Peterson SFB & Schriever SFB: Colorado Springs Space Force Guide

Colorado Springs is the home of U.S. Space Force operations, hosting Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the headquarters of NORAD and USNORTHCOM. If you're PCS'ing to either installation, this guide covers missions, facilities, neighborhoods, and everything your family needs to settle in quickly.

Peterson Space Force Base

Peterson SFB is located on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, adjacent to the Colorado Springs Airport. It serves as the headquarters for Space Operations Command (SpOC), the primary warfighting arm of the U.S. Space Force, and also hosts NORAD and USNORTHCOM joint headquarters.

Major Commands at Peterson SFB

• Space Operations Command (SpOC): Manages all Space Force operational units worldwide. This is the combatant command-level headquarters for space operations.
• NORAD / USNORTHCOM: Binational U.S.-Canada aerospace and maritime warning/defense. Large joint workforce with Canadian Forces representation.
• Space Delta 3 (SD3): Space electromagnetic warfare — offensive and defensive space control.
• Space Delta 4 (SD4): Missile warning. Operates ground-based radar systems that provide warning of ballistic missile launches.
• 21st Space Wing (transitioning): Installation support and range operations for Peterson and Schriever.

Schriever Space Force Base

Schriever SFB (formerly Schriever AFB) is located approximately 14 miles east of Colorado Springs in the community of Falcon. It hosts the satellite command and control operations that underpin virtually every GPS, missile warning, and space surveillance mission in the U.S. military.

Key Units at Schriever SFB

• Space Delta 2 (SD2): Space domain awareness — tracks all objects in Earth orbit.
• Space Delta 6 (SD6): Cyberspace operations for space systems.
• Space Delta 7 (SD7): Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance from space.
• Space Delta 8 (SD8): Satellite communications command and control (MILSTAR, AEHF systems).
• GPS Master Control Station: The primary ground control facility for the entire GPS constellation is located at Schriever SFB — one of the most critical pieces of military infrastructure in the world.

Facilities at Peterson SFB

Best Neighborhoods for Peterson SFB & Schriever Families

Unlike Fort Carson which is on the south side, Peterson SFB is on the east side of Colorado Springs and Schriever is further east in Falcon. This dramatically changes the best neighborhoods for commuting. Here are the top choices:

Stetson Hills — Best Overall for Peterson Families

Stetson Hills is a master-planned community in northeast Colorado Springs, roughly 10–15 minutes from Peterson SFB Gate 1. Families enjoy newer homes (2000s–2020s construction), excellent D-20 schools, and a suburban feel with shopping and restaurants nearby. Median home prices: $380,000–$500,000. Rent for a 3BR: $1,800–$2,200/month.

Briargate — Top-Rated Schools, Premium Prices

Briargate sits in the north-central part of Colorado Springs with access to D-20 schools (some of the highest-rated in Colorado). Commute to Peterson is 20–25 minutes. Expect to pay a premium — 3BR homes rent for $1,900–$2,300/month and home prices can reach $450,000–$600,000+. Worth it for families prioritizing school quality. See our full Briargate neighborhood guide.

Falcon — Best for Schriever Commuters

Falcon (unincorporated El Paso County, also marketed as Peyton or Woodmen Hills) is the closest residential area to Schriever SFB with a commute of just 5–15 minutes. Newer developments like Latigo and Wolf Ranch offer affordable homes in the $320,000–$440,000 range. District 49 schools serve this area. Rent for a 3BR: $1,600–$1,950/month. See the full Falcon neighborhood guide.

Powers Corridor (East Colorado Springs)

The Powers Boulevard corridor offers apartment complexes and townhomes within 10–15 minutes of Peterson SFB and reasonable access to Schriever. This is the most urban option for east-side families — lots of shopping, restaurants, and services. 2BR apartments: $1,200–$1,600/month. Primarily D-49 schools.