Protecting Space Operations

The military is beginning to think about how best to protect space assets from increasing threats, but there is still a long way to go. Audrey Schaffer, the director of space strategy and plans for the Defense Department, said Thursday the Pentagon is “beginning [to make] changes to architecture” to ensure space capabilities could be available in the face of threats. “But that’s just beginning,” she said. Future administrations need to continue this focus to harden space assets to deter allies from not just operating in space, but threatening the US in any theater that involves space-based capabilities. This needs to be addressed in multiple ways: enhancing the resilience of current architectures, developing new defensive operations, and addressing how to replenish capabilities if they are lost.