U.S. Space Force Command Headquarters Should Remain in Colorado

Ensuring the success of the Space Command is crucially important as China and Russia develop a range of space-based weapons, making the US a target. This challenge highlights the importance of keeping the Space Command headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, rather than moving it to the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama as directed by former President Trump. Even a Government Accountability Office study found Trump’s directive to be politically motivated and strategically reckless.

The success of the newest branch of the US military, tasked with protecting American and allied interests in space, is central to America’s overall military success and national security. With China alone planning to launch nearly 13,000 satellites, including new weapons like lasers and high-power microwaves to destroy other nations’ satellites, the US is vulnerable. Moreover, China’s capabilities could guide the PLA’s ballistic missiles pointed toward U.S. aircraft carriers, which have over 5000 American crew members each. The Space Force’s success or failure will be decisive. Therefore, the nation must ensure that Space Command is in the best possible location for success.

The most secure and strategic location for the Space Command headquarters is where it is already located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. This location is the right choice for several reasons. As many Space Operations Command units are also in Colorado, having the command headquarters in proximity makes sense. Furthermore, the vast breadth of Air Force and Space Force possibilities in Colorado, along with networking opportunities that matter for military promotion, makes Peterson the most natural location for the headquarters.

Beyond attracting young Space Force officers to choose Colorado for their career paths, the location’s defensive utility against submarine or bomber missile strikes is also a major advantage. Therefore, unless President Joe Biden immediately takes action, the Space Command’s readiness and capabilities will be eroded, and taxpayers’ money wasted. It’s worth noting that Trump’s decision to move the headquarters to Alabama was to reward the loyalty of Senator Tommy Tuberville.

President Biden should overturn President Trump’s problematic decision and keep Space Command headquarters where they belong, at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. It’s not the time to prioritize politics over the needs of the Space Force when our national security is at stake.