Peterson Space Force Base

Peterson Space Force Base at a glance

Peterson Space Force Base is a space and defense headquarters community on the eastern side of Colorado Springs. Space Base Delta 1 provides installation and combat service support to space organizations and geographically separate mission partners. Publicly identified partners include North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. The base also shares runway operations with Colorado Springs Airport.

Peterson's roots are in Colorado Springs Army Air Base, established at the municipal airport in April 1942. It was renamed that December for Lieutenant Edward Peterson. After several postwar changes, the installation supported air defense and later space organizations. Its present identity combines a local headquarters community with support responsibilities extending to other installations, including Cheyenne Mountain and Pituffik.

Also searched as: Peterson SFB, Peterson Air Force Base, Peterson Field.

Sources: Peterson Space Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS; Space Base Delta 1 official fact sheet

Mission and major activities

• Installation support through Space Base Delta 1.
• Support to defense headquarters and space mission partners.
• Shared runway operations with Colorado Springs Airport.

Sources: Peterson Space Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS; Space Base Delta 1 official fact sheet

History and identity

Peterson Field became Peterson Air Force Base in 1976 and received its Space Force Base designation in July 2021.

Sources: Peterson Space Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS; Space Base Delta 1 official fact sheet

Location and community

Peterson is east of Colorado Springs in El Paso County. Schriever, Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy are separate regional installations.

Sources: Peterson Space Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Peterson Space Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Peterson Space Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Peterson Space Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. Peterson Space Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONSSupports: overview, mission, history, local context, planning note
2. Space Base Delta 1 official fact sheetSupports: overview, mission, history

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.