The U.S. Space Force has launched a new framework that outlines the service branch’s vision for achieving and maintaining space superiority while ensuring the space domain’s sustainability and safety over the long term.
The service said Thursday the 22-page document, titled Space Warfighting: A Framework for Planners, highlights the importance of space superiority as a joint force priority.
“It is the formative purpose of the Space Force to achieve space superiority — to ensure freedom of movement in space for our forces while denying the same to our adversaries,” said Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations.
“We must be prepared to employ capabilities for offensive and defensive purposes to deter and, if necessary, defeat aggressors that threaten our vital national interests,” added Saltzman, a three-time Wash100 awardee.
Counterspace Operations
The document provides a lexicon for counterspace operations and details a range of defensive and offensive actions Guardians may take to maintain space control and ensure the Joint Force’s success.
According to the framework, Space Force will execute counterspace operations across three mission areas: orbital warfare, electromagnetic warfare and cyberspace warfare.
Combatant commanders may direct Guardians to perform counterspace operations, including terrestrial strike, space link interdiction, orbital strike, and active and passive space defense.
Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements, said the framework builds on the Space Force Doctrine Document 1 and Military Space Operations terms of reference to boost U.S. lethality and deter potential aggressors in space.
“We developed Space Warfighting to expand on the tenets of Competitive Endurance and the Space Force Truths. With Space Warfighting, we establish the counterspace framework necessary for Guardians to achieve space superiority, a precondition for Joint Force success,” added Bratton.
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