NorthStar Earth & Space’s Post

"Space, the final frontier." The article discusses insights from Lt. Gen. John Shaw, former deputy head of US Space Command, on the future of space combat. Shaw emphasizes the importance of a "combat mindset" for space operations, distinct from traditional satellite operations. He introduces the concept of "dynamic space operations" (DSO), focusing on enhanced maneuverability and operational freedom in space. Shaw highlights the need for budget allocation, technological readiness, and mindset changes to achieve these goals. The target is to have specific space capabilities with sustained maneuverability by 2028. Challenges include budget constraints and the need for a shift in operational thinking. Shaw also discusses the potential deterrent value and operational advantages of DSO. Core Insights: 1. Emphasis on a "combat mindset" for future space operations. 2. Importance of dynamic space operations (DSO) with a focus on maneuverability. 3. Need for budget and technology to support these advanced space capabilities. 4. Target to achieve specific space capabilities by 2028. 5. Challenges include budget constraints and operational thinking shifts. Follow-On Questions: 1. How will DSO impact international space law and treaties? 2. What technological advancements are crucial for achieving DSO? 3. How will DSO change the nature of space exploration and commercialization? 4. What are the potential ethical implications of militarizing space? Suggestions for Further Reading or Research: 1. Read: "Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles, and Policy" by John J. Klein. 2. Research on the impact of space technology on international relations. 3. Developments in anti-satellite weapons and space defense systems. People of Interest: Lt. Gen. John Shaw, former deputy head of US Space Command. Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force. #SpaceCombat #DynamicSpaceOperations #MilitarySpace #SpaceTechnology #FutureSpaceStrategy

Market Intelligence | New Space Strategy Focuses on Combat Readiness and Resiliency. The way to mitigate first-mover advantage in space is resiliency. You change the nature of how you do your missions from four or five satellites in [geosynchronous orbit] to 400 satellites in [low-Earth orbit], [that] changes the targeting calculus. Now, they may not have the magazine depth to go after the satellites, they start to say, ‘Well, we can’t really shoot down all those satellites, so why would we even start that conflict?’ More resiliency, more deterrence. Read the entire article here. https://lnkd.in/gkB_5E5p

United States Space Force (USSF) - The newest branch of the Armed Services. The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947. The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative. When combined with the growing threat posed by strategic competitors in space, it became clear that there was a need for a military service focused solely on pursuing superiority in the space domain. While the Space Force is the newest service, the Department of Defense has been working in the space domain since the beginning of space exploration. The Space Force consolidates satellite acquisition, budget, and workforce from across more than 60 different organizations into a unified, efficient, effective service for space operations. Investments in space capabilities have increased the effectiveness of operations in every other domain. The U.S. military is faster, better connected, more informed, more precise, and more lethal because of its ability to harness space effectively. The same premise—that space is critical—holds true for the average American: Space capabilities are woven into the fabric of daily life. Satellites connect people in every corner of the globe from monitoring weather patterns to carrying television broadcasts. They also provide the positioning, navigation, and timing of the GPS constellation that powers global financial networks, enables international commerce, synchronizes cell phone networks, and optimizes critical infrastructure systems. Access to, and freedom to operate in space, underpins our national security and economic prosperity. Yet, potential adversaries are seeking ways to deny the U.S. access to the space capabilities that are fundamental to both warfighting and our modern way of life. These adversaries have developed an array of threats—both on Earth and in orbit—that continue to grow in scope, scale, and complexity. The military and civilian Guardians who work for the Space Force protect and defend American interests in space to ensure that our forces, our allies, and our people can harness space whenever and wherever they need it.  Official United States Space Force Website Home The Official Website for the United States Space Force www.spaceforce.mil Clem Lundie (USAF retired) "Ad astra per Aspera"

“We talk a lot about space refueling, but we don’t really know what the case is for its military utility,” Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements, said at an Atlantic Council event.  [...] In-space refueling is a case in point. U.S. Space Command leaders have advocated for in-orbit refueling as a needed capability so operators can conduct satellite maneuvers without worrying about running out of fuel.  While intrigued by the potential benefits of in-orbit refueling, like extending satellite lifecycles and reducing space debris, the Space Force is still unclear on the industry’s business model and whether the benefits of refueling would justify a larger financial commitment. “It’s an area that is very immature,” said Bratton. “What we’re really saying is, ‘industry, lead us, we’re not sure what to make of this. We think there’s something there, but help us figure it out.” The Space Force would want to see if a viable business model develops before going all-in on the capability, he noted. https://lnkd.in/e4Nen2c2

