Branch: U.S. Space Force (with Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard tenant units)
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Installation Type: Space Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Buckley Space Force Base, located in Aurora, Colorado — adjacent to the Denver metropolitan area — was established in 1942 as Buckley Field and redesignated as a Space Force Base in June 2021 following the establishment of the U.S. Space Force. The installation is home to the 460th Space Wing and serves as a critical node for missile warning, space surveillance, and national intelligence missions. Its location east of Denver places it within the broader defense corridor anchored by Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, Cheyenne Mountain SFS, and Buckley SFB.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Operate and maintain missile warning, space surveillance, and intelligence satellite systems to provide warning and space situational awareness to national command authorities and combatant commanders.
• Major Units:
• 460th Space Wing (460 SW) — host wing (Air Force)
• Space Delta 4 (DEL 4) — U.S. Space Force; missile warning
• Space Delta 7 (DEL 7) — U.S. Space Force; space electromagnetic warfare
• 566th Intelligence Squadron
• 140th Wing (Colorado Air National Guard) — F-16 Fighting Falcon
• 566th Intelligence Squadron
• Tenant Units: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) ground operations; Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) elements; multiple intelligence community tenant organizations

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Denver, CO — approximately 12 miles west; Aurora, CO — immediately adjacent
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) — approximately 13 miles northeast
• Gate Access: CAC or valid military/government ID required; visitor access via main gate with photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance; visitor passes issued at visitor control; some areas require escort due to sensitive mission activities

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,000-5,000 (Air Force and Space Force combined)
• Family Members: Approximately 5,000-8,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 2,000-4,000 (including intelligence community personnel)
• Total Installation Population: Not publicly available due to sensitive mission activities

Key Facilities

• Medical: Buckley Air Force Base Clinic — primary care and some specialty services; UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado provide civilian referral care; nearest military hospital is 10th Medical Group at the Air Force Academy or Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) for major specialty care
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on installation; also accessible at Lowry Town Center exchange annex nearby
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX main store on installation; additional access to Peterson SFB exchange facilities; Lowry Town Center annex nearby in Aurora
• Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center; outdoor recreation; access to Aurora and Denver city parks and trails; close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and ski resorts
• Schools: No DoDEA schools on installation; Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools serve military families; school liaison officer available on installation
• Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on installation; waitlists common in the Denver metro area; register immediately upon receipt of orders
• Veterinary Services: Military veterinary clinic on installation offering routine care, vaccinations, and preventive services for active duty pet owners
• Legal Assistance / JAG: 460th Wing Staff Judge Advocate; legal assistance by appointment; walk-in hours available on designated days — contact office for current schedule

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Limited on-base housing due to urban location; managed by Corvias Military Living; units available but high demand given large population; primarily older renovated units
• Average Wait Time: 3-12 months depending on rank and bedroom requirement
• Off-Base Housing: Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood offer various options; average rent for a 3-bedroom home approximately $1,800-$2,800/month; Denver metro housing costs are above the national average; home purchase prices high by national standards
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit upon receipt of orders; Space Force and Air Force units maintain active sponsor programs; the A&FRC facilitates introductions
• In-Processing: Report to the 460th Force Support Squadron upon arrival; in-processing typically takes 3-5 days; includes all standard stops (finance, medical, JAG, chaplain, unit)
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the A&FRC; Denver metro area offers extensive medical specialists, special education resources, and support programs; enrollment prior to PCS is required for qualifying family members

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Semi-arid, high plains; mild four-season climate with low humidity; sunny approximately 300 days per year; winters bring occasional heavy snow but often clears quickly; summers warm to hot with afternoon thunderstorms
• Cost of Living: High — Denver metro is significantly above the national average, particularly for housing; groceries and dining also higher than average; BAH typically offsets housing costs
• Nearby Attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park; world-class ski resorts (Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone — 1.5 to 2 hours); Red Rocks Amphitheatre; Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science; Denver’s LoDo entertainment and sports district (Coors Field, Ball Arena, Empower Field)
• Spouse Employment: Denver metro is one of the strongest job markets in the western U.S.; aerospace, technology, healthcare, finance, and government contracting sectors all strong; University of Colorado system and Colorado State University provide education options; remote work widely available

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.buckley.spaceforce.mil/ (or https://www.buckley.af.mil/ — redirects may apply)
• Main Installation Phone: (720) 847-9011
• MWR Website: https://www.buckleyservices.com/
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 460th Force Support Squadron, Buckley SFB — (720) 847-6597

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: buckley.af.mil, U.S. Space Force public affairs, 460th Space Wing public affairs, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, Corvias Military Living; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law