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Peterson AFB named provisional U.S. Space Command headquarters

Posted at 3:47 PM, May 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-15 19:26:35-04

COLORADO SPRINGS — Peterson Air Force Base will be the provisional headquarters for U.S. Space Command for the next six years, the agency announced Friday.

A final decision on the permanent headquarters is expected in January 2021.

Governor Jared Polis welcomed the news, and said he will continue his efforts to make that designation permanent.

“This is great news for our state and I will continue urging the President and the Air Force to make Colorado the permanent home of U.S. Space Command. Colorado is home to a proud military community, a critical aerospace industry, an educated workforce, and prestigious research institutions so we are the natural and best home for U.S. Space Command,” said Gov. Polis.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers also praised the announcement and said the area is the best location for the permanent headquarters.

It's very good news for Colorado Springs to be named the home of U.S. Space Command for at least the next six years. There is no question Colorado Springs is the most appropriate location for Space Command. This is a city with a long and proud military history, an incredible amount of infrastructure and a wealth of experience and talent in regard to the military in space. We anxiously await the designation as the permanent home of U.S. Space Command.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers

In a video posted on Twitter, Senator Cory Gardner called it a "historic day" for the state, and said there is no better location for Space Command.

Senator Michael Bennet also praised the decision on Twitter. He noted Colorado's contributions to national security and space leadership, and called the state the "clear choice" for a permanent headquarters.