Everyone wants a Space Force — but why? - Space.com

As perceived security threats mount in Earth's orbit, countries around the world are following the example of the United States and creating their own "space forces." .

The new military branch was created with a focus to protect the nation's satellites and other space assets, which are vital to everything from national security to day-to-day communications. .

Now, countries including France, Canada and Japan are following suit, as leaders from those countries' "space force" analogs said Thursday (Sept. 10) during the 2nd Summit for Space Sustainability, an online event hosted by the nonprofit Secure World Foundation.

John Shaw, the combined force space component commander of the U.S.

Space Command and commander of space operations command for the U.S.

For example, in April and again in July, the Space Force detected an anti-satellite missile test conducted in low Earth orbit by Russia.

and allied space systems are real, serious and growing," Space Force commander Gen.

Space Force is actively working to combat these threats, other countries are following suit.

"We share the same concerns," French Space Command major general and commander Michel Friedling said during the summit. .

Mike Adamson, the director general and Space/Joint Force Space Component Commander for the Canadian Department of National Defence added during the summit.

Space Force and other countries' growing military space efforts.

The "proliferation in low Earth orbit of commercial satellites, in some ways, might be the greatest threat to space sustainability," Shaw said, adding that this will only really be a threat if not done properly. .

Recently, SpaceX began launching large numbers of satellites to low Earth orbit, in an effort to grow a huge constellation called Starlink that's designed to provide internet access around the globe. !

As Shaw mentioned, the Space Force also expects to see more and more "academic" or science-focused satellites launched into orbit. .

With all of these new satellites expected to launch, the Space Force wants to ensure that they are made with a "responsible design so that they don't become a navigational hazard," Shaw said.