Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Mar 26: The United States has issued a strong warning that outer space is no longer a neutral zone but an increasingly contested military domain, with China and Russia advancing capabilities that could threaten American satellites.
Speaking to lawmakers, senior defence and intelligence officials stressed that modern military operations are deeply dependent on space-based systems, including communication, navigation, and surveillance infrastructure. Marc Berkowitz, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, described space as a “complex and contested warfighting domain,” noting that rival nations are actively developing tools to restrict US access and erode its strategic advantage. He identified China as the primary competitor shaping US space strategy.
Officials highlighted that recent conflicts—particularly in regions like the Middle East and during the war in Ukraine—have demonstrated how crucial satellites are for tracking targets, coordinating forces, and countering threats in real time.
Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess of the US Space Force underscored the importance of maintaining dominance in space, explaining that military units rely heavily on satellite support for missile warnings, secure communications, and electronic warfare operations.
Concerns are mounting over a growing range of threats to space infrastructure, including anti-satellite weapons, cyberattacks, and signal jamming. Agencies such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency warned that adversaries are investing in technologies designed to disrupt or disable space-based capabilities.
Meanwhile, the National Reconnaissance Office revealed it is expanding and modernising its satellite network, now operating over 200 satellites as part of a broader effort to build more resilient systems.
US officials also emphasised the need to accelerate space technology development by partnering more closely with private companies. Thomas Ainsworth, a senior Air Force official overseeing space acquisitions, said the focus is on delivering advanced capabilities more quickly and cost-effectively by tapping into commercial innovation.
Lawmakers, however, raised concerns about challenges facing the defence sector, including supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages, which could impact future space programmes.
The discussions come as the administration advances its proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence initiative, which would depend on space-based sensors and interceptors to detect and neutralise emerging threats.
Officials concluded that control of space will be a decisive factor in future conflicts, as satellites now underpin nearly every military operation across land, sea, and air. With China rapidly expanding its space presence and Russia continuing to develop counterspace technologies, competition in orbit is expected to intensify, prompting closer cooperation between the US and its allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.