The Australian International Airshow 2023 (AIA23), where the ADF’s space capabilities were first displayed, made obvious the rising significance of the space domain.
Defence Space Command was established to bring about the transformational shift required for a space sector that is becoming more crowded, disputed, and competitive.
Defence Space Command has made great progress since its founding in January 2022, including the creation of the ADF’s first Joint Space Unit, the No. 1 Space Surveillance Unit, which is stationed at RAF Edinburgh in South Australia.
In addition to providing space power for the Joint Force now, Air Vice-Marshal Roberts is focused on positioning defense to maximize space power in the future.
She remarked, “The Exmouth space surveillance telescope was declared operational in September 2022. Moreover, “we accomplished Initial Operating Capability for the terrestrial infrastructure and space section for a secured military SATCOM capability.”
These activities are a part of the operating concept and space architecture that Defence Space Command has been creating over the course of its inaugural year in collaboration with regional allies and international partners.
With the Combined Space Operations initiative with like-minded nations to establish responsible space behavior, Defence Space Command has achieved progress.
Large volumes of debris from these experiments stay in space for years and endanger satellites and other space objects. They endanger the long-term viability of human spaceflight.
According to Air Vice-Marshal Roberts, “certain countries have created or are developing new capabilities to target satellites in order to destroy space systems or impair their capabilities, posing a threat to our networks.
“We employ a wide range of reaction options to address threats in space, from developing resilient mission systems that reduce attack risks to participating in joint space operations with our friends and partners.
“A space electronic warfare capability aims to identify and thwart attempts to obstruct our use of the space domain without leaving behind debris or harming the space environment. We are looking into potential non-kinetic capabilities for government consideration.
In the second year of Defence Space Command, Air Vice-Marshal Roberts is concentrating on operations, rapid capability growth, and personnel development in space.
In order to ensure that our land, marine, air, and cyber capabilities successfully complete their integrated tasks, Defence Space Command will collaborate with allies, partners, and private enterprise, according to AVM Roberts.
“Maintaining our space workforce’s growth, education, and retention is my top responsibility. This is the element that will have the biggest impact on Space Command’s mission success.
