Over a century ago, the US Army Air Service pioneered a classification system for its growing fleet of aircraft, shaping military naming conventions. In 1924, aircraft designations like B-17 and P-51 emerged, with prefixes indicating roles: B for bomber, A for attack, and P for pursuit. Later, the pursuit role was renamed fighter, resulting in familiar designations like F-15 and F-16.

Today, the Space Force is forging its own identity with a modern naming scheme for its space and ground weapon systems. A recently obtained document, initially drafted in 2023 and updated in 2024, reveals how the branch plans to label its spacecraft, satellites, and ground-based equipment. This new system reflects the evolving nature of military technology and the importance of clarity in a rapidly advancing domain.

Experts highlight that standardized naming enhances operational security and interoperability. As space becomes a strategic battleground, clear designations will be crucial for coordination among allies and for maintaining technological advantages.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.