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It looks like the US may be taking space warfare a little too seriously, for some reason. So much so, that the US Space Force is preparing for warfare in space.
To that effect the US space military branch is teaming up with two companies to showcase how it would tackle threats in space, marking a significant step in preparing for potential foes beyond Earth.
US Space Force has granted contracts totalling $62 million to Rocket Lab and True Anomaly as part of its Victus Haze mission. These contracts are expected to simulate real-life scenarios where the US space military branch would respond to threats in orbit, as outlined in a statement released on Thursday.
As per the statement, Rocket Lab is contracted to construct and launch a spacecraft using its Electron rocket, while True Anomaly is tasked with developing a spacecraft that is capable of rendezvous, reconnaissance and close proximity operations. It also has to provide a command and control centre. The mission is slated for 2025 and will provide each company with a set of mission plans to execute.
During the mission, the Space Force will use the two spacecraft to simulate potentially threatening situations in space. This could include scenarios such as satellites posing a danger to US spacecraft or foreign satellites and spacecraft engaging in espionage activities against US military satellites.
Colonel Bryon McClain, program executive officer for Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power at the Space System Command, highlighted the importance of leveraging innovations from the commercial space industry to counter emerging threats, particularly from countries like China. “VICTUS HAZE will demonstrate, under operationally realistic conditions, our ability to respond to irresponsible behaviour in orbit” he is quoted to say in the statement.
This latest development is in line with the Space Force’s previous depiction of a futuristic battle in orbit, where a spaceplane intercepted an “adversary” satellite to protect a “friendly” satellite.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe Space Force plays a critical role in safeguarding America’s interests in space. Responsibilities include managing space launches, tracking orbiting objects, and maintaining essential satellites like Global Positioning Satellites, weather satellites, and communication satellites.
The collaborative effort with private companies underscores the Space Force’s dedication to staying ahead in space defence, preparing for any potential conflicts that may arise beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
(With inputs from agencies)
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