Full Breakdown
Expansion of U.S. Space Command's Joint Space Monitoring Missions
9/27/2025, 1:46:36 PM
Overview of Joint Missions
U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) is actively pursuing the expansion of joint space domain awareness missions with allied nations. Following a successful mission with the United Kingdom, SPACECOM is preparing for a second mission with France, as stated by Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, who oversees both Space Forces-Space and SPACECOM’s Combined Joint Forces Space Component Command. These missions are part of Operation Olympic Defender, which includes six allied nations: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. The operation aims to enhance space operations, improve mission assurance, and strengthen deterrence against hostile actors.
Recent Developments
The first bilateral mission with France involved a rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), completed in late 2024. SPACECOM has also recently concluded a similar RPO mission with UK Space Command, which involved repositioning a U.S. satellite to monitor a U.K. satellite's operational status. The specifics of the upcoming mission with France are still under discussion, with no confirmed timeline yet.
Threat Landscape
The expansion of these joint missions comes amid rising concerns regarding threats in space, particularly from China and Russia. Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess emphasized that China poses the most significant threat to U.S. space capabilities, rapidly advancing its military space capabilities and developing counter-space operations that could jeopardize U.S. assets. As of July 2025, China reportedly has over 1,189 satellites in orbit, with more than 500 designated for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.
Germany's Response to Space Threats
In light of these threats, Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has raised alarms about Russian satellites shadowing German military satellites. He noted that these Russian satellites could disrupt operations and potentially destroy satellites. In response, Germany plans to invest €35 billion ($41 billion) in its space programs over the next five years to enhance its capabilities and deterrence measures in space.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the rapid militarization of space by nations like Russia and China necessitates a more robust and immediate response from NATO allies. Some experts warn that failure to address these threats could lead to vulnerabilities in national security and military operations.
Official Statements
Lt. Gen. Schiess remarked, “China is definitely our biggest threat,” highlighting the urgency for the U.S. military to bolster its satellite capabilities. Meanwhile, Boris Pistorius stated, “Russia's behavior, especially in space, poses a fundamental threat to us all. It is a threat that we can no longer ignore.”
What's Next
SPACECOM is expected to continue discussions with additional allies for future joint missions, aiming to enhance collective space monitoring capabilities. Germany's significant investment in space defense is also anticipated to lead to further developments in NATO's strategic approach to space security.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re not in the planning phase for [any new missions beyond that with France], but I can see that that there will be others,” — Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, U.S. Space Forces-Space
- “He added: "Russia's behavior, especially in space, poses a fundamental threat to us all.” — Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister
