US Space Force must prepare for ‘moon warfare’

Washington: “The US Space Force should remain prepared for ‘Moon Warfare’, considering the earth, the moon, and the area between their atmospheres could turn into a future battlefield in space,” the US Space Vehicle Directorate (SVD) has warned. Many countries and private companies have undertaken missions on the moon and around its orbit in the last few years. The report also urges the United States to prepare itself for war to safeguard its space-based interests given the developments in the recent past. A few days ago, China and Russia announced ambitious plans for building a space station on the moon. Therefore, the warning in the new report draws much attention.

The Space Vehicle Directorate is part of the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The agency is in charge of the research and development of space technology and capabilities. Also, the Space Vehicle Directorate has recently released a report titled ‘A Primer on Cislunar Space,’ which provides information on various missions associated with the earth, the moon and its orbits, and technology and research on it. The report begins by mentioning an agreement reached between NASA and the US Space Force, which warns that the moon and the lunar orbit could become a battle arena.

‘It is a challenge to operate a spacecraft beyond the earth’s geostationary orbit. In the next few years, commercial interests are likely to extend on the moon and beyond. Therefore, having the right information on it and being prepared to safeguard it is essential,’ said Col. Eric Felt, Director of the Space Vehicle Directorate.

The Space Force was established in 2019 during the tenure of former US President Donald Trump. At the time, Trump had warned that the objective of the US Space Force was not just to maintain the country’s presence in space but to create its dominance in the domain. Over the past year, the Space Force has been taking significant steps. A few days ago, General Jay Raymond, the Chief of Space Operations for the Space Force, informed that his team was working on directed-energy systems. Earlier, the US Space Force had launched into space the Odyssey, a surveillance satellite. It was also the first time the US Space Force had launched a satellite into space independently.

Russia and China are taking strides in the space domain. Also, both countries have recently announced plans to establish a lunar space station. China has also begun construction of a space station and even launched missions to Mars. Furthermore, Russia and China have developed missiles capable of destroying space satellites. In the past, US agencies and officials have warned that the two countries are militarizing space and China’s ambitiousness may invite war in space.

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