Being watched from above: The United States is preparing a network of satellites to track any movement on Land and at sea

 The American Space Force is taking a giant step into the future of exploration. Next year, they plan to launch a new generation of satellites capable of tracking any moving targets on earth and in the ocean — from tanks and columns of equipment to ships and submarines. This was stated by Lieutenant General DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cybersecurity and nuclear Weapons, during a speech at a virtual discussion organized by the Mitchell Institute.

This large—scale project is the result of the joint work of the US Space Forces and the National Directorate of Intelligence (NRO). This is not just another satellite constellation, but a full-fledged integrated tracking system that should dramatically enhance the Pentagon's combat capabilities in a modern war where speed and accuracy of data decide everything.

According to Burt, the first satellites with the function of tracking ground targets have already been launched and are in orbit. We are talking about a system known in the Pentagon as GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indication) — an indication of moving ground targets. This means that satellites can "see" and track the movement of vehicles, even if they are trying to hide under trees or in urban areas.

Technologically, this is achieved through a combination of electro—optical sensors (in fact, ultra—precise cameras) and low-level radar capabilities - that is, radars capable of "shining through" clouds, smoke, and even partially vegetation. Such systems have already been used on reconnaissance aircraft, such as the E-8C JSTARS, but now they are moving into space - and this is a game changer.

An equally important front is the airspace. The Space Force is already working on a separate but interconnected program to track targets in the air. According to General Burt, an analysis of alternative options for such a system will be completed by the fall of this year. The goal is to create a satellite network capable of detecting not only large aircraft, but also drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic targets that traditional radars often miss.

This is especially true at a time when Russia and China are actively developing hypersonic weapons capable of maneuvering and flying at high speed, making them almost invisible to ground-based air defense systems.

Imagine the picture: at any moment, the Pentagon can receive live video from orbit showing how a Russian convoy is moving to the border of Ukraine, how a Chinese destroyer is sailing into the South China Sea, or how Iranian drones are preparing to take off. Such data allows you to make decisions in minutes, not hours, and prepare in advance for a possible threat.

In addition, the satellite network makes possible an automated warning system that automatically detects suspicious movements and sends signals to the command. This is the next level of smart warfare.

Previously, space was an auxiliary element. It is now becoming the main arena of intelligence and deterrence. The US Space Force no longer just monitors rocket launches — it creates a permanent "all-seeing eye" over the planet.

And although the details of the project are still classified (including the exact timing of launches and the number of satellites), one thing is clear: we are entering an era when it is almost impossible to hide from the view from above.