"Beyond the Space Force: Security Challenges and Trends in Outer Space

Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning, Secure World Foundation

The Obama administration reviewed space policy in 2014 and concluded that it was “critical” to U.S. security to be able to identify threats in space and to counter any anti-satellite weapons from other countries. The Trump administration in August 2019 reestablished the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) as the 11th combatant command in the U.S. military with the mission to integrate space capabilities across all branches of the military.  They also established in December 2019 the U.S. Space Force (USSF) as a part of the Air Force. The Biden administration has indicated that it fully supports the USSF and will not “revisit” the decision.  

With establishment of the USSF, an important question is: What is it going to do? In response to this question, the USSF activities include tracking debris in space,  running the nation’s GPS constellation, and managing satellites that provide communication links to identify ballistic missiles.  U.S. satellites are vulnerable to jamming, cyberattacks, and threats from anti-satellite weapons. If war ever occurred in space, the USSPACECOM would lead the combat operation.

Several major trends indicate the increasing security risks in space. One major trend is that space is becoming increasingly congested. Over 80 countries currently own or operate satellites. Also, new private sector actors such as SpaceX are conducting space activities. Of the currently 3500 active satellites orbiting in space, over 1000 were launched in the past year by SpaceX. A second trend is that more satellites increase the quantity of orbital debris in space as the satellites age and break apart. All of these objects must be carefully tracked to avoid collision with spacecraft.  A third trend is the increasing potential for conflict among countries. An adversary might target a country’s satellite, and because of this possible threat, countries have to develop counter-space capabilities. Russia and China along with Iran and North Korea are developing such capabilities.

Our speaker, Brian Weedon, is eminently qualified to discuss security challenges and trends in outer space. Weeden is the Director of Program Planning for the Secure World Foundation (SWF) and has nearly two decades of experience in space operations and policy.

Prior to joining SWF, Weeden served nine years on active duty as an officer in the USAF working in space and intercontinental ballistic missile operations.

Weeden received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Clarkson University, a M.S. in space studies from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in public policy and public administration from George Washington University.  His research and analysis have been featured in numerous publications.

*We urge all CCFR 2020-21 members to register your attendance for this Zoom meeting on the CCFR website by 12 noon on April 6. Registered attendees will receive a reminder email with a link and instructions to join the Zoom meeting. If you do not receive the reminder email by the end of the day on April 7, email: reservations@ccfrcville.org or call Molly Fulton at 434-760-2937.