The US Space Force has just published a 41-page doctrine. The document details the basic principles on which the different action plans of this new military branch in space will be based.
Just over two years ago, US President Donald Trump declared his intention to develop an American space force. Supervised by Chief of Staff Joseph Dunford, it would then become the sixth independent branch of the country's military . "It's not enough just to have an American presence in space. There must be American dominance in space. We're going to have a Space Force" , he said at the time.
This new military branch has just released its first doctrine. This 41-page document, entitled "Spacepower", explains why this space power is vital for the country, but also what its strengths are precisely, what they value and how they will be used.
“This first release will also serve as a foundation from which to add new doctrines as the US Space Force evolves and responds to changing conditions “, writes General Jay Raymond, chief of operations of this new military branch.
And to add:"In short, this summary document is the foundation of our professional body of knowledge as we forge an independent military service engaged in space operations “.
"Spacepower" exposes the critical importance of this "final frontier", which U.S. military officials have long considered the ultimate playground.
“Strength and security in space enables freedom of action in other areas of warfare while contributing to international security and stability “, says the document, in a section titled “Military Space Power:Guiding Principles”.
“The United States must adapt its national security space organizations, doctrine, and capabilities to deter and defeat aggression and protect national interests in space “, can we also read.
A second stated guiding principle emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the face of a rapidly changing threat environment. Also, the United States Space Force will value "organizational agility, innovation and audacity ". It will also be about “considering measured risk-taking as opportunities to learn and adapt quickly “.
A military branch devoted to space is now needed to address the "current reality that our adversaries have turned space into a combat domain “, also reads a press release from the USSF.
If not directly quoted, China and Russia are obviously targeted. China is indeed already capable of shooting down missiles in space. Russia is reportedly working on a laser system capable of eliminating satellites.
Thus, the militarization of space, which until now has remained virgin territory, seems to be progressing at full speed. With this new document, the US Space Force demonstrates its intention to join the game.
Note that currently, the Outer Space Treaty, which entered into force in 1967, prohibits countries from placing nuclear bombs and other weapons of mass destruction in space. The same goes for "establishing military bases, installations, or fortifications, testing weapons of any kind, or conducting military maneuvers “.
In contrast, nothing in this treaty prevents the establishment of a "space force", so long as its activities do not violate the terms of the Treaty. Conventional weapons, such as "anti-satellite" satellites, are permitted under current treaty provisions.
On paper, therefore, in the event of a major conflict, countries could seek to block or destroy the space assets of rival nations, including GPS, surveillance and communication.
