WHERE ARE THE LARGEST SPACE FORCE BASES? YOUR GUIDE TO THE TOP INSTALLATIONS

You might be considering a PCS to a Space Force base. Or maybe you're curious about where Guardians work across the country. Either way, knowing where the largest space force bases are can influence your decision due to location, available resources, and mission.

The United States Space Force was officially established on December 20, 2019. You're looking at the newest branch of the military. The mission focuses on protecting U.S. interests in space and providing space capabilities to joint forces. Before the Space Force existed, the Air Force handled these missions at several installations.

You should know that many Space Force bases started as Air Force installations. Buckley Air Force Base became Buckley Space Force Base in 2020. Patrick and Cape Canaveral followed in the same year. Schriever and Vandenberg transitioned shortly after.

The Largest Space Force Bases by Area

Your assignment location matters. The physical size of these bases varies dramatically based on their missions. When evaluating the largest Space Force bases by physical size, you’ll notice significant variation.

1. Vandenberg Space Force Base

Area: approximately 99,604 acres

You'll find the largest space for base operations at Vandenberg.

Vandenberg Space Force Base spans roughly 156 square miles of launch facilities, test ranges, and support infrastructure along California's central coast. You're looking at approximately 42 miles of Pacific coastline on this installation.

Your primary mission here centers on space launch operations. Space Launch Delta 30 manages all West Coast launch activities from Vandenberg. You'll support polar orbit satellite launches—something the East Coast can't easily accomplish. The base also handles Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile testing.

You work at the only military installation on the West Coast capable of launching satellites into polar orbit. The southward launch trajectories over the Pacific Ocean make this location strategically critical.

The base is pursuing expansion through Space Launch Complex-14. You might see heavy and super-heavy launch vehicle capabilities added in the coming years.

2. Patrick Space Force Base

Area: approximately 18,300 acres (including Cape Canaveral Space Force Station)

You operate from Florida's Space Coast at Patrick. Patrick Space Force Base ranks second among the largest space force bases by area when you include Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The installation itself occupies a focused footprint optimized for launch operations. But your area of responsibility stretches far beyond the base boundary. The Eastern Range extends more than 10,000 miles from Florida through the South Atlantic into the Indian Ocean.

Space Launch Delta 45 controls Cape Canaveral Space Force Station from Patrick. You support the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial launch missions. Your team managed 77 space launches, missile tests, and aeronautical operations in 2025.

You're working toward a "Range of the Future" capability. The goal? Supporting up to two launches per day.

Your mission differs from Vandenberg's polar orbit focus. You launch satellites into equatorial and geostationary orbits. Different missions require different locations.

3. Schriever Space Force Base

Area: approximately 3,800 acres

You command space systems from Colorado at Schriever.

The base sits approximately 10 miles east of Colorado Springs. You won't find launch pads here. Your mission focuses on what happens after satellites reach orbit.

Space Base Delta 41 operates from Schriever. You command and control Department of Defense satellites. Your team manages the Global Positioning System constellation that provides navigation and timing globally.

You also operate the backup Mission Control Station for the Space-Based Infrared System. The primary station operates from Buckley Space Force Base.

The Largest Space Force Bases by Population

Your community size affects daily life on base.

Ranking the largest space force bases by population provides different insights than area alone.

So, which installations host the most Guardians, civilians, and family members?

1. Vandenberg Space Force Base

Population: approximately 18,000 service members, civilians, and families

You're part of a substantial community at Vandenberg. It ranks at the top of the largest space force bases list for area and for population.

The California installation supports the most personnel among the largest space force bases. You work alongside thousands of military members, civilian employees, and contractors. Family housing and community support reflect this larger population.

Your launch mission requires extensive support staff. Engineers, security forces, maintenance technicians, and administrative personnel all contribute to successful space operations.

2. Buckley Space Force Base

Population: approximately 14,000 service members, civilians, and families

You operate critical missile warning systems from Colorado at Buckley.

Buckley supports a substantial community including active duty Guardians, civilians, contractors, and family members. You work with over 80 mission partners on this installation. The National Reconnaissance Office and components of the U.S. Air Force operate alongside Space Force units.

Your primary mission centers on Space Delta 4's missile warning operations. You operate the Defense Support Program and Space-Based Infrared System satellites. These systems provide strategic and theater missile warning to the U.S. and international partners.

You'll recognize Buckley by the distinctive white geodesic radomes. Locals call them "the giant golf balls." These structures house communications relay dishes essential for satellite operations.

Buckley sits in Aurora, Colorado—close to Denver's amenities but with a military community feel.

3. Patrick Space Force Base

Population: approximately 13,000 service members, civilians, and families

You work at Florida's busiest spaceport at Patrick.

The installation supports a significant military and civilian workforce. Your mission requires launch controllers, range safety officers, engineers, and support personnel. Family housing and base services accommodate this community.

You coordinate with NASA, commercial partners like SpaceX and ULA, and Department of Defense mission owners. This collaboration creates a unique work environment.

What's Next for the Largest Space Force Bases?

You should watch for significant changes at these installations as the largest space force bases expand their capabilities.

Vandenberg issued a Request for Information on December 29, 2025, for Space Launch Complex-14 development. Commercial launch providers may lease and develop infrastructure for heavy and super-heavy launch vehicles. Responses are due February 12, 2026.

You're seeing the Space Force's "Race to Resilience" in action. The service wants multiple launch sites and increased capacity. Your mission depends on assured access to space.

Patrick continues expanding the Range of the Future. You'll see infrastructure improvements and operational changes supporting the higher launch tempo.

Buckley recently consolidated all missile warning operations. You now control the Defense Support Program, Space-Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellites, and Highly Elliptical Orbit sensors from one location.

The largest space force bases continue evolving. Your mission grows more critical as space becomes increasingly contested. Whether you're launching satellites from California or Florida, controlling them from Colorado, or supporting operations worldwide, you're part of America's newest military branch.

You defend the ultimate high ground.

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