USAF seeks to harden satellite defences

Almost one year after China launched an anti-satellite weapon into space, the US Air Force (USAF) says it has identified significant vulnerabilities in USAF space infrastructure and is aggressively seeking to increase defences against future kinetic attacks and jamming.

The Director of Space and Nuclear Operations for the USAF, Brigadier General C Donald Alston, said US Strategic Command has developed a concept of operations that focuses heavily on improving situational awareness in space, protecting satellites from jamming and developing quick and cheap replacements for space assets rendered inoperable for various reasons, including kinetic or jamming attacks.

"Now we've reached another point with the Chinese and the recognition of the contested environment [in space] is more broadly understood than ever," Gen Alston said at a Washington, DC, press briefing on 24 January.

"We [are looking] at our programmes and capabilities and seeing how well we're postured for this in the future."

Gen Alston echoed other USAF officials who have cited an urgent need to improve space situational awareness.

"We don't have the capacity ... to be able to attribute those kinds of hostile actions," he said. "When we have an anomaly, you start to triangulate ... and somebody says it was sun-spot activity. I don't know whether or not I would bet a cup of coffee on that in some cases."

Image: The USAF is looking for ways to protect GPS and other satellites (Boeing) 220 of 642 words