CEO of space defense startup True Anomaly says US needs to catch up to China and Russia in orbit

"We're already really far behind. The United States has a very clear mandate in national military strategy and national defense strategy to achieve space superiority. Rogers described a constant cycle of maneuvering between the US and its adversaries and warned that Washington lacks a rapid-response capability to quickly gather high-quality reconnaissance on newly deployed spacecraft."

"China and Russia have long been considered America's adversaries in space - and their capabilities in that domain are only increasing. A 2024 US intelligence report said China and Russia are actively exploring ways to incapacitate satellites. Foreign space systems can range from spy satellites gathering intelligence on the positions of US forces to anti-satellite weaponry that could destroy another object."

Space has transitioned from a peaceful utility domain to a contested layer of global infrastructure with significant national security implications. China and Russia are rapidly advancing their space capabilities, including deploying reconnaissance satellites and anti-satellite weaponry. The US Space Force acknowledges China's concerning pace of progress and both nations' active exploration of satellite incapacitation methods. True Anomaly's CEO, a former US Space Command officer, emphasizes that America is substantially behind its adversaries and lacks rapid-response capabilities for gathering high-quality reconnaissance on newly deployed spacecraft. Achieving space superiority is identified as a clear mandate in US national military and defense strategy.

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