Quick Facts
SUPPORTING the SPACE FORCE

Astronomical Research Group and Observatory
The Astronomical Research Group and Observatory (ARGO), based at the United States Air Force Academy Observatory, houses the 41-cm telescope, and supports the worldwide Falcon Telescope Network. We now have the funding for a state-of-the-art 1-meter telescope to replace our existing, 54-year-old 61-cm telescope, and we are pursuing the acquisition of this new telescope.

Center for Space Situational Awareness Research
The Center for Space Situational Awareness Research (CSSAR) provides cadets and faculty at the United States Air Force Academy an education and research program in space situational awareness using world-class facilities and capabilities.

Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center
The Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC) faculty and cadets perform research in the solar-terrestrial environment and investigate how perturbations in that environment can negatively impact the performance and longevity of our space assets. SPARC specializes in the development of aggressively miniaturized payloads that fly on experimental spacecraft to make observations of the ionosphere.

Space Systems Research Center
The Space Systems Research Center (SSRC) designs, builds, tests, and flies cadet-built, DOD-backed satellites. It focuses on cadet education while achieving real DOD objectives and supports national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics educational objectives.