US space security is at a critical stage, and the country should step up its efforts, in order not to lose the technological advantage over China and Russia, stating General Michael Getlein, deputy head of the US Space Force.
Speaking at the McAleese Defense Programs conference in Virginia, he emphasized, that traditional approaches to protecting space systems no longer work. According to him, The US must change its focus: instead of simply supporting the defense infrastructure from Earth, move to active protection of its capabilities in space.
The end of the "gentleman's agreement" in space.
Previously, major space powers tried not to interfere with each other's satellites, but this era is coming to an end.
- Russia in 2022 conducted tests of anti-satellite weapons (ASAT), which created a debris cloud in low Earth orbit.
- In the same year, a Chinese satellite "captured" a malfunctioning device and towed it to "graveyard orbit".
- China and Russia are testing technologies for "close combat" in space, in particular manipulators to intercept or damage satellites.
Gatline noted, that the methods of radio-electronic warfare are signal jamming, spoofing (falsification of data) and blinding of optical sensors are becoming the norm. Some foreign satellites begin to accompany American aircraft, following them in real time.
Loss of advantage: China creates "kill mesh".
Gatline warned, that the technological advantage of the United States has declined significantly. The once vast capability gap between the US and its adversaries is rapidly shrinking.
China, in particular, has made significant progress in the field of intelligence, observation and guidance (ISR). The general described the new Chinese strategy as a "kill mesh"., which integrates reconnaissance satellites with strike systems, which significantly increases the speed and effectiveness of attacks.
To counter such threats, The U.S. Space Force is already strengthening its infrastructure and introducing additional standby capacity. But Gatline emphasizes: this is not enough.
The role of the commercial sector and international partnerships.
One of the key problems of the US is the loss of its monopoly on advanced space technologies. Today, private companies and allies have no less opportunities, than the US military space programs.
Gatline emphasized, that only close interaction with the commercial sector and international partners will allow maintaining the advantage:
- Expansion of space infrastructure will increase at the expense of private companies reserve capacity and make potential attacks more difficult.
- Allies and partners will be able to provide additional data and resources to protect satellites.
The Golden Dome project is the future of US space defense.
The US Space Force is working on the Golden Dome Integrated Defense System, which was presented during Donald Trump's first address to Congress after his return to the presidency.
According to Gatline, the system will combine various elements of the defense infrastructure, which were not previously interconnected. Many of the necessary technologies already exist, but they need to be integrated into a single network to create effective protection.
What's next?
- The US space force is intensifying the protection of orbital infrastructure, in particular through cooperation with commercial companies.
- International partnerships will expand, to increase the level of security.
- Golden Dome will be a key initiative, which will help integrate existing defense capabilities into a single system.
Against the backdrop of growing threats, the United States must either quickly adapt to the new reality, or risk losing their superiority in space to China and Russia.