Russia and China are deploying capabilities that can target GPS and other vital space-based systems in an effort to degrade the military space advantage of the U.S. and its allies, said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Hicks made the remarks today in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as Army Gen. James H. Dickinson relinquished command of U.S. Space Command to Space Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting. Hicks pointed out how the Defense Department has launched an ever-growing constellation of smaller, more resilient, lower-cost satellites than were ever previously deployed. "America's dynamic commercial space industry enables it and also enables the United States to significantly outpace [China's] growth in space launches and payloads over the last five years," she said. From 2019 to 2023, China doubled its number of annual space launches and more than tripled how many payloads it put into orbit. That's real growth, she said. In 2023, China launched 240 payloads to orbit while the U.S. lofted over 2,500 payloads, she said. "As DOD invests more in space, the whole of America's lead will only grow," she said. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady, who also spoke at the ceremony, said that the dedicated 18,000 members of Space Command exemplify U.S. commitment to space excellence and leadership as they pioneer new frontiers, strengthen international partnerships and safeguard the nation's interest in the limitless expanse of space. "Recent conflicts have starkly illustrated the indispensable role of space in our nation's defense capabilities. And, in my view, space has emerged as our most essential warfighting domain—integral to our national security, our coalition interoperability and our global stability," he said.  Hicks and Grady lauded Dickinson's leadership and achievements at U.S. Space Command and noted that Whiting is more than qualified to build on his predecessor's accomplishments. #Space #Deterrence #Conflict Image: A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Jan. 7, 2024.

'The Space Development Agency, a Pentagon space acquisition organization, already has launched 27 low Earth orbit satellites for experimentation and demonstrations in the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture program ... 'By the end of 2025, the program expects to have 160 satellites in orbit, the majority covering the globe to create connectivity across regions, more than two dozen dedicated to missile warning and a handful running missile control. 'The Space Development Agency had demonstrated Link 16 connectivity using its satellites ... 'Link 16 is the tactical data link used by the U.S. military, NATO and other partner nations ... 'The program seeks to create a hybrid satellite terminal for troops to use. That would allow a user’s terminal to switch between the low Earth orbit satellites transport layer or use dedicated military or commercial bandwidths such as the satellite communication Ka and Ku bands, respectively. 'The system would work much like multiband radios can switch between frequency bands for a variety of communications options'. https://lnkd.in/grmdHBnd

Great use of space resources

What would happen if one of the many satellites orbiting high above us got into a collision? Would we be able to use our communications systems? Our navigations systems? Would services like weather monitoring still be available? The answer is “probably not”. To prevent such a thing from happening, the US Space Force’s 18th Space Defense Squadron (SDS) works tirelessly each day to track orbiting objects and identify possible risks to our satellite systems, allowing satellite operators to focus on their mission and adjust their operations accordingly. Brush up on your space knowledge and check out this article which details the work of these impressive Guardians. #SpaceForce #satellites #DataAndAIAreTeamSports #navigation #communications #GPS #orbit #DAFCDAO https://lnkd.in/g8zCGZeD

Sweden angles to fill a void in NATO’s space plans - Defense News "Sweden is looking to establish itself as a key player in the international space domain by virtue of its northern geostrategic position and by ramping up research and development capabilities. Earlier this month, the Swedish government adopted the country’s first-ever defense and security space strategy, which seeks to make Stockholm a space hub for allies." Calian Defence Solutions provide satellite flight operations and support to the Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne (CSA) at the CSA’s Multi-Mission Control Centre in St. Hubert, Quebec. Calian engineers and technicians carry out day-to-day satellite engineering, flight dynamics, spacecraft planning and real-time console operations to make sure satellites are flying safely and delivering on their mission. Calian has a proven track record of delivering satellite operations across the lifespan of space platforms. For more about how Calian capabilities support defence space missions in Canada and around the globe, please click on Calian Advanced Technologies @https://lnkd.in/eBsQ8gYv and @https://lnkd.in/ePs6iWXr #defence #defense #spaceinfrastructure #spacesystems #intelligence #satellite #nato Note: Articles posted or shared on this Calian Defence Solutions site are for informational purposes only. Any views or opinions expressed herein are those of the articles’ authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Calian Group. https://hubs.li/Q02Jmkq80

"The Space Development Agency demonstrated the ability to connect its satellites to radios on the ground through a signal known as Link 16, showing the potential for in-orbit sensors to network with military systems operating in multiple domains." #elaranova #SDA #SpaceForce #USSF #Pentagon #spaceindustry #spacetech #spacetechnology #commercialspace #militaryspace #nationalsecurity #nationaldefense #nationalsecurityspace #space #PWSA