The U.S. Space Force Is Your Eye in the Sky
The next few years will mark a turning point for U.S. military operations in space. Starting with President Biden’s fiscal 2023 budget request, we are embarking on a journey to increase dramatically the capability and security of satellites that provide military leaders with crucial early warnings about possible attacks and track missiles after they’ve been launched. This will protect U.S. forces and realize the National Defense Strategy mandate to deter potential adversaries.
While the post-World War II rules-based order is under threat from Russia, the U.S. continues to face a formidable challenge from China. The U.S. Space Force is implementing a long-term plan to remain ahead of these strategic competitors by providing essential operational support to the rest of the military, protecting American troops, and preserving access and freedom to operate in space.
The U.S. intelligence community reports that China and Russia are developing sophisticated weapons to disrupt, degrade and disable U.S. assets in space. Both countries have tested destructive antisatellite weapons. The U.S. has committed not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent antisatellite missile tests, but setting an example is not enough—the U.S. must also be ready to protect critical satellites and defend against offensive space systems that put our forces at risk.
This year’s budget request contains a substantial increase for the Space Force, centered on new ways to conduct and secure space operations. The cornerstone of the budget request is an advanced missile warning and tracking architecture. This will serve two purposes: It will improve the Space Force’s ability to see and quickly thwart incoming missiles, and it will contribute to stability and help manage escalation in times of crisis.
There was a time when the U.S. could operate satellites in space with limited risk. That time is gone. The fiscal 2023 budget will allow the Space Force to start the process of buying more than 100 small satellites that can form a resilient new network in low and medium Earth orbit. No single attack will be able to destroy this “resilient architecture.” While it may not grab headlines, developing this network is vital to advancing and safeguarding U.S. national interests.
With a fleet of smaller, lower-cost satellites, the Space Force will be better able to take advantage of emerging technologies and adapt more quickly to new threats. Operational advancements by China and Russia require not only U.S. leadership on responsible behavior in space, but also a force design that positions the service to protect all instruments of national power. The goals should be to keep space free from conflict and project the strength needed to deter conflict on Earth.