Michael Guetlein Urges Broader Approach to Responsive Space

Gen. Michael Guetlein, the U.S. Space Force’s vice chief of space operations, has called on his organization to consider alternative approaches to responsive space beyond launching replacements for satellites destroyed by adversaries.

Speaking at a Center for Strategic and International Studies panel discussion, he suggested that the Space Force could form agreements with allies or commercial providers to use their space assets, SpaceNews reported Saturday.

Responsive space means the service branch should consider all options to achieve its mission, he explained.

Guetlein, a 2023 Wash100 winner, added that missions like Victus Nox promote critical thinking among personnel and allow the Space Force to rethink business processes and workflows.

Victus Nox was a 2023 mission to demonstrate responsive launch capabilities.

Building on Guetlein’s point, co-panelist Millennium Space Systems CEO Jason Kim shared that he observed guardians during the mission thinking critically instead of relying on checklists due to shortened timelines.

Kim’s company, a subsidiary of Boeing, provided the satellite used in Victus Nox.