The head of the US Space Command is calling for the creation of orbital refueling stations to support satellites as China tests refueling systems

General Stephen Whiting, head of the US Space Command, advocates a fundamental change in the approach to supporting military satellites in space. He insists on the need to create orbital refueling stations and a reliable logistics base for space forces, similar to that which supports aviation and naval forces. Whiting notes that the future of military operations is increasingly linked to space, and in order to effectively manage and protect satellites, it is necessary to provide them with constant maintenance and refueling in orbit. He emphasizes that technological advances, including China's testing of satellite refueling systems, require the United States to keep up and create stable orbital logistics networks.

At the same time, the general points out that the space command should have at its disposal not only means of detecting and destroying threats, but also integrated systems for timely maintenance and replenishment of satellite equipment. This concept is seen as a key element of future space operations to ensure long-term sustainability and responsiveness in space.

Stephen Whiting emphasizes that the availability of effective logistics in space is equivalent to the importance of maintaining aircraft and ships of ground and naval forces, without which full-fledged and sustained military activity is impossible. The creation of orbital refueling stations will make it possible to extend the life of satellites, improve their maneuverability and ensure the continuity of their operation in the face of growing competition and threats from other countries, such as China.

Thus, the leadership of the US Space Command is already actively working on plans and programs that promote the development of such technologies, including cooperation with commercial companies, which will allow in the future to create the necessary infrastructure in space.

General Burt: The Space Forces will decide in the fall on methods for tracking moving targets from orbit

 Lieutenant General Dianna M. Burt, deputy chief of the US Special Operations Forces for Cybersecurity and nuclear weapons, said that the Space Forces plan to complete an analysis of various options this fall on how best to track moving targets directly from orbit.  

According to her, it will still take time to develop the necessary technologies for precise guidance from space. She explained that they are now working closely with various commercial companies and industry partners to understand exactly what methods and approaches will help to implement the indication – that is, detection and tracking – of moving aerial targets from space.  

General Burt made this statement on August 4 at an event hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at the American Aviation Agency (AFA).  

In short, the task is not easy: we need to find the best ways to "see" objects in space in real time that are flying fast and may be a potential threat, and do it from orbit. Detailed work is currently underway to understand which technologies will actually work and be able to become part of the defense system.

Lieutenant General Dianna M. Burt

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.

US satellites are at risk of being attacked in the event of a war with China, the head of the US space industry has warned

 

The head of space operations of the US Armed Forces, General Chance Soltzman, warned that US satellites risk being attacked in the event of a war with China. During his speech to the U.S. Congress, Soltzman described China's rapid development of space capabilities as “amazing” and stressed that the United States is losing its dominance in space.

Soltzman pointed out that China is actively investing in ground-based and space-based weapons designed to disable enemy satellites. Among them are kinetic strikes, radio frequency interference and laser weapons. In addition, China is developing missiles and ground-based lasers capable of hitting satellites from Earth. Soltzman also mentioned that China is testing satellites capable of “catching up” and physically removing other satellites from orbit.

In addition, China is building “networks of destruction” using hundreds of satellites to detect, track and defeat forces on the Ground. This means that the United States cannot limit itself to protecting its satellites, but must also develop systems capable of neutralizing the use of Chinese space assets.

However, the budget of the US Space Force has been reduced in absolute terms, while space is becoming an increasingly contested military area. Soltzman stressed that the US Space Force is not sufficiently funded to carry out new missions. For example, the United States does not have operational quantum satellites, while China already possesses such technologies.

Experts also warn that old American satellites built according to outdated architectural standards are “easy targets" for attack. In the event of a conflict, the destruction of the satellite could lead to a global catastrophe due to orbital debris.

Space battles are real: The US Space Force is developing a new concept

 "Space battles are real": Space Forces present an innovative concept that defines large-scale space warfare strategies.

The U.S. Space Force is ready to redefine its strategic role in space with the groundbreaking concept of "space warfare," designed to establish clear terminology and concepts to achieve space superiority while transforming the country's approach to space defense and cooperation.

