Why is there a 6th branch of the military related to space?

Hello, I recently heard about the creation of the Space Force as the 6th branch of the military. I'm a little puzzled as to why we need a branch specifically for space. What's the rationale behind this? Does it have to do with something like 'planet 9' thing I keep hearing about?

The creation of the United States Space Force arose from the growing recognition of the strategic importance of space. As technology has advanced over the years, space has evolved into a key domain for security and military operations. For example, satellites play a critical role in communication, navigation, and surveillance - all of which are vital for national security.

The Space Force's establishment in 2019 marked an effort by the United States to ensure its capabilities in space can effectively support overall military readiness and defense. It's not directly related to the exploration of new celestial bodies like "Planet Nine". Instead, the Space Force's mission focuses on organizing, training, and equipping personnel to protect the U.S.' and its allies' interests in space.

For instance, Space Force personnel might monitor ballistic missile launches or track space debris to avoid interference with strategically placed satellites. Ensuring these satellites function well is crucial, as they provide communication capabilities to the other branches of the military.

In a nutshell, Space Force offers an additional layer of security and maintenance to the growing number of space-related assets the United States relies on, playing a huge role in both defense and commerce.