By El Paso Commissioner Cory Applegate | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
As El Paso County’s Commissioner for District 4, I am committed to advancing our community’s interests, security, and prosperity. Among our top priorities is ensuring that U.S. Space Command remains headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.
This is not just a local issue—it’s a matter of national security and global leadership in space.
Peterson Space Force Base, located right here in our district, has long been at the forefront of military space operations. Its proximity to critical defense assets like Schriever Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and the Air Force Academy creates an unparalleled synergy.
The integrated infrastructure and expertise in this region cannot be replicated elsewhere. By keeping U.S. Space Command at Peterson, we preserve a hub of excellence that is vital to our national defense strategy.
The stakes could not be higher. Space has become the ultimate frontier for competition and conflict.
Countries like China and Russia are aggressively advancing their space capabilities, posing significant threats to U.S. assets in orbit.
To maintain a strategic advantage, the United States needs a centralized and well-established command. Peterson, with its robust infrastructure, skilled personnel, and deep-rooted relationships with allied nations and private-sector partners, provides the stability and expertise that this mission demands.
A quote I recently got from a constituent was “If El Paso County loses Space Force, it will be a detrimental effect on the economy in the area, as well as our support for our defense complex. Anything from small business to home values will feel this effect.”
Relocating U.S. Space Command would not only disrupt its operations but also risk losing the institutional knowledge and workforce that Colorado Springs has cultivated over decades.
The region’s vibrant aerospace industry, supported by leading contractors and academic institutions, is uniquely positioned to support Space Command’s evolving needs. Inexperience is not needed and this is not a jobs program for Alabama.
Furthermore, uprooting the headquarters would burden taxpayers for billions with unnecessary costs while compromising operational readiness over the next decade.
Beyond national security, retaining U.S. Space Command at Peterson is essential for our local economy. The presence of Space Command directly and indirectly supports thousands of jobs, fuels innovation, and attracts top talent to our community. It reinforces Colorado Springs’ reputation as a premier aerospace hub, ensuring economic resilience and growth for years to come.
As your commissioner, I will advocate tirelessly for the retention of U.S. Space Command at Peterson.
This is about more than our district—it’s about safeguarding America’s leadership in space and protecting the freedoms we cherish. Together, let’s stand united in securing this critical mission for Colorado Springs and our nation.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.