PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) -- Air Force Space Command officials unveiled a new space badge at the Strategic Space 2004 Convention in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 7.

The new badge replaces the current space and missile functional badge worn by space and missile operations professionals, said Gen. Lance W. Lord, AFSPC commander. It is part of AFSPC's senior leaders' continuing vision to unite the command's missions and specialties.

It also replaces the missile operations occupational badge, more commonly known as "the pocket rocket," currently worn by those in the missile operations career fields.

The 2001 U.S. Space Commission Report, assessing U.S. National Security Space Management and Organization, flagged the Department of Defense's need to further train and develop its space professionals. The report set the stage for an increased emphasis on training the nation's next generation of space professionals. Command officials also identified the need to capture the individual talents of the DOD space community.

"Just as pilots wear the same badge, whether they fly fighters, bombers, tankers or transports, all very distinct and different missions, our space professionals should wear the same badge to reflect the unity of their mission and capabilities," General Lord said.

Officials said they anticipate another six to nine months before the badge is on the shelf. The badge still needs to be processed through the Air Force uniform board, Institute of Heraldry and be mass-produced by the manufacturers.

No date has been set for mandatory wear.