EXCLUSIVE: Freedom to maneuver key for future space ‘combat mindset,’ says ex-SPACECOM deputy

EXCLUSIVE: Freedom to maneuver key for future space ‘combat mindset,’ says ex-SPACECOM deputy
EXCLUSIVE: Freedom to maneuver key for future space ‘combat mindset,’ says ex-SPACECOM deputy

“In a sense, we drive our satellites today as if we’re going to church. Our adversaries drive their satellites as if they’re going to combat,” Lt. Gen. John Shaw, who recently retired from US Space Command, told Breaking Defense in this Q&A.

Space Force, SPACECOM pushing to speed ‘sustained’ maneuverability on orbit

Space Force, SPACECOM pushing to speed ‘sustained’ maneuverability on orbit
Space Force, SPACECOM pushing to speed ‘sustained’ maneuverability on orbit

The Space Force is rushing to meet SPACECOM’s demand, developing a new acquisition plan for space “mobility and logistics” — including on-orbit servicing and repair, satellite refueling and space junk cleanup — a plan that will lean heavily on use of commercial capabilities, said SSC’s Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy.

NASA funding DRACO nuclear thermal rocket engine under deal with DARPA

NASA funding DRACO nuclear thermal rocket engine under deal with DARPA
NASA funding DRACO nuclear thermal rocket engine under deal with DARPA

“When people like to question the validity or usefulness of this engine, I point them to Wernher von Braun,” said Tabitha Dodson, DRACO program manager at DARPA, “because this was more or less his idea.”

SPACECOM deputy says ‘maneuver and logistics’ key to future operations

SPACECOM deputy says ‘maneuver and logistics’ key to future operations
SPACECOM deputy says ‘maneuver and logistics’ key to future operations

“We’re kind of restricted right now, by the tyranny of the rocket equation. I’ve got to have mass to eject in order to move myself around within the Earth-Moon gravity well and beyond. How do we get past that?” asked SPACECOM deputy commander Lt. Gen. John Shaw.

Saltzman, father of multi-domain ops, to replace Raymond as Space Force chief

Saltzman, father of multi-domain ops, to replace Raymond as Space Force chief
Saltzman, father of multi-domain ops, to replace Raymond as Space Force chief

Rumors already are flying about who will take over the vice slot at Space Force when Gen. David “DT” Thompson retires next year, with current bets on Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, head of Space Systems Command.

Two finalists emerge for next Space Force chief: Sources

Two finalists emerge for next Space Force chief: Sources
Two finalists emerge for next Space Force chief: Sources

Sources tell Breaking Defense that two names — Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting and Lt. Gen. John Shaw — have been sent to the White House for potential nomination as the new Space Force chief.

Allies eyeing ‘niche’ space capabilities for warfighting with US

Allies eyeing ‘niche’ space capabilities for warfighting with US
Allies eyeing ‘niche’ space capabilities for warfighting with US

“The key to success is frank and open discussion … tearing down those information sharing barriers, to be sure that we’re truly interoperable,” said Australian Air Commodore Nicholas Hogan.

JADC2 Critical To Counter Space Threats, Say Milspace Leaders

JADC2 Critical To Counter Space Threats, Say Milspace Leaders
JADC2 Critical To Counter Space Threats, Say Milspace Leaders

“If there is an aircraft capable of launching an air-launched anti satellite weapon operating in the air domain, we need to know about it,” SPACECOM deputy Lt. Gen. John Shaw says.

Space Ops Command Seeks Industry Aid To ‘Scale Up’ Innovation

Space Ops Command Seeks Industry Aid To ‘Scale Up’ Innovation
Space Ops Command Seeks Industry Aid To ‘Scale Up’ Innovation

“I think that the hardest part for the Space Force is the challenge of security, and how would we work with small business in enable technologies that you guys have,” Maj. Gen. DeAnna Burt says.

US, Allies Agree On Threats In Space But Struggle With Messaging

US, Allies Agree On Threats In Space But Struggle With Messaging
US, Allies Agree On Threats In Space But Struggle With Messaging

“I would say that it’s not the fact, in itself, that we have Space Forces or Space Commands which is concerning. It is what you do with this,” says Maj. Gen. Michel Friedling, first commander of France’s new Space Command.