You've probably heard the name Peterson AFB Colorado Springs CO a thousand times if you live in the Front Range. But honestly, if you haven't been keeping up with the news since 2021, you're technically using an outdated name. The "Air Force Base" label is mostly gone from the official signs, replaced by Peterson Space Force Base.
It’s a weird transition. People still call it "Pete," and the old acronyms die hard. But don't let the name change fool you—this isn't just a marketing rebrand. The mission has shifted into something much more high-stakes and, frankly, a bit more sci-fi than what it used to be during the Cold War.
Why Everyone Still Calls It Peterson AFB Colorado Springs CO
The history here runs deep. Back in 1942, it was just the Colorado Springs Army Air Base. It was basically a patch of dirt and runways next to the municipal airport. It was renamed for 1st Lt. Edward J. Peterson, a local guy who died in a P-38 crash on the field. That connection to the local community is why the name "Peterson" never left, even as the mission evolved from heavy bombers to missile defense and then to space.
Nowadays, the base is the heartbeat of Colorado Springs. If you're driving down Powers Boulevard, you can't miss it. It’s tucked right against the Colorado Springs Airport. In fact, they share runways. You might see a massive C-130 Hercules from the 302nd Airlift Wing taking off right next to a United Airlines flight. It’s a bit jarring the first time you see it, but it’s just Tuesday in the Springs.
The Space Force Shift
In July 2021, the base officially swapped "Air Force" for "Space Force."
Why?
Because Peterson is the nerve center for Space Base Delta 1. They aren't just flying planes anymore; they’re tracking satellites, monitoring "space junk," and keeping an eye on global missile launches. It sounds like a movie plot, but the work happening inside those secure buildings is what keeps your GPS working and your cell signal from dropping out.
What It’s Actually Like Living on (or Near) the Base
If you’re moving here, the first thing you’ll notice is the altitude. Peterson sits at about 6,035 feet. That's over a mile high. Your first week will involve a lot of huffing and puffing just walking to the commissary.
Drink water. Lots of it.
And then drink some more.
The air is dry, and the sun is brutal. You’ll get a sunburn in 20 minutes in January if you aren't careful. It’s a "dry heat" in the summer, which is nice, but it also means your skin will feel like parchment paper.
Housing and Neighborhoods
A lot of families live in Tierra Vista, the privatized housing on base. It's actually pretty decent compared to some older military housing you might have seen. They’ve got splash pads and dog parks, which is a lifesaver in the summer.
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But most people look off-base.
- Banning Lewis Ranch: Very popular, lots of new builds, but the traffic on Woodmen can be a nightmare.
- Stetson Hills: A bit older, more affordable, and right next to all the shopping on Powers.
- Cimarron Hills: Super close to the gate, though the schools can be hit or miss depending on the specific street.
The "Choice State" policy in Colorado is a big deal for parents. Basically, you can "choice" your kid into almost any school district if they have space. Many military families try to get into District 20 (Academy) or District 49 (Falcon), even if they live elsewhere.
The Secret "Snow Call" Culture
If you're from the South or the East Coast, Colorado weather will confuse you. It can be 70 degrees (roughly 21°C) at noon and snowing by 4:00 PM.
Peterson has a very specific "Snow Call" routine. Because the base supports missions that cannot stop—like NORAD and NORTHCOM—the base rarely "closes" in the way a school does. They usually do "Delayed Reporting." You’ll find yourself refreshing the Space Base Delta 1 Facebook page at 5:00 AM like your life depends on it.
Expert Tip: Save the Snow Call Line in your phone: 719-556-7669. It’s faster than waiting for the website to load when everyone else is checking it.
Getting Through the Gate (2026 Update)
Access has changed. They recently suspended the "Trusted Traveler" program. What does that mean for you? It means even if you have a military ID, your passenger needs a formal pass. You can’t just "vouch" for your mom when she comes to visit.
If you have contractors or family coming, use the DBIDS Visitor Enrollment System online before they arrive. It saves you about 45 minutes of standing in the Visitor Control Center (VCC) while someone's background check processes. The VCC is at the West Gate (off Highway 24/Platte), and it’s always busy on Monday mornings. Avoid it then if you can.
The Massive Economic Footprint
Honestly, Colorado Springs would look very different without Peterson AFB Colorado Springs CO. Between Peterson, Schriever, and Cheyenne Mountain, these installations pump billions into the local economy every year.
We’re talking about roughly $3 billion annually just from Peterson and Cheyenne Mountain alone. This is why you see "Military Discount" signs on almost every taco shop and tire store in town. The base supports over 30,000 jobs in the Pikes Peak region. When the Pentagon talked about moving U.S. Space Command to Alabama, the local community fought tooth and nail to keep it here. Luckily, as of 2026, the headquarters is staying put in the Springs.
Practical Steps for Newcomers
- Acclimatize Slowly: Don't try to hike Pikes Peak your first weekend. Stay below 7,000 feet for at least three days.
- Register for AtHOC: This is the emergency alert system. If there’s a wildfire or a security lockdown, this is how you’ll know.
- Visit the Museum: The Edward J. Peterson Air and Space Museum is actually on base. It’s one of the few places you can see a CF-101 Voodoo or a Peacekeeper Missile up close. It’s free, but you need base access.
- Get a Toll Pass: If you're commuting from the north (like Briargate or Monument), you'll likely use E-470 or the Express Lanes. Get the "ExpressToll" pass to save a fortune.
Whether you're here for a two-year tour or you're a civilian contractor moving for the aerospace boom, Peterson is a unique spot. It's a mix of old-school Air Force tradition and the new, high-tech reality of the Space Force. Just remember to wear sunscreen and keep an eye on the "Snow Call" line.