Trump to participate in launch of US Space Command Thursday

President Trump will participate Thursday in the establishment of the U.S. Space Command, according to his press schedule. 

Vice President Pence and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford announced last week that the command would be launched Thursday.

{mosads}The Space Command will be responsible for planning and carrying out space operations. It will have 87 units at its launch with abilities including missile warning, satellite operations, space control and space support, Dunford said. 

Gen. John Raymond was confirmed as the commander of Space Command by the Senate in June. 

The Space Command is viewed as a step toward the Space Force military branch, which would need congressional approval.