Today, guardians (members of the Space Force) are largely perceived to be operating in space, primarily as a result of popular misconception. However, a new report from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies argues that there may soon be tactical advantages to deploying Space Force personnel into orbit. The report emphasizes the human adaptability and flexibility in decision-making as key factors that could pose significant challenges to adversaries.
The report, titled “A Broader Look at Dynamic Space Operations: Creating Multi-Dimensional Dilemmas for Adversaries,” was released on a Thursday and discusses the necessity for the Space Force to enhance the maneuverability, flexibility, and survivability of all its systems, not just satellites. This need is underscored by China’s rapid advancements in technologies aimed at tracking and targeting U.S. military forces.
Charles Galbreath, a former Space Force officer and current senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute, authored the report. He argues that physically placing guardians in space could offer tactical advantages, highlighting that humans have been the most versatile systems ever launched into orbit. Galbreath pointed out that the presence of human guardians in space could be crucial for various future Space Force missions, as seen in the historical context of human involvement in repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.
The report stresses making Space Force architecture more dynamic, which is defined as a strategy aimed at increasing versatility, adaptability, and maneuverability of assets, especially in light of increasing counter-space threats, including GPS jamming and China’s enhanced satellite maneuvering capabilities.
The report also mentions that the repair and refueling of U.S. satellites are vital for ensuring survivability against adversaries. Moreover, it suggests that updates to command and control systems are essential and that operational usage of the highly-secretive X-37B spyplane should be prioritized over experimental missions. It addresses the risks involved in human presence in space, positing that having crewed military space assets could complicate an adversary’s risk calculus when considering hostile actions.
John Shaw, former deputy leader of U.S. Space Command, expressed skepticism about deploying guardians in space, particularly as autonomous technologies become more prevalent. However, he acknowledged the inevitability of such a development, noting that it may be most applicable when projecting power across great distances and maintaining close command and control capabilities.
While the Space Force has not yet dispatched guardians for military operations in space, some members have been loaned to NASA. Notably, Mike Hopkins became the first guardian in space in 2020 when he transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force while aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, Space Force Brig. Gen. Nick Hague recently completed a 171-day mission as commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-9.
Galbreath underscored the importance of proactive planning, stating that the Space Force must begin preparing for the inclusion of guardians in space operations now rather than waiting until the need becomes urgent. He warned that it could take a decade to develop the necessary pipeline, training, and capabilities.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman announced in September at the Air & Space Force Association’s conference that the Space Force is working on a planning document to anticipate enemy trends through 2040, which will inform technology acquisition and mission prioritization. Among the proposed initiatives is the creation of a “live aggressor squadron” to allow guardians to train for defending against satellite attacks.
