The U.S. Space Force is prioritizing the development of new anti-satellite weapons, with a focus on integrated space fires and counter-pLEO capabilities. This move comes in response to China's rapid expansion of its intelligence-gathering and anti-satellite capabilities, posing a significant challenge to U.S. military dominance in space.
Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM), emphasizes the importance of survivability in space, stating that it is as critical as performance. He highlights the vulnerability of U.S. satellites to enemy attacks and the need for robust, durable systems. Whiting's integrated priorities list for FY29-33 includes the top five capabilities required to meet U.S. military objectives.
The first two priorities are integrated space fires and counter-pLEO, which aim to establish space superiority and deter opponents. The U.S. military is investing in resilient space-based capabilities to counter China's proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) constellations. Other priorities include improved command and control, better situational awareness, and increased maneuverability of assets in orbit.
Whiting stresses the need for credible, acknowledged, kinetic, and non-kinetic fires to win wars and restore deterrence. He notes that space assets should be able to shoot, move, and communicate like other joint forces. The U.S. Space Force is developing counter-space capabilities, including ground-based electronic warfare systems and directed energy weapons, to protect and defend satellites.
The SJ-21 Chinese satellite, capable of towing other satellites, is a concern due to its potential for weaponization. U.S. military officials warn about the dual-use nature of inspector-type satellites, which can be used for attacks and intelligence gathering. The U.S. is also developing on-orbit refueling satellites, raising questions about their potential offensive counter-space role.
Whiting's comments highlight the active pursuit of new counter-space weapons, marking a shift towards a more aggressive stance in space. The U.S. military aims to protect its citizens from emerging threats, particularly those posed by China and Russia, in the rapidly weaponizing space domain.
