21st Century U.S. Military Documents: Space Air Force Policy Directives and Instructions - Space Launch Operations, Space Test Program (STP), Launch Vehicle Return to Flight

Contents: Space Operations * Space Test Program (STP) Management * Space Launch Operations * Space Launch Vehicle Return To Flight * Space Policy Directive

Aerospace systems facilitate peacetime operations and are ready to conduct worldwide military combat operations. The Air Force must exploit the advantages of speed, scope, and mobility in space to fulfill its global commitment to national defense. This directive establishes policies for planning, acquiring, operating, and sustaining Air Force space forces.

The Air Force will establish, organize, employ, and sustain space forces necessary to execute the missions and functions assigned including rapid response to the National Command Authorities (NCA) and the conduct of military operations across the spectrum of conflict.

In support of national and Air Force goals, Air Force space forces will conduct space related combat, combat support operations, and peacetime activities.

In the event of missile, air and space attacks against the US and its allies, Air Force space forces will provide Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment (TW/AA), to include timely notification of the NCA of actual or expected nuclear detonations. Space forces also will provide warning of attack to US combatant commands and US allies.