Report to Congress on the U.S. Space Force
The following is the Aug. 10, 2026, Congressional Research Service defense primer on the U.S. Space Force. From the Report The U.S. Space Force, established by Congress in 2019 (P.L. 116-92, §952), is one of the six branches of the Armed Forces. According to Title 10, Section 9081, of the U.S. Code, “The Space Force shall be organized, trained, and equipped to—(1) provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space; (2) conduct space operations; and (3) protect the interests of the United States in space.” Since the creation of the Space Force, space has become
The following is the Aug. 10, 2026, Congressional Research Service defense primer on the U.S. Space Force.
From the Report
The U.S. Space Force, established by Congress in 2019 (P.L. 116-92, §952), is one of the six branches of the Armed Forces. According to Title 10, Section 9081, of the U.S. Code, “The Space Force shall be organized, trained, and equipped to—(1) provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space; (2) conduct space operations; and (3) protect the interests of the United States in space.”
Since the creation of the Space Force, space has become an important domain for the United States—and for adversaries with space capabilities. In 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders to create a space-intensive initiative known as Golden Dome and to ensure “American Space Superiority.” Space Force officials are reportedly considering doubling the size of the force. Congress may choose whether and how to fund these initiatives and oversee their progress.
Download the document here.
