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US Space Force General Warns of Growing Threats in New Era of Space Activity

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During a recent Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces hearing in Washington, DC, US Space Force General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, testified about the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget request. His appearance at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this week emphasized one key point: The United States has entered a new era of space activity. Saltzman, the second person to hold the position of Chief of Space Operations for the US Space Force, expressed his concerns about growing threats from strategic competitors during a CNBC interview after his speech.

According to Saltzman, the congestion in space has increased significantly due to tracked objects, satellite payloads, and launches. To address this evolving landscape, he stated that it is necessary for the US to rethink their processes and procedures. This topic is particularly important as space becomes increasingly commercialized, and geopolitical threats expand into a domain with unclear rules of engagement.

 

Many military experts believe that space will be the primary battleground in future conflicts, which could affect both the private sector and civilians in real-time. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent cyberattack on the European communications network of US satellite operator Viasat highlight these risks. General Saltzman emphasized the urgency of addressing space-based tactics employed by adversaries like Russia and China.

These adversarial tactics include communication jamming of the GPS constellation, employing lasers and ‘dazzlers’ to interfere with on-orbit cameras and disrupt imagery collection, as well as using anti-satellite missiles, such as the one Russia tested in late 2021. Furthermore, Saltzman mentioned that we are witnessing satellites that can grab and grapple with other satellites, impairing their operational orbits. The rapid development of these weapons and their growing presence in space should be met with serious concern.

This emerging reality is one reason why the Space Force was established in 2019 as the first new branch of the US armed services in 70 years. In response to these growing threats, Saltzman seeks to enhance the Space Force’s capabilities by strengthening satellite constellations and securing more launch services. This strategy will involve collaborating with a growing network of commercial space companies.

A prime example of this collaboration is the Space Force’s recent announcement of a procurement strategy for additional launch services. The ‘dual-lane acquisition approach’ aims to create more opportunities for rocket startups to compete for national security launch contracts. The National Security Space Launch Phase 3, with contracts set to be awarded next year, is expected to be worth billions of dollars and draw bids from companies like Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, among others.

 

SpaceX and United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, were the recipients of the Phase 2 awards. The expanding budget for the Space Force will further enable these efforts to strengthen national security in space. Although it is still just a small portion of the overall US defense budget, the $30 billion request for fiscal 2024 is a 15% increase compared to this year’s enacted levels.

General Saltzman acknowledged the collaborative nature of this effort, stating that ‘this is a team sport and none of us is going to be successful going in alone.’ By leveraging the expertise and resources of both government and commercial partners, the United States can better respond to the growing complexities and challenges in space.

As the importance of space in national security continues to grow, it is crucial for the United States to adapt and evolve its strategies and partnerships. The rapidly changing landscape of space activity creates both new opportunities and new vulnerabilities for national security, with the crucial task of understanding and mitigating these risks falling upon the shoulders of organizations like the Space Force.

In this period of heightened geopolitical tensions, the United States must remain vigilant in maintaining its technological and tactical advantage in space. Traditional mindsets must be replaced with innovative approaches that harness the full potential of both public and private sector resources.

 

The emergence of the commercial space industry as a vital contributor to national security can be an asset in this quest, providing fresh ideas, cutting-edge technology, and a competitive spirit that spurs continued advancements. By embracing these strategic partnerships, the US can stay at the forefront of technological innovation and remain prepared for the challenges ahead.

General Saltzman’s remarks serve as both a warning and a call to action for the United States to prepare for the potential conflicts that may arise in the coming years. As adversaries continue to develop powerful weapons and technologies, it is more important than ever to ensure that the US remains agile and adaptable in the face of adversity.

The creation of the Space Force and the expansion of its budget are steps in the right direction, but continued focus and investment will be necessary to protect American interests in space. Intelligence, strategic partnerships, and technological advancement will be key in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.

As a country that prides itself on its ingenuity, resourcefulness, and determination, the United States must rally around the collective goal of ensuring national security in space. Embracing the unique strengths and capabilities of both government and commercial sector partners will provide a firm foundation for continued success in this vital domain.

 

Ultimately, the American spirit of innovation, collaboration, and resilience will be indispensable in overcoming the trials of this emerging space age. The United States must remain steadfast in its commitment to protecting its assets and interests in space, and the voices of leaders like General Saltzman serve as an important reminder of this crucial responsibility.