What’s Planned For The Upcoming U.S. Space Force?

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In August 2018, the United States has announced plans to have the United States Space Force established as a new branch of the United States Armed Forces by the year 2020.

We have already heard of plans from the Pentagon of constructing military space assets such as satellites and even a tiny space station, but what are the plans for the Space Force? And how will the new branch be constructed? United States officials have been releasing information outlining the official plans to create the fifth branch of the United States Armed Forces, the Space Force. 

The Space Force will restore American leadership in space. Just like the air, sea, and land, the final frontier has been transformed into a warfighting domain, thus justifying the creation of the first United States military branch in over 70 years.

The Space Force will largely be responsible for protecting American assets and interests in space. Other countries such as Russia and China can jam, blind, and disable communications satellites from the ground.

An example expanding this point, came in 2007 when China destroyed a defunct weather satellite with a missile back. In-orbit technologies developed by China and Russia could be used to disable American satellites during wartime in the future.

Mentioning how peace comes through strength, Vice President Mike Pence made it clear that the United States will not stand down as adversaries have already begun transforming space into a warfighting domain in a speech several months ago.

The U.S. Space Command of the U.S. Armed Forces will be equal to the other branches, with a four-star general leading the branch. The new branch will be responsible for developing new tactics and strategies specific to space. The branch will also create an “elite group of warfighters specializing in space, forming the backbone of the newest armed forces.”

Gizmodo.com mentions that the Space Command will draw in men and women from the military and slowly grow into its own unique branch. Many of the space related activities that the Air Force were once responsible for will be moved towards the Space Force. As the branch grows, new technologies will be developed and assembled to combat any space related threats.

The Department of Defense will also require a new Assistant Secretary for the Defense of Space. This role, taken on by a civilian, will report directly to the Secretary of Defense.

Many of the daily technologies we see today are often products of military experimentation. It is very likely to believe that this sudden investment in military space technology can one day pave humanity’s way into the stars.