Space Command Headquarters Coming To Alabama: Air Force

HUNTSVILLE, AL — Federal authorities Wednesday confirmed that the U.S. Space Command will be located in Alabama. An Air Force spokesman said Space Command's permanent headquarters will be housed at Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal.

"I couldn’t be more pleased to learn that Alabama will be the new home to the United States Space Command," Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement Wednesday. "Our state has long provided exceptional support for our military and their families as well as a rich and storied history when it comes to space exploration. This combination only enhances the outstanding relationships we have with the 65 diverse federal agencies on Redstone Arsenal, not to mention the growing presence of the FBI and other federal installations. The bottom line is simple, the Redstone Region is the most natural choice to become home to such an important mission for our country."

The role of the Space Command is to conduct operations such as enabling satellite-based navigation and troop communication and providing warning of missile launches, not to be confused with the newly-formed Space Force, which is a distinct military service like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

"This is outstanding news, not only for our state but also for the Air Force," Sen. Richard Shelby said. "This long-awaited decision by the Air Force is a true testament to all that Alabama has to offer. Huntsville is the right pick for a host of reasons – our skilled workforce, proximity to supporting space entities, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life, among other things. I am thrilled that the Air Force has chosen Redstone and look forward to the vast economic impact this will have on Alabama and the benefits this will bring to the Air Force."

Since it was revived in 2019, U.S. Space Command has been temporarily located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. The transition to Alabama will not be immediate, as the Air Force indicated that Space Command is set to remain in Colorado for at least the next six years.