The Space Force: From Rhetoric To Reality
In his remarks at a meeting of the National Space Council on June 18, 2018, President Trump directed “the Department of Defense and Pentagon to immediately begin the process necessary to establish a Space Force as the sixth branch of the Armed Forces,” that is separate and equal to the other branches. Since then, the media and pundit mill has interpreted this call in a variety of ways, from hailing it as an incitement to war and international conflict in space to a vision to stimulate a new and vibrant space economy. Finally, on December 20, 2019, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2020 established the Space Force and the President’s vision has become a reality with support from Congress. Congress approved $40 million for Space Force Operations and Maintenance in the FY 2020 appropriations, mainly from the Air Force budget. The NDAA requires that by Feb 1, 2020 a “comprehensive plan” for the organizational structure and funding requirements through to FY 2025 be completed. What does this actually mean to the future of space endeavors in America and for the world? This talk will address the perceived threats that led to the establishment of the Space Force and describe the several component parts of the Space Force, challenging the audience to make up its own mind if peace, security and development of space will be advanced through this new institution.