The U.S. Space Force is expanding its sphere of influence this month as the armed forces branch broke ground on a new facility in the Middle East.

Construction began on the “Space Campus” at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and the new campus is considered vital to the future success of the Space Force. Its purpose is to increase and maximize operational capabilities in the region. This includes aiding other military branches with troops in the area by warning of missile launches or other aerial attacks directed at U.S. troops and ships, particularly in the Red Sea.