Members of the 18th Space Defense Combat Squadron, a unit assigned to U.S. Space Forces – Space under the USSF Force Generation model, observe orbital data at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by David Dozoretz)
“This effort sets the foundation for rapidly advancing and integrating the test and training tools needed to effectively train Space Force Guardians,” Col. Craig Hackbarth said.
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Space Brigade on Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo., conduct a training exercise sweep of their assigned area on May 25, 2021. The training revolved around timely assembly of space related assets in unknown locations and the teams coordination, communication and combat training throughout the process. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Dennis Hoffman)
The Space Operations Branch will be “equipped to deliver specialized capabilities to enable successful Army and joint force operations,” the service said in a statement.
The Boeing Company signage is displayed above the company’s booth at Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week at the Tampa Convention Center on May 19, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle is readied for lift off from the company’s Launch Complex-1 (LC-1) in Mahia, New Zealand, as part of the U.S. Space Force Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) VICTUS HAZE mission, June 19, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rocket Lab)
DARPA's new effort would build off of the Space Force's Tactically Responsive Space program aimed at improving the service's ability to quickly launch new systems.
View of Earth from space at night showing illuminated city lights and glowing data network lines connecting various points across continents, symbolizing global communication, technology, and interconnected digital infrastructure. The image highlights the curvature of the planet with a bright sunrise over the horizon and deep space background.
Maps from NASA: https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/images/144875/earth-at-night-black-marble-2012-color-maps-v2