To protect against threats from Russia and China, U.S. Space Command needs more advanced tools to track what’s happening in space as well as satellites that can move freely in the domain by 2027, according to its commander, Gen. Stephen Whiting. Those capabilities will be crucial to military operations as both Russia and China have tested and built weapons that could threaten U.S. space operations in the near future. Whiting highlighted Russia’s development of a nuclear space weapon and China’s recent launch mishaps creating a debris cloud in low Earth orbit.
The Space Force, responsible for meeting Space Command requirements, is working on several efforts to characterize and track objects in orbit, planning to replace the 50-year-old Space Defense Operations Center. The service is also strategizing on building capabilities for dynamic space operations, which could involve partnering with commercial companies for spacecraft refueling or propulsion boosts. Whiting emphasized the need for accelerated delivery of these systems by 2027 to address future conflicts with countries having advanced military space capabilities.
Courtney Albon is C4ISRNET’s space and emerging technology reporter, focusing on the U.S. military, particularly the Air Force and Space Force, covering significant acquisition, budget, and policy challenges within the Defense Department since 2012.
