Pioneering Space Policy for National Security
Defining the Future of U.S. Space Capabilities
The Defense Department is making significant strides in ensuring the United States maintains its competitive edge in space, a realm increasingly vital to national security. John F. Plumb, the Pentagon’s top space policy official, outlined the critical role the Department of Defense’s (DOD) space enterprise will play in meeting the nation’s top national security priorities, during a recent briefing at the Pentagon.
Strategic Priorities in Space Defense
Responding to Global Challenges
The defense strategy in space revolves around several key priorities, which include:
- Defending the homeland, with a specific focus on China as the pacing challenge.
- Deterring strategic attacks against the U.S. and its allies and partners.
- Preparing for conflict if necessary, while prioritizing deterrence.
- Building a resilient joint force to navigate emerging security challenges. Plumb emphasized that his office supports these priorities through policy shaping and critical investments, aiming to sustain the U.S. military’s technological edge.
Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships
Creating an Asymmetric Advantage in Space
A significant aspect of the U.S.’s space strategy involves strengthening cooperation with allies and partners. This collaboration is seen as an asymmetric advantage and force multiplier, positioning the U.S. in a place where neither China nor Russia could hope to match. Plumb also highlighted the importance of cooperation across various U.S. military services, essential for adapting to the evolving security environment.
Three Pillars of Space Policy
Space Control, Cooperation, and Classification
Plumb outlined three specific priorities guiding the DOD’s space policy decisions:
- Space Control: This involves defending U.S. national security interests in space and protecting the joint force from space-enabled attacks.
- Space Cooperation: The U.S. aims for combined operations with allies. This initiative began in 2014 and has since expanded to include multiple nations, enhancing collaborative operations and strategic reach in space.
- Reducing Space Overclassification: Efforts are underway to ensure information and technology are classified at appropriate levels, facilitating cooperation with allies and private sector engagement.
Expanding Combined Operations Initiative
Including More Nations for Greater Collaboration
The combined operations initiative in space policy has seen considerable growth. Starting with a memorandum of understanding among the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K., the group later expanded to include New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Norway. This expansion signifies a growing international commitment to space cooperation.
Space Policy’s Broad Impact
Influencing Warfare, Cyber Capabilities, and Nuclear Deterrence
Plumb stressed the wide-ranging impact of space policy and investments. These not only shape warfare in the space domain but are also crucial for nuclear deterrence and the future development of U.S. cyber capabilities. He underscored the increasing visibility and interest in space policy at the highest government levels, reflecting its growing strategic importance.
The Dawn of a New Space Era
Preparing for Future Challenges
Looking ahead, Plumb anticipates the continued rise in the strategic significance of space capabilities. This focus is a defining feature of the 21st century, as the U.S. prepares to meet the challenges of the next decade and beyond. The work being done in space policy is integral to advancing integrated deterrence and ensuring readiness for future challenges, marking a new era in U.S. defense and strategic capabilities.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
