U.S. Space Command, the Defense Department's combatant command responsible for space operations, has officially declared full operational capability in Colorado, according to an announcement made by its commander, Gen. James Dickinson, on December 15th.

This milestone signifies that U.S. Space Command is now fully equipped and prepared to fulfill its mission of conducting space operations and safeguarding American and allied assets and interests in space.

Established in 2019 in Colorado Springs, U.S. Space Command is tasked with monitoring space activity and threats, providing support to other military units with space capabilities such as communications and surveillance, responding to space-related crises, deterring aggression, and, if necessary, defeating adversaries.

Achieving full operational capability demonstrates that the command has the necessary staff, infrastructure, and plans in place to effectively carry out these critical responsibilities.

Gen. Dickinson emphasized that the declaration came after a comprehensive evaluation of the command's ability to execute its mission, even on its most challenging days. He also highlighted the successful completion of a large-scale wargaming exercise with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which served as a significant validation of the headquarters staff as a ready and joint force.

While reaching full operational capability is a significant achievement, Gen. Dickinson acknowledged that there is still work to be done, particularly as the complexity of space operations continues to increase. The command will require additional resources to stay ahead of emerging threats posed by rival nations.

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The declaration of full operational capability comes amidst an ongoing political battle over the location of U.S. Space Command's headquarters.

President Joe Biden recently announced that the headquarters would remain at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, reversing the plans made by former President Donald Trump to move it to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

Although U.S. Space Command now has the staff and capabilities necessary for its missions, the long-term home base remains entangled in partisan disputes within Washington. Congress, in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act passed this week, included language that prohibits Space Command from using funds for a new headquarters building in Colorado Springs until further investigations into President Biden's decision have been completed.