Space Command Reaches 200-Person Huntsville Goal Early

U.S. Space Command chief Gen. Stephen Whiting said Auburn University’s research in areas including small satellites, advanced manufacturing, GPS and space-operator training offers strong potential for collaboration with the command. During visits to Auburn’s campus and its Huntsville research institute, he toured a new laboratory developing space-electronics radiation testing and classified space-operations training capabilities. The visits come as Space Command relocates its headquarters to Redstone Arsenal: more than 200 personnel are already in Huntsville, six weeks ahead of schedule, with 900 expected by 2028 and a permanent headquarters designed for about 1,800 people targeted for completion around 2031–32. Whiting, who plans to retire in January 2027, is leading the transition, which is expected to expand regional opportunities for research partnerships and bring military and civilian jobs to North Alabama.