The United States Space Force, created in December 2019, recently added three new intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance squadrons to make up for a prior lapse in space intelligence (Military.com). The Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Saltzman, praised the United States’ history in space while also emphasizing the need to avoid “complacency” to maintain superiority in space (Saltzman says).
However, Gen. Saltzman also warned of a “new era” of space threats that the US must confront beyond Earth (CNBC). The growing concerns for defense in space prompted the contract between the US Space Force and SES Space & Defense, where the latter was awarded a 5-year contract to provide satellite communications for the US Army Warfighter (Capacity Media).
One key aspect of the Space Force’s mission is to protect U.S. spacecraft and satellites, which are facing substantial military threats in space (Al Arabiya). Astra Space has also been awarded a task order for its continued efforts in developing a new rocket after experiencing a pair of Space Coast launch failures (Orlando Sentinel).
BlueHalo, a development contractor for the Space Force’s procurement arm, is currently working on mobile phased array antennas for the Space Force. According to ExecutiveBiz, this equipment is expected to play a critical role in satellite communication capabilities in the future (ExecutiveBiz).
It is essential to note that not all Space Force news is true. Snopes debunked the story about the arrest of a Space Force commander for treason, revealing that the source was a website that specializes in humor, parody, and satire (Snopes).
Overall, the US Space Force is actively working to maintain the country’s superiority in space and address growing threats to national security beyond Earth. The development of new equipment, new intelligence, and surveillance methods along with strategic partnerships with SES Space & Defense and others are crucial in achieving these goals.
