Schriever Space Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force / U.S. Space Force
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Installation Type: Space Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Schriever Space Force Base is located approximately 10 miles east of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and serves as the command and control hub for the majority of U.S. military satellite operations. Home to the 50th Space Wing and numerous Space Force and intelligence community units, Schriever operates and controls GPS satellites, missile warning satellites, communications satellites, and other national security space assets. The installation was renamed from Schriever Air Force Base to Schriever Space Force Base in June 2021 following the establishment of the U.S. Space Force. The base is named for General Bernard A. Schriever, considered the “father” of the Air Force ballistic missile and military space programs.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Command and control of Department of Defense satellite constellations including GPS, missile warning systems, protected satellite communications (MILSATCOM), and space situational awareness; sustain the nation’s space-based capabilities.
Major Units: 50th Space Wing (host wing); 2nd Space Operations Squadron (GPS operations); 3rd Space Operations Squadron (MILSATCOM); 4th Space Operations Squadron (AEHF satellite comms); 6th Space Operations Squadron (launch and early orbit); Space Delta units
Tenant Units: Missile Defense Agency (MDA) elements; National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) mission support elements; Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) space elements; numerous contractor and intelligence community organizations

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Colorado Springs, CO (population approximately 480,000) – approximately 10 miles west; Pueblo, CO – approximately 45 miles south; Denver, CO – approximately 70 miles north
Nearest Commercial Airport: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) – approximately 15 miles west; Denver International Airport (DEN) – approximately 75 miles north
Gate Access: Main gate on West Schriever Parkway off US-94; CAC/military ID or DoD badge required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center; classified mission environment requires stringent access controls; many organizations require separate Special Access Program (SAP) clearances

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500 (Space Force and Air Force)
Family Members: Approximately 4,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 5,500 (including significant contractor presence)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 13,500

Key Facilities

Medical: Peterson Space Force Base serves as the primary medical facility (approximately 10 miles away, same Colorado Springs metro); 21st Medical Group Clinic at Peterson; specialty referrals to UCHealth system or Penrose-St. Francis in Colorado Springs
Commissary: Commissary at Peterson SFB (10 miles); limited services at Schriever itself
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Main AAFES exchange at Peterson SFB; smaller AAFES facilities at Schriever
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers on base; outdoor recreation is world-class in the Colorado Springs area (Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, hiking, skiing, rock climbing); Peterson SFB facilities accessible
Schools: Academy District 20, Falcon School District 49, and Colorado Springs District 11 serve military families; no DoDEA schools; Colorado Springs area has excellent school options especially in D-20 (north Colorado Springs/Black Forest area) and D-49 (east/Falcon area near Schriever)
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists common; Peterson SFB CDC also available; register early
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility at Peterson SFB; accessible from Schriever
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office at Peterson SFB; appointment-based

Housing

On-Post Housing: Limited on-post housing at Schriever; most military families live on-post at Peterson SFB or off-post in Colorado Springs metro
Average Wait Time: Peterson SFB on-post housing may have waits; Colorado Springs off-post market is large
Off-Post Housing: Colorado Springs and surrounding areas (Falcon, Peyton, Fountain, Security-Widefield) provide extensive options near Schriever; areas near Powers Boulevard (E. Colorado Springs) and Falcon (D-49 school zone) are especially popular; average rent approximately $1,700-$2,400/month for 3-bedroom home; Colorado Springs has grown significantly; no state income tax on military pay in Colorado
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil)

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit; 50th Space Wing or Space Delta sponsorship program; intelligence community billets have specialized in-processing
In-Processing: 50th Space Wing in-processing; typically 2-3 days; SCI and SAP clearance adjudication may delay some personnel beginning work; confirm clearance status before PCS if possible
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center at Peterson SFB; enrollment required; Colorado Springs offers excellent specialist coverage; Children’s Hospital Colorado satellite campus in Colorado Springs

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Semi-arid at 6,200 ft elevation; warm sunny summers (average high 82F/28C in July); cold winters (average low 19F/-7C in January); low humidity; over 300 sunny days per year; significant snowfall possible November through April; afternoon thunderstorms in summer; wind on the eastern plains can be strong
Cost of Living: Moderate; Colorado Springs has grown significantly and costs have risen, but remains below Denver; Colorado Springs is still considered good value for a mid-size western city with exceptional outdoor access
Nearby Attractions: Pikes Peak (14,115 ft) and Pikes Peak Highway; Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark; U.S. Air Force Academy (north Colorado Springs); Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center; Royal Gorge (1 hour south); ski resorts (Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, Monarch – 2-3 hours); Denver cultural amenities (1 hour)
Spouse Employment: Colorado Springs offers employment in defense contracting (robust Space and missile defense contractor sector), healthcare, technology, and education; defense/space contractor sector is one of the largest in the nation given concentration of space/missile defense units; UCCS, Colorado College, Fort Carson community also add employment; A&FRC at Peterson assists

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil
Main Installation Phone: (719) 567-1110
MWR Website: https://50fss.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Peterson-Schriever Garrison; (719) 556-6141; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

Last updated: 2026-02-23
Sources: https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil; https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/schriever-air-force-base; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SchrieverSpaceForce_Base