Space Force Birthday 2026: 7 Years on December 20

The U.S. Space Force celebrates its 7th birthday on Sunday, December 20, 2026. Established December 20, 2019, by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, it is the first new U.S. military branch since the Air Force in 1947 — and its members are called Guardians.

Space Force Birthday 2026: 7 Years on December 20: what to know

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Space Force in 2026?

The U.S. Space Force turns 7 years old on December 20, 2026. It was established on December 20, 2019.

What are Space Force members called?

Space Force members are called Guardians. The name, announced in December 2020, comes from Air Force Space Command’s motto, "Guardians of the High Frontier."

Is the Space Force part of the Air Force?

The Space Force is an independent military branch, but it is organized within the Department of the Air Force — similar to how the Marine Corps is a separate branch within the Department of the Navy.

What does the Space Force actually do?

Guardians operate GPS and military communications satellites, provide missile warning, track objects in orbit (space domain awareness), and support space launch. These missions underpin navigation, banking timestamps, weather forecasting, and military operations worldwide.

Space Force Birthday 2026: The USSF Turns 7 on December 20