The evolution of the Space Force in an increasingly commercial space age
Top Stories Tamfitronics Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, speaks Sept. 17, 2024 at the Air & Space Forces Association's annual Air Space & Cyber conference. Credit: U.S. Space ForceThe U.S. Space Force is mandated to “organize, train and equip” forces to protect American interests in space. That sounds straightforward on paper. In practice, however, the very definition of those interests, and how best to defend them continues to be debated, especially as space is increasingly shaped by the private sector.Space, unlike Earth-bound theaters of conflict, lacks borders or terrain. Power in space is asserted through satellites, sensors and signals. The challenge for the Space Force is to operate in this invisible battleground, where the line between war and peace is blurry and traditional military concepts like “territory” and...
