Housing and Development Newsletter
The U.S. Space Force formed in December 2019 as the sixth branch of the military, essentially moving space-focused units from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines into the newest member of the armed forces.
During a recent congressional subcommittee hearing, the chief of space operations, Gen. John Raymond, responded to a commonly heard question regarding why the Space Force exists.
He noted the growing number of nations operating in space, often against U.S. interests, citing Russia and China pushes to create weapons to interfere with American satellites.
“These threats include robust jamming of GPS and communications satellites; directed energy systems that can blind, disrupt or damage our satellites; anti-satellite weapons in space or from the ground that are designed to destroy U.S. satellites; and cyber capabilities that can deny our access to the domain,” Raymond said. “Thankfully, with the strong support of Congress, the United State seized on the opportunity to make needed change to stay ahead of this growing threat and established the United States Space Force. This leadership is resonating globally and it is already delivering advantages for our nation.”