(CNN) President Donald Trump signed a new policy directive Tuesday laying out his administration's long-awaited plans for establishing a Space Force.

"With today's action we will ensure that our people are secure, our interests are protected and our power continues to be unmatched," Trump said in remarks during the signing ceremony.

"The Space Force is a very important part of my administration," Trump added.

The document, officially called Space Policy Directive-4, was discussed earlier Tuesday by Gen. David Goldfein, the chief of staff of the Air Force.

"This afternoon the President is going to sign the Space Directive, Policy Directive that will establish the Space Force and give presidential direction to establish the Space Force within the Department of the Air Force," Goldfein told an audience Tuesday at the Brookings Institution in Washington.

Read More