Heavenly Thinking

The White House yesterday unveiled a new National Space Policy, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the Pentagon -- in response -- is gearing up for a new strategy formulation assignment, this one focused on U.S. military needs far beyond the atmosphere.

Together with other departments and agencies, the Department of Defense will take a number of steps to support the new National Space Policy, and will work with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to develop a strategy document to address specific national security requirements for outer space. We will look to leverage growing international and commercial expertise to enhance U.S. capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities.

During the last two decades the U.S. military has become reliant on satellites orbiting the planet for precision in executing essential tasks including navigation, striking targets and collecting intelligence.

Once dominated by the United States, outer space is now a domain other actors seek to influence, Gates said.

Today, space is increasingly contested as our systems face threats of disruption and attack, increasingly competitive as more states, private firms, and others develop space-based capabilities, and increasingly congested with orbital debris.

In articulating U.S. military outer space requirements, the secretary stressed the Defense Department will “pursue activities consistent with the inherent right of self-defense, deepen cooperation with allies and friends, and work with all nations toward the responsible and peaceful shared presence in space.”