The U.S. Space Force is taking significant steps in defining its strategic approach to space operations. Under the leadership of the Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Saltzman, the Space Forces are developing a new document that promises to clarify their offensive and defensive space activities. This new framework for "space warfare" will not only establish a common vocabulary, but also outline concepts crucial to achieving "space supremacy." As the Space Force continues to evolve, this framework will serve as a primary resource for both military planners and the general public, providing a comprehensive understanding of the service's mission and capabilities.

Space collisions and deterrence in space

 The same goes for most other collisions. Satellites don't disappear from the battlefield like a downed plane or a sunken ship. They continue to be in orbit, either as an abandoned wreck that may contain explosive elements such as batteries or fuel tanks, or as a cloud of debris. In any case, they can lead to a cascading effect of unintended collisions that will cause much more damage than the attacker ever imagined.

It is for this reason that Space Forces, along with other Western military forces, prefer to focus more on deterrence and mitigation. In other words, make an attack in space as unattractive as possible by repelling an attack before it occurs, reducing hostile effects, or restoring communication or intelligence capabilities quickly enough to deprive the enemy of even a temporary advantage.

France strengthens protection of overseas territories: deployment of aviation and space forces

As part of its efforts to ensure the security of its overseas territories, France has deployed significant military resources, including advanced Rafale fighter jets, support aircraft and helicopters. According to local media, the operation involves the deployment of three Rafale fighter jets, one A330 Phénix MRTT tanker aircraft, one E3F reconnaissance aircraft and one A400M transport aircraft. They will be joined by nine helicopters (five SA330 Puma and four AS555 AN Fennec) already deployed at 367 Captain Francois Masse Airbase. This complex mission is of strategic importance for Paris, especially given the launch of the CSO3 military satellite and the Ariane 6 mission.

The deployment of these military forces is aimed at creating a so-called "security bubble" around key facilities in the French overseas territory. This approach allows for round-the-clock surveillance, air defense, and rapid response to any potential threats. Equipped with advanced weapons and electronics systems, Rafale fighters are capable of performing both air patrol tasks and strike missions if necessary. The A330 Phénix MRTT tanker aircraft increases the range and time spent in the air of the entire group, which increases the efficiency of operations.

The E3F reconnaissance aircraft plays a key role in providing information about the airspace, providing data for operational decision-making. The A400M transport aircraft provides logistical support, delivering cargo and personnel to the area of operation. SA330 Puma and AS555 AN Fennec helicopters complement the group, providing mobility and the ability to operate in difficult terrain.

The operation is being carried out in one of the overseas territories of France, which underlines the special importance of these regions for the country. Overseas Territories play a key role in France's global strategy by providing access to strategically important areas such as the Indian Ocean, the South Atlantic region and the Caribbean Sea. The protection of these territories is an integral part of France's national security.

In addition, the current operation coincides with the launch of the CSO3 military satellite and the Ariane 6 mission, which adds an additional layer of importance. The CSO3 military satellite will become part of an Earth observation system that allows obtaining high-quality images for reconnaissance and defense purposes. The successful launch of Ariane 6 also demonstrates the technological achievements of France and Europe in the space industry.

In order to provide air cover for the second Ariane 6 rocket launch by the European Space Agency (ESA), the French Air Force extended the deployment of its Rafale fighter jets until March 4 as part of the Bubo 25 mission. After the missile launch is completed, the deployed elements will move from their temporary base in French Guiana to bases in the French Antilles. There they will take part in military exercises aimed at combating drug trafficking and supporting humanitarian missions. This demonstrates the versatility of the French military forces, which can quickly adapt to various tasks, from ensuring the safety of space launches to carrying out peacekeeping and anti-terrorist operations.

This operation has broad strategic importance for Paris. First, it demonstrates France's ability to defend its interests far beyond the borders of the metropolis. Secondly, it confirms France's commitment to the development of its space program and the use of space technologies to strengthen its defense capabilities. Finally, the successful implementation of this operation will strengthen France's credibility as a global player in the field of security and technology.