master Sgt of the Space Force John Bentivegna delivers his keynote address.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna delivers his keynote “The Guardian Experience: Answering the Call, Building the Force,” during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 23, 2025. Bentivegna highlighted initiatives aimed at improving the overall experience of Guardians, including enhancing their training, leadership development, quality of life and warfighting capabilities — all tied to the Space Force’s broader effort to build a force ready to answer national security demands in space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

A Falcon 9 rocket launches the Starlink 6-79 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Nov 22, 2025. This was the 101st launch supported by Space Launch Delta 45 in 2025. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Contreras)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna fires an M4 Carbine at the 460th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance flight small arms range during an installation tour on Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., May 27, 2025. Throughout Bentivegna’s visit, he toured six squadrons, received multiple mission briefings and hosted a lunch during which he spoke directly with the Airmen and Guardians who accomplish Buckley SFB’s 24/7, no-fail missile defense mission. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)

Airman 1st Class Jeremiah Campos, 460th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician, repairs a ventilation issue on Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., June 16, 2025. Without reliable climate control, the lifespan and performance of critical equipment are significantly reduced, impacting overall mission effectiveness. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)

Two unmanned F6A Remote Ordnance Neutralization System robots pry open and enter an undisclosed facility during an Explosives Ordnance Disposal training exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 22, 2025. Space Launch Delta 30’s 30 Civil Engineer Squadron EOD technicians worked hand-in-hand with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office bomb squad, San Luis Obispo County Bomb Task Force and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct joint training. (U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Draeke Layman)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Morey, Space Base Delta 41 senior enlisted Airman, prepares a meal for a customer during the SBD 41 Thanksgiving feast at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., Nov. 20, 2025. The event brought together Guardians, Airmen and civilian teammates for a shared meal that strengthened unit morale and holiday spirit. (U.S. Space Force photo by Tiana Williams)

U.S. Space Force Guardians run together during a base wide run at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Oct. 9, 2025. The event showcased the importance of personal fitness and teamwork in maintaining a combat ready force. (U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jordan Thompson)

Vandenberg Space Force Base varsity softball team competes in a softball tournament during National Police Week at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 15, 2025. Vandenberg recognized National Police Week with an assortment of events, including a softball tournament.(U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olya Houtsma)

U.S. Space Force Guardians monitor workstations in the Combined Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Apr. 4, 2025. The center operates 24/7, continuously coordinating, planning, integrating, synchronizing and executing space operations and providing tailored space effects to support combatant commanders and accomplish national security objectives. (U.S. Space Force photo by Gwendolyn Kurzen)

A U.S. Space Force Guardian monitors workstations in the Combined Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Apr. 4, 2025. The center operates 24/7, continuously coordinating, planning, integrating, synchronizing and executing space operations and providing tailored space effects to support combatant commanders and accomplish national security objectives. (U.S. Space Force photo by Gwendolyn Kurzen)

Camille “Galactic Gal” Bergin speaks to U.S. Space Force Spc. 4 Damien Oleson, 72nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron expeditionary ISR technician, during Bergin’s visit to the 72nd ISRS at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., April 8, 2025. The system in view here is the ManPack system, which allows the 72nd ISRS to gather and provide intelligence to allies and joint partners. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Justin Todd)

A Space Launch Delta 45 Guardian performs a pull-up during a Guardian Resiliency Team workout at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., Jan. 10, 2025. The SLD 45 GRT supports Guardian‘s overall well-being and readiness by providing resources and strategies to enhance their physical, mental and emotional resilience. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Samuel Becker)

Telescopes operated by the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex are shown on Maui, Hawaii, Sept. 16, 2025. The MSSC, located on Haleakala, is the third-best place on Earth for viewing space and the best location for daytime space domain awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Laura Anderson)

U.S. Space Force officer trainees wear their new service dress in preparation for Officer Training School graduation at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Dec. 4, 2025. The uniforms reflect the unique mission and vision of Space Force and set the tone for a generation of Guardian leaders as they embark on their new journeys to define the future of military service in space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Savannah L. Waters)

Service members in state funeral procession.

U.S. service members with the Joint Task Force National Capital Region Ceremonial Honor Guard perform a state funeral procession rehearsal for former President Jimmy Carter at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va., Jan. 5, 2025. Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his humanitarian efforts, passed on Dec. 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Ga., at the age of 100. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Harleigh Faulk)

U.S. Space Force Spc. 4 Jesse Costello, Space Delta 7 operations intelligence analyst and Spc. 4 David Vanremortel, DEL 7 geospatial intelligence analyst, rehearse their comedy routine onstage at the Front Range Space Force Ball held in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 11, 2025. The Front Range Space Force Ball, hosted by the Space Force Enlisted Council, celebrates the Space Force community’s mission and camaraderie. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman William Pugh)