Space Force Considers More Dynamic Satellites to Improve Capabilities

The U.S. Space Force is considering more mobile and renewable satellites to enable more dynamic operations.

Speaking Wednesday at the Space Force Association’s Spacepower conference, Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, head of Space Systems Command, said the U.S. military’s next satellites should be able to move quickly and must be rapidly upgradeable and adaptable. He explained that to turn the concept into reality, the Space Force’s partners must create new satellites with larger fuel tanks and maintenance infrastructure.

Guetlein added that in-orbit infrastructure must be present to provide satellite servicing. Ground systems must also be capable of rapid satellite commands.

The concept was unveiled by Lt. Gen. John Shaw, SSC’s recently retired deputy chief, SpaceNews reported Thursday.

The Space Force is experimenting with different space-based solutions to see how they can support military missions.

In December, SSC’s program executive officer for space sensing, Col. Robert Davis, announced that the Space Force will conduct new market research in 2024 to see how commercial weather services could support military operations. The study would last up to a year and would fill gaps in current weather data sources.

In October, the Space Force sought information about how micro-geosynchronous orbit satellites can improve space-based communications and provide enhanced maneuverability.