A recent report from the Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado highlights the critical role of the US Space Force in tracking missile launches worldwide. With threats from nations like Iran and advancements from competitors like China and Russia, the Space Force is actively preparing for a contested future in space, employing advanced technologies to maintain military superiority.
Inside the US Space Force: Guardians on the Frontline of Global Missile Tracking
Inside the US Space Force: Guardians on the Frontline of Global Missile Tracking
BBC provides exclusive insights into the operations of the US Space Force, revealing how Guardians monitor global missile threats and prepare for potential conflicts in space.
In the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, an intensely vigilant team known as the US Space Force Guardians stands ready to track missile launches across the globe. In a rare opportunity for international journalists, the BBC reported from the Buckley Space Force Base, where the Guardians monitor threats 24/7 from a high-tech operations room filled with large displays and satellite data.
During a recent training exercise, the command to "Launch Yemen" echoed as operators quickly acknowledged the simulated launch. However, the stakes were immediately real last month when Iran launched missiles towards a US base in Qatar following US and Israeli operations against Iran. Colonel Ann Hughes expressed significance in their ability to provide crucial data, ultimately safeguarding personnel at the base.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the Space Force has stepped up its operations. The Guardians have been actively involved in strategic missile warning systems crucial for allied forces, including potentially providing alerts to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. This operational readiness is seen as a part of broader defense strategies outlined by initiatives such as President Donald Trump's proposed missile defense shield, the Golden Dome.
The emergence of hypersonic missiles developed by adversaries like China and Russia has emphasized the need for enhanced space-based interceptors, according to Lt. Gen. David Miller. China's aggressive plans to expand its satellite capabilities further underscore the urgency of Space Force activities, particularly as space becomes increasingly congested and contested.
In her comments, Colonel Phoenix Hauser, who oversees intelligence and surveillance operations, highlighted ongoing instances of confrontations in space, suggesting that the US must be ready for a range of potential conflicts, even if they have yet to evolve into full-blown skirmishes akin to "dog fights."
Moreover, US strikes in Iran's nuclear operations have demonstrated the operational power of the Guardians, showcasing their role in electronic warfare to secure the success of military missions. The Space Force's contribution ensures clear tactical advantages and aims to preempt enemy awareness during critical operations.
The Space Force, although relatively new in the military hierarchy, is now seen as a pillar of American military strength, with Gen. Miller emphasizing that space superiority is essential for national defense strategy. As technology progresses and adversaries evolve, the Guardians will remain at the forefront of safeguarding America’s interests in an increasingly competitive and contested space environment.
During a recent training exercise, the command to "Launch Yemen" echoed as operators quickly acknowledged the simulated launch. However, the stakes were immediately real last month when Iran launched missiles towards a US base in Qatar following US and Israeli operations against Iran. Colonel Ann Hughes expressed significance in their ability to provide crucial data, ultimately safeguarding personnel at the base.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the Space Force has stepped up its operations. The Guardians have been actively involved in strategic missile warning systems crucial for allied forces, including potentially providing alerts to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. This operational readiness is seen as a part of broader defense strategies outlined by initiatives such as President Donald Trump's proposed missile defense shield, the Golden Dome.
The emergence of hypersonic missiles developed by adversaries like China and Russia has emphasized the need for enhanced space-based interceptors, according to Lt. Gen. David Miller. China's aggressive plans to expand its satellite capabilities further underscore the urgency of Space Force activities, particularly as space becomes increasingly congested and contested.
In her comments, Colonel Phoenix Hauser, who oversees intelligence and surveillance operations, highlighted ongoing instances of confrontations in space, suggesting that the US must be ready for a range of potential conflicts, even if they have yet to evolve into full-blown skirmishes akin to "dog fights."
Moreover, US strikes in Iran's nuclear operations have demonstrated the operational power of the Guardians, showcasing their role in electronic warfare to secure the success of military missions. The Space Force's contribution ensures clear tactical advantages and aims to preempt enemy awareness during critical operations.
The Space Force, although relatively new in the military hierarchy, is now seen as a pillar of American military strength, with Gen. Miller emphasizing that space superiority is essential for national defense strategy. As technology progresses and adversaries evolve, the Guardians will remain at the forefront of safeguarding America’s interests in an increasingly competitive and contested space environment.
