PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE
SPACE FORCE
Colorado Springs, CO
United States
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE
SPACE FORCE
Colorado Springs, CO
United States
Peterson Space Force Base
Base Essentials
Home of NORAD, U.S. Space Command, and Space Base Delta 1 in Colorado Springs — a critical national defense posting in one of America's most military-saturated cities with Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain access.
Base Details
Type
Space Force Station
Branch
SPACE FORCE
Command
USSF
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
1,400
Active Duty
6,500
Civilian
3,000
Population
750,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
Peterson Space Force Base History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant Edward J. Peterson
Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was established in 1942 and has served various missions over the decades. Redesignated as Peterson Space Force Base, it is home to the headquarters of U.S. Space Command, U.S. Northern Command, and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The base is also home to Space Operations Command. Peterson's concentration of major commands makes it one of the most strategically important installations in the Department of Defense.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Space Command (HQ)
—
—
NORAD / U.S. Northern Command
—
—
Space Operations Command
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Colorado Springs Army Air Base
The installation opened in 1942 as a WWII training base. It was renamed Peterson Field in 1942 in honor of First Lieutenant Edward J. Peterson, a Colorado Springs native and test pilot killed in a crash on the base that year.
1958
NORAD Headquarters Established
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) — the bi-national U.S.-Canadian command responsible for aerospace warning and defense — was established in 1958 with its headquarters at Peterson. NORAD's operations center was later housed in Cheyenne Mountain but the command headquarters remained at Peterson.
2021
Redesignated Peterson Space Force Base
Peterson AFB was redesignated Peterson Space Force Base on April 1, 2021, reflecting the consolidation of Space Force commands at the Colorado Springs installation. It serves as headquarters for both NORAD/USNORTHCOM and U.S. Space Command.
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1942
Established as Colorado Springs Army Air Base
The installation opened in 1942 as a WWII training base. It was renamed Peterson Field in 1942 in honor of First Lieutenant Edward J. Peterson, a Colorado Springs native and test pilot killed in a crash on the base that year.
1958
NORAD Headquarters Established
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) — the bi-national U.S.-Canadian command responsible for aerospace warning and defense — was established in 1958 with its headquarters at Peterson. NORAD's operations center was later housed in Cheyenne Mountain but the command headquarters remained at Peterson.
2021
Redesignated Peterson Space Force Base
Peterson AFB was redesignated Peterson Space Force Base on April 1, 2021, reflecting the consolidation of Space Force commands at the Colorado Springs installation. It serves as headquarters for both NORAD/USNORTHCOM and U.S. Space Command.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Peterson Space Force Base.
Peterson Space Force Base Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Peterson Space Force Base.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Peterson Space Force Base.
Entertainment
Peterson SFB Honors K-9 Veterans Day with Military Working Dogs
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Peterson Space Force Base Welcome Center
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21 Restaurants Near Peterson AFB (Now Peterson Space Force Base)
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Peterson AFB On-Base Housing (Now Peterson Space Force Base)
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18 Peterson AFB Things to Do (Now Peterson Space Force Base)
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Peterson Space Force Base.
21st Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(719) 556-4327Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Peterson Space Force Base report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours with their PCS package. The CSS schedules all required in-processing appointments. After-hours arrivals report to the Silver Spur Inn on-base lodging, the 24/7 arrival point. Peterson SFB hosts NORAD, NORTHCOM, and Space Operations Command headquarters.
All permanent-party personnel attend the mandatory Newcomer's Orientation, which covers Peterson's unique multi-command environment, base services, and Colorado Springs community resources. The A&FRC at (719) 556-4327 coordinates relocation assistance, school liaison, and the "Pikes Peak" welcome packet for the Colorado Springs area.
Peterson SFB is co-located with Colorado Springs Airport and is adjacent to Schriever SFB and Cheyenne Mountain. The Colorado Springs area is consistently rated among the best military communities in the country, offering outstanding outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and a strong military support infrastructure.
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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 Peterson Space Force Base.
On-post family housing for Peterson Space Force Station is limited; most Space Force personnel live in off-post communities throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County. The tri-installation community (Peterson SFS, Schriever SFB, USAFA) means the Colorado Springs housing market serves all three. Colorado Springs is a growing city of approximately 500,000 with a v…
Local Market
$2,000/mo
rent
/
$440,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Peterson Space Force Base
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Peterson Space Force Base.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
5
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
Peterson SFB and Schriever SFB together make up the Colorado Springs Space Force cluster. Peterson is on the east side of Colorado Springs — one of the most military-dense cities in America. Families spread across Colorado Springs, Fountain, Peyton, and Monument depending on commute and school preferences.
Stetson Hills / Northgate (Colorado Springs)
Suburban
One of the fastest-growing parts of Colorado Springs on the north side — excellent schools (Academy District 20), newer construction, and easy I-25 access for Peterson commuters. About 20–25 min to the east gate but worth it for school quality.
Commute: 20–25 min
Schools: Academy District 20
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Top-rated D-20 schools, newer homes, strong military community
Fountain / Security-Widefield
Suburban
The closest suburbs to Peterson AFB's east gate. Very affordable Colorado pricing with a strong military community. Fountain is popular with enlisted families; Security-Widefield has more housing options across price points.
Commute: 10–15 min
Schools: Fountain-Fort Carson SD / Widefield SD
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Dual military
Closest to Peterson, most affordable in the Springs area, military-friendly
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Peterson 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 Peterson Space Force Base
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Peterson 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 Peterson Space Force Base.
Commissary
1
Peterson Space Force Base Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
21st Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Peterson Space Force Base.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
West 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 Peterson 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 Peterson 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.