Reporting from Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, the BBC reveals how the US Space Force, termed "Guardians," monitors global missile threats. This pivotal base plays a role in America's developing missile defense systems, amidst tensions with adversaries like Russia and China. With an increasing number of satellites and potential conflicts in space, the US prepares for a future where space warfare becomes a significant component of military strategy.
"Inside the US Space Force: Guardians on the Frontlines of Missile Tracking and Space Warfare"
"Inside the US Space Force: Guardians on the Frontlines of Missile Tracking and Space Warfare"
The BBC offers a rare glimpse into the operations of the US Space Force at Buckley Space Force Base, showcasing their role in global missile tracking and the evolution of space as a combat domain.
At Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, the US Space Force's Guardians are on a constant watch, tasked with tracking missile launches worldwide and ensuring the safety of US military assets. In a recent report, the BBC gained unprecedented access to the operations room where these Guardians operate 24/7, describing the atmosphere and mission-critical capacity of this unit.
Responding to commands like "Launch Yemen" and "Launch Iran," the Guardians synchronize their actions in both real missions and training exercises. Last month, they tracked Iranian missile launches targeting US forces in Qatar, which Colonel Ann Hughes highlighted as a moment of significant pressure but ultimately a successful operation that ensured the safety of personnel on the ground.
The Space Force is evolving its strategic capabilities amid increasing threats, particularly from hypersonic missiles developed by China and Russia. Lieutenant General David Miller emphasized the necessity for advanced interception techniques, hinting at the development of space-based defense systems inspired by Israel's Iron Dome.
As space becomes an increasingly contested domain with approximately 12,000 satellites currently in orbit, predictions suggest this number could swell to 60,000 in just a few years. The Space Force, now five years old, illustrates the US military's shift toward addressing space as a battleground, with both China and Russia testing anti-satellite capabilities and exploring tactical options like electronic warfare.
Colonel Phoenix Hauser's Delta 7 unit monitors thousands of satellites, focusing primarily on tracking China's advancements in military space operations, which she terms the "pacing threat." Tensions in space have escalated to the point where experts discuss potential "dog fights," although real battles remain a future concern.
Miller stated that the US's competitive edge rests heavily on its military capabilities in space, reiterating the importance of space superiority for effective global operations. This includes the ability to undertake precision strikes as seen in recent US operations against Iranian nuclear facilities, where Space Force capabilities were pivotal in ensuring operational success.
As the youngest military branch, the US Space Force is positioned as an integral part of America's defense strategy, aiming to maintain advantages in the rapidly evolving landscape of warfare. General Miller's warning resonates: any adversary should be wary when the US military concentrates its efforts.
