Us Space Force Unveils Bold Plan To Safeguard Orbiting Assets Amid Rising Threats

The United States Space Command (USSC) has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to craft a joint operational plan for protecting and defending space assets from threats in orbit, with close allies playing a pivotal role in this effort. According to US, close allies creating joint ‘orbital warfare’ plan: SPACECOM chief, the concept of operations is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, building on work conducted through the multinational Operation Olympic Defender.

Launched in 2013 under U.S. Strategic Command and expanded in 2024, Operation Olympic Defender has grown to include seven nations: the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, and New Zealand. This partnership is a testament to the growing recognition of space as a critical domain that requires collective defense efforts. The partnership is built on NATO’s Operation Olympic Defender, which has demonstrated the effectiveness of international cooperation in space operations.

Commander General Stephen Whiting emphasized that the concept of operations aims to leverage the capabilities of participating nations to deconflict, integrate, and synchronize their efforts. “We want to make sure we’re not duplicating efforts or creating confusion,” he said during an event with AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. “By working together, we can ensure a more effective defense of our space assets.” The Operational Concept

While Whiting did not provide detailed information on the specific capabilities that will be employed in this concept of operations, it is clear that orbital warfare and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) will play crucial roles. These maneuvers involve precise orbital approaches to inspect, dock with, or manipulate another spacecraft.

Operation Olympic Defender has already demonstrated its effectiveness through a series of exercises, including Operation Selene, which showcased the partners’ ability to maintain custody of a high-interest target using their collective space domain awareness capabilities. The exercise was so successful that it will now become a regular fixture for the participating nations.

The success of these exercises is attributed to the development of dynamic space operations, a concept emphasized by USSC and the Space Force in recent years. This approach aims to create satellites capable of performing regular maneuvers without being constrained by their fuel reserves.

SPACECOM has recently announced a series of exercises called the “Apollo Maneuvers” aimed at testing space maneuver concepts and informing future operational concepts, such as those being developed through Operation Olympic Defender.

Adversaries’ Posture

One of the key focus areas for Operation Olympic Defender in fiscal 2026 is testing and refining concepts for how allies will work together as a combined force. The ultimate goal is to challenge the posture of potential adversaries who view space as a strategic domain, seeking to disrupt its peaceful use.

“We must also challenge the posture of our competitors in key regions,” Whiting said in his March 26 written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. “For example, as we partner with allies and other combatant commands, to look at reducing potential adversaries’ space enabling infrastructure and influence in the Western Hemisphere and around the world.”

In fiscal 2027, the countries involved in Operation Olympic Defender aim to integrate their operations with NATO’s strategic directions, which Whiting described as a positive step toward expanding the effects provided by this critical multinational body.

Partnership Expansion

The current coalition, comprised of seven nations, is focused on refining its operational concepts before considering expansion. However, Whiting hinted that additional spacefaring allies may be invited to join the partnership in the near future.

“We have had discussions with some of those countries that we know are interested,” he said during the Mitchell Institute event. “We’re not looking to expand at this time, but I expect that in the not-too-distant future.”

In conclusion, Operation Olympic Defender represents a significant step forward in the collective defense of space assets. By leveraging the capabilities of participating nations and refining their operational concepts, USSC aims to ensure a robust and effective defense of space against potential threats. As the global landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that international partnerships like this one remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the peaceful use of space.

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