U.S. Space Command officials are advocating for an additional $1.2 billion in fiscal 2025 funding to bolster military space capabilities and enhance detection of adversary activity in orbit. The request includes over $800 million for classified programs targeting aggression from Russia and China. Space Command expresses concern about China and Russia’s space ambitions potentially impacting U.S. military operations.
The proposed funding also covers commercial and military operations facilities, space domain awareness sensors, and radars. Specific initiatives include the Joint Commercial Operations Cell, Project Lighthouse for integrating space domain awareness radars, and sensor modernization to enhance space observation capabilities. The importance of these investments is highlighted, particularly for safeguarding U.S. allies and partner nation operations.
Additional funding is aimed at supporting software upgrades, data flow improvements, and radar infrastructure enhancements. Notably, the request includes funding for the Army’s Long-Range Tracking and Instrumentation Radar in the Marshall Islands, crucial for deep space surveillance in the Pacific. The loss of such capabilities could have significant long-term implications for space observation efforts. Bryant Harris contributed to this report, written by Courtney Albon, C4ISRNET’s space and emerging technology reporter.
