The U.S. Department of Defense is seeking $14.1 billion to invest in the creation of the country's Space Force.
The department is also requesting $72.4 million to establish the Space Force headquarters as proposed by President Donald Trump.
Establishing The U.S. Space Force
Last June 2018, Trump made a surprise announcement during a National Space Council meeting regarding the establishment of a Space Force for U.S. space dominance.
Now, the U.S. Department of Defense is requesting $14.1 billion to bring the idea to fruition. The $14.1 billion would be used to accelerate the development of space operations, including satellites, missile warning systems, and national security programs.
Around $1.6 billion would be used to improve the capabilities of space-based missile warning systems, $1.7 billion would be used to develop four rockets for national security space launches, and $1.8 billion for other projects, including a global positioning system.
In addition, the Department of Defense is also seeking $72.4 million to establish a headquarters for the Space Force.
Last month, Trump officially signed the Space Policy Directive-4 ordering the Pentagon to draft legislation that would establish the Space Force of the country.
6th Branch Of U.S. Armed Forces
The Space Force is expected to be the sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, which is the first in over 70 years. Also, it would be organized as a military service branch within the Department of the Air Force.
According to the Department of Defense, the Space Force would initially need around 15,000 military and civilian personnel. Once it is established, it would later require around $500 million every year, which is more than what is now being spent on space.
Main Goal Of Space Force
The Space Force would take control over military space operations and be responsible for protecting the United States and allied interests in space, which is referred to as the "fourth domain of warfare."
"We have to defend what we have in space, because it's going to be there for a while and we all depend on it," said Gen. David Goldfien, U.S. Air Force chief of staff.
"Space has been a benign domain, and so we have a lot of efforts going forward in the Air Force to make sure we are developing the cadre of space warriors to be able to do what the nation requires us to do."
For now, it is up to Congress to make that final decision. If enacted, the Space Force is expected to be established by the Fiscal Year 2020.
