The new version of Joint Publication 3-14 explains that “offensive and defensive space operations” are supported primarily by “direct capabilities” — that is, “fires that impact an adversary.”
By Theresa HitchensThe unclassified strategy communicates “our commitment to protect the Joint Force from adversary hostile uses of space,” said DoD Space Policy czar John Plumb.
By Theresa Hitchens“The phrase in, from, and to space is a direct reference to the core functions of the Space Force. Guardians secure our Nation’s interests in space through space superiority activities that protect the Joint Force and the Nation from space and counterspace threats,” wrote Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman in a memo obtained by Breaking Defense.
By Theresa Hitchens“The prospects for complete success in deterrence of hostile attacks on space assets, particularly reversible, nondestructive attacks, are limited,” the RAND study cautions.
By Theresa HitchensSpace Doctrine Publication 3.0, crafted by STARCOM, provides baseline definitions for offensive, defensive, and “mobility and logistics” ops.
By Theresa Hitchens“While important, a narrow focus on protecting space capabilities disregards how U.S. strategic competitors are preparing to use their own space capabilities to find, target, and attack forces operating in the terrestrial domains,” Gen. Chance Saltzman wrote in an internal Commander’s Note obtained by Breaking Defense.
By Theresa HitchensAmerica’s space operators need to “get to the point of how do we responsibly… deter conflict that nobody wants to see, but if we do see it, demonstrate our ability to win?” said Maj. Gen. David Miller.
By Theresa Hitchens“I expect that by the end of my tenure, if I make it all the way to [2026], that you’re going to see a substantial on-orbit capability that allows us to compete in full-spectrum operations,” Space Force chief Gen. Chance Saltzman said today.
By Aaron Mehta“There are hard kill and soft kill capabilities, if you will, that we’re funding,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said with regards to offensive space capabilities, but none that would created dangerous space debris.
By Theresa HitchensJohn Plumb, DoD assistant secretary for space policy, suggested overuse of SAPs is hindering information sharing across programs and, more importantly, to allies.
By Theresa Hitchens“If we want deterrence to be effective, it takes three things: 1. Capabilities 2. Credible threats in the mind of the adversary and 3. The will to communicate the first two,” Chris Stone, Mitchell Institute fellow, told Breaking Defense.
By Theresa HitchensThe Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Gen. Chance Saltzman as the next, and second, Space Force chief was free of major fireworks — suggesting an easy ‘yea’ vote.
By Theresa HitchensKaitlyn Johnson, of the Aerospace Security Project, welcomed the SPACECOM-NRO conversation, noting that it is “a big deal,” especially since “Russia has conducted electronic and cyber counterspace attacks already” in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
By Theresa HitchensThe review, to set out Space Force’s “playing field,” was tasked to the Defense Department and the IC by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, said Lt. Gen. Bill Liquori, Space Force head of strategy and plans.
By Theresa Hitchens