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US Space Force Collaborates with Companies for Orbital Demonstration Mission
The US Space Force has announced a strategic partnership with two aerospace companies to conduct a demonstration mission showcasing the military branch’s capabilities in responding to potential threats from orbital adversaries.
Under the Victus Haze mission, the Space Force has allocated a $32 million contract to Rocket Lab and another contract worth $30 million to True Anomaly. The primary objective of the mission is to simulate a realistic scenario involving a threat response in the on-orbit space domain awareness.
Rocket Lab will be responsible for developing and launching its spacecraft utilizing the company’s Electron rocket platform. On the other hand, True Anomaly will focus on constructing a spacecraft equipped for rendezvous and proximity operations, in addition to establishing a command and control center for mission operations. The scheduled launch for the mission is set for 2025, with each company having distinct launch and mission profiles.
Simulating Threat Scenarios in Space
Once deployed into orbit, the two spacecraft will engage in a series of exercises aimed at simulating potentially threatening situations in space. These scenarios may include actions like hostile satellites targeting US spacecraft for destruction or conducting reconnaissance on US military satellites to gather intelligence.
Colonel Bryon McClain, the program executive officer for Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power at Space System Command, emphasized the importance of leveraging innovations from the commercial space sector to address the challenges posed by countries like China. He stated, “VICTUS HAZE will demonstrate, under operationally realistic conditions, our ability to respond to irresponsible behavior in orbit.”
The proactive approach taken by the Space Force reflects its commitment to preparing for potential conflicts in space. The establishment of the Space Force in 2019 signified a crucial step in safeguarding America’s interests in space, encompassing tasks such as managing space launches, satellite tracking, and overseeing key satellite systems like GPS, weather satellites, and communication satellites.
With a futuristic outlook, the Space Force’s readiness for potential space warfare is evident. The recent collaboration with private aerospace companies underscores the strategic importance of leveraging commercial expertise and resources to enhance national security in space.
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