Space Force Is Going On The Offensive Against Enemy Satellites
DVIDS reports that the next arms race is taking place in outer space, and the United States Space Force wants to lead the charge. In a statement made by Lt. Col. Travis Anderson at the 75th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (ISRS) activation ceremony, the squadron leader stressed the need for space attack forces (counterspace forces) in the United State’s efforts to target the satellites of other nations during times of war.
By analyzing enemy satellites, Space Force intends to have the capabilities to gather intelligence on enemy satellites, as well as the ground station communicating with the satellites.
Space Force, which was established in 2019, marks the first new branch of the armed services since 1947, and they’re wasting no time in asserting their dominance in this new space race.
After the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, Space Force makes up the sixth branch of the US military. Anderson proudly announced the 75th ISRS’ three primary focuses, which are target analysis, target development, and target engagement. By analyzing enemy satellites, the branch intends to have the capabilities to gather intelligence on enemy satellites, as well as the ground station communicating with the satellites.
Space Force operates with two different fronts in mind: space forces, and counterspace forces. The former operates with an emphasis on joint warfighting through offensive measures, while the latter is a defensive measure from other nation’s space force’s capabilities to deny the United State’s ability to use their own satellite systems during times of conflict.
The Squadron Patch
During the August 11 Ceremony, Space Force unveiled its squadron patch, which is ominous to say the least. While other branches of the US military boast images of eagles, ships, and the United States flag, Space Force has a much more sinister insignia, which depicts a sardonically grinning grim reaper with an evil glint in its eye.
According to Space Force’s mission statement, the grim reaper represents “the demise of any adversary,” which surely comes off as a way to intimidate other militarized threats that are in orbit.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, as the glint in the grim reaper’s left eye represents the North Star, which is said to represent “the guiding light of security.” Looking at the image, it’s safe to say that if an enemy intelligence unit were to encounter a vessel bearing the intimidating insignia, they may think twice before messing with the United States through means of electromagnetic warfare.
In a statement about Space Force, the Chinese defense ministry proclaimed that they are opposed to any form of arms race in outer space.
Though United States’ newest branch of the military may prove to be necessary in the coming years and decades as technology continues to develop in times of war, the Chinese government isn’t as enthusiastic about the prospect as we are stateside. In a statement about Space Force, the Chinese defense ministry proclaimed that they are opposed to any form of arms race in outer space.
Maintaining that China adheres to the peaceful use of space, the defense ministry asserted that the US Space Force will have a “great negative impact on space security and global strategic stability.”
But still, if modern warfare ultimately ends up taking place high above Earth’s stratosphere, then it’s certainly better to have and not need than it is to need and not have a branch of military like Space Force.
