Schriever SFB  In-depth Overview

Space Base Delta 1 (SBD1) is headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. The SBD1 mission is to enable USSF and partner mission execution of eight of the nine functional space deltas and more than 80 mission partners across 22 world-wide locations through the provision of integrated USSF and United States Air Force Base. The SBD1's mission is to enable USSF and partner mission execution of eight of the nine functional space deltas and more than 80 mission partners across 22 world-wide locations through the provision of integrated USSF and United States Air Force Base.

The history of Schriever SFB goes back to the decision to establish a new space control facility approved by the Secretary of Defense in September 1979. Like many of the surrounding communities in El Paso County, Schriever Air Force Base is growing rapidly. In contrast to the very recent growth of communities east of Colorado Springs, Schriever's growth has continued nonstop since the installation opened in 1985.

As military space programs expanded in the 1970s, the Department of Defense consolidated facilities and operations centers to manage the growing number of satellites and communications networks. In addition, the Air Force continued development of a "man in space" mission tied to NASA's space shuttle program.

In response to these needs and other factors, the Air Force activated Space Command Sept. 1, 1982. Space Command, later redesignated Air Force Space Command, assumed the role of the Air Force's single manager for space systems.

Prior to activating Space Command, and in recognition of the need for such an agency officials approved plans in 1979, to develop a military installation to provide operational control and support of existing and planned satellite constellations.

Schriever Space Force Base is home to the 50th Space Wing, the Space Innovation and Development Center, the Missile Defense Agency, 310th Space Wing and numerous tenant organizations. More than 8,100 personnel work on Schriever AFB.

• Active Duty 1,644
• Army/Navy/Marines 24
• Family Members 476
• ANG/Reserve & IMA 478
• Appropriated Fund Civilians 601
• Non-Appropriated Fund Contract 5,273

Colorado Springs metro: 439,886; El Paso County: 699,232

Population Served
Title Number
Active Duty 1,644
Army/Navy/Marines 24
Family Members 476
ANG/Reserve & IMA 478
Appropriated Fund Civilians 601
Non-Appropriated Fund Contract 5,273

Colorado Springs, metro population about 650,000, is the closest major city to Schriever SFB. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs to Peterson SFB. Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado, near the center of the state. Air is thin for people coming from sea level; the city is over a mile high. The area has a dry climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The Front Range is known for powerful thunderstorms.

Schriever SFB is located in El Paso County, the largest county in Colorado and 12 miles east of the city of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado, and is located 61 miles south of the State Capitol. Offering an ideal blend of business opportunity, culture and outdoor recreation, Colorado is home to more than 25 ski resorts. Colorado Springs is a vacation haven that draws over 6 million visitors annually. Notable attractions in Colorado Springs include the famous Broadmoor Hotel, US Olympic Center and the Nation's highest elevation zoo. Colorado Springs is the largest municipality in El Paso County with a population of 439,886.  The cost of living index Colorado Springs sits at 104 out of composite index of 100. Colorado Springs is located on the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountains with the 14,110 foot Pikes Peak to the west.

There are two gates to access the base. The North Gate on Enoch road, and the West Gate on Irwin Road. The Visitors Center is located on Enoch Road just prior to the gate entry and because of this many refer to this as the main gate.

The Enoch Road gate is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to include all holidays.

The West Gate hours of operation are: Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. It is closed during the weekends and on all holidays

With Pikes Peak Mountain being highly visible to the West, residents of Colorado Springs use that as a guide using North, South, East and West for directions. There are three main arteries for traffic, they all run North and South, they are I-25 on the West side of the city, Academy Blvd in the central part of the city and Powers Blvd to the east of the city.

The Colorado Springs airport is located southwest of Schriever SFB. Following the road exiting the airport, turn right on Powers Blvd. Stay on Powers approximately 7 miles, until you reach Platte Avenue. Turn right; stay on Platte until you get to HWY 94 and make a right. Stay on HWY 94 for about 10 miles until you see Enoch Road, (Approximately 1 mile past the Curtis Road Intersection) take the right turn lane to merge onto Enoch road. Stay on Enoch road approximately 2 miles. The Pass and Registration/Visitor Center will be on your right. It is open from 5:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Enoch Road North Gate is the only 24 hour gate.

Entering from the South or North to the West Gate

Entering Colorado Springs on I-25 from the south or north, exit on Academy Blvd; If you enter the city from North Academy Blvd., head south towards Platte Avenue, If entering the city from south Academy Blvd, go North to Platte Avenue. Turn east on Platte Avenue (Highway 24) to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94 approximately 9 miles until you get to the Curtis Road intersection, turn right. Go approximately 3 miles and turn left onto Irwin Road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.

Directions from the Airport to the West Gate

The Colorado Springs airport is located southwest of Schriever AFB. Following the road exiting the airport, turn right on Powers Blvd. Stay on Powers approximately 7 miles, until you reach Platte Avenue. Turn right; stay on Platte until you get to HWY 94 and make a right. Stay on HWY 94 for about 9 miles until you get to Curtis Road intersection, turn right. Go approximately 3 miles, then turn left onto Irwin Road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.

Entering from the South or North to the North Gate & Visitors Center

Entering Colorado Springs on I-25 from the south or north, exit on Academy Blvd. If you enter the city from North Academy Blvd., head south towards Platte Avenue. If entering the city from South Academy Blvd, go north to Platte Avenue. Turn east on Platte Avenue (Highway 24) to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94. Head south on Enoch road and follow to the Visitors Center on your right, or straight ahead to the gate. This is the only 24 hour gate.

Entering from the East to the West Gate

If coming from the east on Interstate 70, If coming from the east on Interstate 70, go south on Highway 71 to Highway 94. When you get to the Curtis road intersection turn left. Go approximately 3 miles and turn left onto Irwin road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.

Entering from the East to the North/Enoch Road Gate & Visitors Center

If coming from the east on Interstate 70, go south on Highway 71 to Highway 94. When you get to Enoch Road, make a left and follow to the Visitors Center on your right or straight ahead to the Gate. This is the only 24 hour gate.

Entering from the West to the West Gate

If coming from the west on Highway 24, follow the signs to stay on Highway 24 through the city. Take Platte Avenue east to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94, and continue for approximately 9 miles to the Curtis Road intersection, then turn right. Go approximately 3 miles and turn left onto Irwin road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.

Entering from the West to the North/Enoch Road Gate & Visitors Center

If coming from the west on Highway 24, follow the signs to stay on Highway 24 through the city. Take Platte Avenue east to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94 for approximately 10 miles, until you reach Enoch road, take the right turn lane and merge onto Enoch road. Continue on Enoch road until you reach the Visitors center, on your right or straight ahead to the gate.

Because of the close walking distance between facilities there is no shuttle service outside the restricted area however; shuttle service is provided continuously throughout the day inside the restricted area. Bus schedules are posted throughout the base. Security Forces has instituted a carpooling program. If you drive to work with at least one other person you can park just west of the North Entry Control Facility in designated, reserved carpool parking slots. The Vanpool program is available at Schriever AFB. A vanpool is a group of 5 to 15 people who commute to work on a regular basis in a van provided by VPSI, Inc. The riders share a fee that covers the cost of operating the van. The vanpool group determines their daily route. Riders meet at a designated pick-up location, such as a shopping center.

There is no longer a Base Operator service on Schriever SFB.