The U.S. Army’s mission in operating in space is adapting due to the arrival of the U.S. Space Force. Before the Space Force’s establishment in 2019, the Army’s space-related mission areas were transferred to the Space Force. The Army released a new vision document focused on integrating joint space capabilities and interdicting adversaries’ use of space for hostile purposes.
The document mentions the urgent need to invest more in space capabilities and formations. The Army has begun to grow interdiction capabilities, protecting forces from being targeted by enemy counter-satellite communications, counter-ISR, and navigation warfare operations. New formations responsible for the interdiction mission are the Multidomain Task Forces (MDTFs). The Army has already established three MDTFs and plans to activate more in the coming years.
The Army plans to deploy next-generation tactical terminals, layer space capabilities with high-altitude balloons and long-endurance aircraft, and implement space formations that are expeditionary, scalable, and mobile. The Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence will ensure the vision is executed across the Army.
Jen Judson is an award-winning journalist covering land warfare for Defense News. She holds a Master of Science degree in journalism from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyon College.
