The United States Space Force has been expanding its capabilities to counteract growing threats to American spacecraft and satellites in space. Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, recently emphasized the need to avoid “complacency” in order to maintain US superiority in space (Military.com). He praised the nation’s trailblazing history in the field, while also recognizing the changing landscape that brings new challenges.
According to Saltzman, the US faced a lapse in space intelligence which resulted in the creation of three new intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance squadrons to make up for the gap (CNBC). The Space Force has also awarded a $27.54 million CTC contract to SES Space & Defense, a Luxembourg-based satellite company, to enhance the country’s capabilities in space (SpaceRef).
The recent developments come as the military arm faces a “new era” of threats beyond Earth, as described by Gen. Saltzman. He warns that the threats facing the US’s spacecraft and satellites are growing substantially, and are not limited to Earth’s terrain (Orlando Sentinel). Therefore, the Space Force is taking the necessary steps to ensure they have the capacity to handle these unprecedented challenges.
On a related note, a task order has been awarded to Astra Space, which has been working to launch a new rocket, following a pair of Space Coast launch failures (Orlando Sentinel). Another launch is set for Tuesday at Vandenberg Space Base, where SpaceX plans to launch 46 Starlink satellites using Falcon 9 rockets (KEYT).
Despite rumors circulating online, it is important to note that there is no truth to the claim that a Space Force commander was arrested for treason (Snopes). As the Space Force continues to grow, so too does the need for accurate reporting of developments in the field to keep the public informed (Daily Report | Air & Space Forces Magazine).
