Revelations about Russia's focus on anti-satellite weapons and China's satellite launches have boosted U.S. efforts to protect its interests far above the Earth's surface. Defense companies are creating systems that include satellites capable of following other satellites in space and securing ground stations that send signals to space. These protections are essential because many mobile navigation, TV, and internet services depend on satellites. Commercial startups are also developing technologies like space capsules, sensors, and satellite designs that could be used for military purposes.

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, Pentagon officials are now more openly discussing the weapons that hostile countries might use for space warfare. General Chance Saltzman, a leading figure in the Space Force, mentioned that adversaries are constantly attempting to limit the access that the U.S. and its allies have in space. “I need to counter that threat to make sure the space technology we rely on for our daily lives stays protected in the future,” he said at a conference in March. However, military officials are not sharing details about the U.S.'s own space weapons, as these are closely guarded government secrets.

American officials have been especially concerned about Russia's activities in space. Recently, Robert Wood, a U.S. ambassador, mentioned at the United Nations that Moscow had launched a satellite earlier this month that seems capable of attacking and placed it in the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite, reported The Wall Street Journal. In response, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, said he didn't know what Wood was talking about. The Kremlin has accused the U.S. of trying to turn space into a military zone and dismissed claims that Russia is creating a nuclear anti-satellite system as false.

The Space Force, the newest branch of the military, has increased training for its Guardians. This includes teaching them how to effectively manoeuvre U.S. satellites and anticipate the actions of potential enemies. The Space Force has created plans to counter threats like lasers, jammers, grabbers, and nuclear weapons in space. While U.S. officials are against putting nuclear weapons in orbit due to an old space treaty, the Pentagon is exploring ways to enhance its space-based weapons and capabilities.

In the Space Force's latest budget request, around 25% of the $29.4 billion is allocated for what they call "space superiority." Saltzman refers to this as "responsible counter-space." "We need to treat it like a war in space," said Robert Winkler from Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a defense company in San Diego known for its target drones and now developing a space warfare training system, reported The Wall Street Journal

Military and industry officials describe it as a process involving two key steps. For thousands of years, controlling the high ground—whether it's a hilltop on a battlefield or an orbit high above Earth—has been a fundamental military strategy. Losing satellites in orbit could disable missile defences, which have been crucial to nuclear deterrence for the past 65 years.

The second step involves moving to more mobile assets, similar to how ground warfare evolved from using forts and castles to tanks, jets, and missiles. Known as "dynamic space," these assets can manoeuvre more easily in orbit, either to avoid threats or to be intimidating enough to deter adversaries. Moving satellites in space needs either stored energy or the ability to refuel or receive other services while in orbit. Many commercial companies are working on this by developing space tugs that can move satellites, as well as robotic arms and other tools.

The Space Force's recent commercial strategy aims to use technology and services from private companies to strengthen military capabilities during crises. A notable aspect of this plan is involving private firms in war games to evaluate the U.S. military's capabilities, said Even Rogers, CEO of satellite maker True Anomaly, reported The Wall Street Journal.

Earlier this year, his company launched two Jackal satellites on a SpaceX rocket to test them in an exercise where they would chase each other in orbit. The company didn't achieve all its goals for the flight, which was meant to explore the best ways to maneuver near other spacecraft. They are now making improvements for the next flight test.

The Weaponry: Pentagon officials often identify Russia and China as the primary rivals of the U.S. in space. They mention that some weapon systems could be classified as "dual-use" technology, meaning they have both military and civilian uses. China claims its Shijian-21 satellite can clean up space debris. However, U.S. intelligence and military officials observed an operation over two years ago where the satellite moved an old Chinese navigation satellite.

Russian plans for a space-based nuclear device would endanger the U.S.'s position in low-Earth orbit, affecting both commercial and military assets. Detonating such a weapon could damage existing satellites and make orbits near Earth unusable for a year or more, said John Plumb, a former space policy chief at the Pentagon, reported The Wall Street Journal.

The Pentagon is only willing to share so much information. At a recent industry event, when asked why there was so little discussion about U.S. capabilities to target Russian and Chinese space assets, the response was concise: "We just don't." (IPA Service)