According to recent statements from a U.S. Space Force official, China and Russia are closely monitoring U.S. space assets with the intent to counter them and possibly launch a large-scale attack. In response, the Space Force and the Department of Defense have started working together to address vulnerabilities in their satellites against potential threats.
During an intelligence summit, Deputy Chief of Space Operations General Michael A. Guetlein was asked about these concerns. He confirmed that satellites are at risk of a large-scale attack, although the exact method and impact remain unclear. “What has become abundantly clear to us is that the adversary has been watching us for the last 20 years and how we operate. And they have not only set out to deny us the ability to use space, but they have also become very capable. And that should be alarming enough for everyone to start paying attention,” he stated.
The General highlighted that the world is once again “paying attention” to space and becoming increasingly dependent on it, particularly observing situations like those in Ukraine and Gaza. He also noted that Russia has been monitoring U.S. space assets and officials. In response to Guetlein’s comments, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement permanently banning him from visiting Russia, citing the “Russophobic policy of the Biden administration.”
Others banned from entering Russia include General Stephen N. Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command; Lieutenant General Philip A. Garrant, head of Space Systems Command; and former Pentagon space policy chief John Plumb.
Despite these tensions, the U.S. remains optimistic and confident in its leadership in space. The U.S. has begun partnering with other entities to deploy more assets in orbit and is investing in the Space Force, even amid budget cuts. Additionally, the Pentagon has started developing counter-space capabilities to stay ahead of China and Russia, despite its commitment not to test kinetic anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
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