Keeping watch on aggressor satellites a key challenge for U.S. Space Force
Space Force aims to provide a “global capability to positively ID an adversary committing an orbital attack”
Sandra Erwin
April 17, 2023
GSSAP satellites collect space situational awareness data allowing for more accurate tracking and characterization of man-made orbiting objects. Credit: Northrop Grumman
COLORADO SPRINGS — The U.S. Space Force is facing a new challenge in its role to safeguard the country’s satellites from foreign threats, as Russian and Chinese satellites engage in disruptive maneuvers and follow other nations’ spacecraft in orbit.
Military leaders have raised concerns about the “cat-and-mouse” games they claim are being played, which has resulted in confusion and potential security risks. To counter this, the Space Force is increasing funding for ground and space-based sensors to gain a better understanding of the situation in orbit.
“It’s a genuine concern. Physics absolutely makes it hard,” said Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements.
“Space domain awareness is a really critical part of our investment,” said Garrant. Space domain awareness is the term used by the military for the ability to track and identify objects in orbit.
https://spacenews.com/keeping-watch-on-aggressor-satellites-a-key-challenge-for-u-s-space-force/
