Orbital maneuvering, also known as deep-space maneuvering, enables propulsion systems to alter the spacecraft's orbit. While orbiting space, the intelligence and surveillance systems offer the safety and security of the satellites as well as the potential impact on human life on Earth from falling debris.
The United States Space Force is responsible for protecting its spacecraft from adversaries while keeping the planet safe from unwanted debris falling due to space exploration events. Moreover, the likelihood of orbital attacks, using one spacecraft to damage or destroy another, has been increasing. As such, orbital maneuvers are needed to protect itself and the inhabited environment.
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2 The US space forces are combat-ready USSF Leadership Chief of Space Operations Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations USSF Command Staff Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships Director of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Space Force Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence Field Command Commanders Commander, Space Systems Command Commander, Space Operations Command Commander, Space Training and Readiness Command
The US Space Operations Command (SpOC) states that threats from adversaries have increased as both China and Russia have begun developing on-orbit counter-space weapons. The two nations are deploying surveillance and intelligence systems to track and target US forces.
Photo: US Space Force
Whether it is the Chinese orbital bombardment system that was tested in July 2021 or Russia's nuclear anti-satellite space capability, the SpOC remains in a combat-ready position to counter anything that comes its way. According to the SPOC Major and deputy director of Intelligence at Space Systems Command (SSC), Neal Carter,
"A lot of what a nation state can launch into orbit appears benign and peaceful, but that can be just a cover story. Just because an adversary says, 'This is for peaceful purposes; this is for repair operations,' doesn't mean it's not worth us paying close attention. Does it have the capability of maneuvering near or onto our vehicles and doing some serious damage? That's something we're paying very close attention to."
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Satellites with robotic arms
Several nations have launched several satellites with smaller nested satellites with robotic arms into space. The robotic arm enables several purposes, including refueling, servicing, and repair. For example, the popular Canadarm, a Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), was always paired with the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) to perform exterior checks, remove debris, and ensure thermal protection.
Canadarm
Operator
Spar Aerospace
Instrument type
robotic arm
Mass
Arm: 410 kg (900 lb), Total: 450 kg (990 lb)
Dimensions
1,520 cm × 38 cm (598 in × 15 in)
Number launched
Five
Spacecraft
Space Shuttle
Launch
NASA
Kennedy LC-39
Kennedy LC-39
While such robotic arms can be used for peaceful purposes, such as surveillance, research, and exploration, the latest technology satellites can also be used to alter the function of or completely disable other spacecraft. The director of the Project West Wing at The Aerospace Corporation, Dr. Scott C. Theiring, states,
"At least one Chinese satellite has been identified as having a robotic arm on it, and that satellite moved close to an old Chinese satellite and moved it into a super synchronous (graveyard) orbit,"
"The use of robotic arms are required for refueling or for servicing and other peaceful and productive uses. However, the skillsets required for that also overlap with the ones required for more nefarious purposes. In this case, the towing of that satellite was a net benefit - it got rid of a piece of space junk in GEO."
Photo: NASA The space warfare
Destroying another country's satellite or spacecraft can not only jeopardize the mission but could also impact planet Earth through debris falling from it. It is much easier to identify an unknown aircraft in regular airspace over land and send messages. However, it is much harder to do that in space if an adversary is flying close to US satellites or has intentions of causing harm.
The US Space Force stays combat-ready for space warfare with its strategic deployments and orbital maneuvering. A dedicated space force is established to ensure a certain level of protection of the equipment as well as the medium. Neal Carter explains,
"Even as recently as 10 years ago, space wasn't as competitive, congested or contested to the point where we needed a dedicated military service to operate solely in the space domain. Now, it couldn't be more important, and our role will only continue to grow. As commercial interests start to expand into every orbit and cislunar space, our job is only going to get harder and become more important."
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