Peterson Air and Space Museum at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs connects the site’s origins as the 1941 Colorado Springs Airport terminal with its later military and aerospace roles. Growing from a visitor center established in 1975, it interprets the histories of the Air Defense Command, Aerospace Defense Command, and Air Force Space Command. Exhibits cover the base’s World War II service, the naming of the base for 1st Lt. Edward J. Peterson, Cold War air warning and nuclear deterrence missions, and space operations. Aircraft in the Air Park, adapted historic hangars, and artifacts ranging from missile components to satellites link local aviation history to North American air defense and military space activity.