BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE
SPACE FORCE
Aurora, CO
United States
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE
SPACE FORCE
Aurora, CO
United States
Buckley Space Force Base
Base Essentials
Buckley SFB is an intelligence and space operations hub in the Denver suburb of Aurora, CO — direct access to the full Denver metro, Colorado's outdoor lifestyle, and strong dual-career employment.
Base Details
Type
Space Force Station
Branch
SPACE FORCE
Command
USSF
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
3,800
Active Duty
3,000
Civilian
1,500
Population
2,900,000
Economic Impact
$1 billion
Buckley Space Force Base History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant John Harold Buckley
Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, was established in 1942 as a training base and Army Air Corps gunnery range. It has changed hands among multiple services and components over the decades. Today it is home to the Buckley Space Force Station designation under U.S. Space Force, hosting missile warning, space surveillance, and satellite operations missions. The 460th Space Wing and multiple intelligence community tenants operate from the installation. Buckley is poised for continued growth as space-based missions become increasingly central to national defense.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Space Delta 4 (USSF)
—
—
460th Space Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Named Buckley Field for WWI Aviator
The installation was named Buckley Field on June 14, 1941, honoring Sergeant John Harold Buckley, a Colorado native killed in action as an aviator during World War I.
1947
Transferred to Air Force Reserve
Following WWII, Buckley Field was transferred to Air Force Reserve control and served as a reserve training airfield for Colorado-based units throughout the early Cold War.
2000
Redesignated Buckley Air Force Base
The installation was redesignated Buckley Air Force Base in 2000, reflecting the transition of its mission from reserve training to active-duty Air Force and Space operations, including missile warning and space surveillance.
2021
Redesignated Buckley Space Force Base
On April 1, 2021, Buckley AFB was redesignated Buckley Space Force Base as the Colorado Air National Guard units on the installation transferred to the U.S. Space Force. It is one of the primary Space Force installations in the country.
View Key Moments
(4)
1941
Named Buckley Field for WWI Aviator
The installation was named Buckley Field on June 14, 1941, honoring Sergeant John Harold Buckley, a Colorado native killed in action as an aviator during World War I.
1947
Transferred to Air Force Reserve
Following WWII, Buckley Field was transferred to Air Force Reserve control and served as a reserve training airfield for Colorado-based units throughout the early Cold War.
2000
Redesignated Buckley Air Force Base
The installation was redesignated Buckley Air Force Base in 2000, reflecting the transition of its mission from reserve training to active-duty Air Force and Space operations, including missile warning and space surveillance.
2021
Redesignated Buckley Space Force Base
On April 1, 2021, Buckley AFB was redesignated Buckley Space Force Base as the Colorado Air National Guard units on the installation transferred to the U.S. Space Force. It is one of the primary Space Force installations in the country.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Buckley Space Force Base.
Buckley Space Force Base Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Buckley Space Force Base.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Buckley Space Force Base.
Information
Buckley Space Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
See a Reconstructed Prairie Homestead at the Plains Conservation Center
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Information
What All Does the Aurora Reservoir Offer Near Buckley AFB?
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Buckley AFB Weather: What To Expect After Moving
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Buckley AFB Chapel Religious Services
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Buckley Space Force Base.
Space Base Delta 2 — Force Support Squadron / Airman and Family Readiness Center
Phone
(720) 847-6280Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Buckley Space Force Base report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours with their PCS package. Buckley SFB hosts numerous Space Force, Air Force Reserve, ANG, and joint tenant organizations — confirm the specific office for your gaining unit with your sponsor before arrival. CSS schedules all mandatory appointments including Finance, Medical, and the mandatory Newcomer's Right Start Orientation.
The mandatory Right Start Newcomer's Orientation covers Buckley's multi-command Space Force mission, base services, and Denver/Aurora metro area community resources. The A&FRC coordinates relocation assistance, school liaison, and Denver metro orientation resources for this high-cost-of-living location.
Buckley SFB is home to Space Base Delta 2, the 460th Space Wing, and numerous intelligence and aerospace defense tenants. Located in Aurora, Colorado — a Denver suburb — it offers outstanding quality of life with access to world-class skiing, hiking, and one of the country's most vibrant metros. Housing costs in the Denver area are high; begin housing research well before your report date.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Buckley Space Force Base.
On-post family housing at Buckley Space Force Base is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post residential community offers homes convenient to the Space Force mission facilities; many families choose to live off-post in Aurora and surrounding Denver metro communities given the region's urban scale and amenities. Buckley SFB is located in Aurora, Colorado…
Local Market
$2,200/mo
rent
/
$520,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Buckley Space Force Base
115
15% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Buckley Space Force Base.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
4
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Buckley Space Force Base sits in Aurora, CO — the third-largest city in Colorado, immediately east of Denver. Families have direct access to the Denver metro's full range of amenities, neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation. COL is moderate to high by Colorado standards.
Aurora (Buckley Area / Tollgate Creek)
Suburban
The closest neighborhoods to the base offer the shortest commutes and relatively affordable Aurora pricing. Tollgate Creek and Quincy Highlands are popular family areas with good access to E-470 and the base.
Commute: 5–15 min
Schools: Aurora Public Schools / Cherry Creek SD
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Low commute time, affordable by Denver standards, diverse community
Parker / Centennial
Suburban
Families wanting highly rated Douglas County or Cherry Creek schools commute south toward Parker or Centennial (~20–30 min). Newer master-planned communities, excellent outdoor access, and a top-ranked school district make this a premium option.
Commute: 20–30 min
Schools: Cherry Creek SD / Douglas County Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Top-rated schools, outdoor recreation, stronger home appreciation
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Buckley Space Force Base.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
Colorado provides a military income subtraction for Colorado legal residents on active duty. Active duty pay received wh…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Colorado for Colorado income tax purposes. A qua…
Vehicle Registration
Colorado charges an annual Specific Ownership Tax on vehicles — a personal property tax equivalent — based on vehicle ag…
Property Tax
Colorado property taxes are set at the county level. El Paso County (Air Force Academy, Peterson SFS, Schriever SFS), Ar…
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Pet Policies at Buckley Space Force Base
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Buckley Space Force Base.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Buckley Space Force Base.
Commissary
1
Buckley Space Force Base Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
460th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Buckley Space Force Base.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Mississippi Gate (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Buckley Space Force Base.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Buckley Space Force Base.
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Data & Methodology
The information on this page is compiled through a combination of sources. We reference official U.S. Department of Defense publications, branch directives, and installation command websites on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy across policy, regulation, and operational data. Where relevant, we supplement that foundation with credible auxiliary resources, including verified government agencies, military support organizations, and established partners with direct ties to the installation community.
Our editorial team includes past and present military personnel who review and contribute firsthand knowledge — ensuring what you read reflects the real experience of military life, not just what's written in a regulation.
MyBaseGuide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government agency. Information is provided for general reference and updated periodically. It may not reflect the most recent changes to installation policy or command decisions. Always confirm time-sensitive details directly with your gaining installation.