23rd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Space Force

Dr. Scott Pace elucidated the rationale behind the establishment of the United States Space Force, the most recent branch of the U.S. military, in 2019. He observed that the last comparable transformation occurred in 1947 with the formation of the United States Air Force. The Space Force was established in response to escalating geopolitical and technological challenges in space, particularly as nations such as China and Russia began prioritizing space as a potential domain for warfare.

Pace underscored pivotal developments, including China’s 2007 anti-satellite (ASAT) test, which generated substantial space debris and signaled renewed competition in space capabilities. As threats evolved ranging from satellite jamming and cyberattacks to kinetic weapons the United States recognized the necessity of a dedicated military service specializing in space operations. After evaluating various options, policymakers opted to establish the Space Force within the United States Department of the Air Force, akin to the Marine Corps’ operations within the Navy.

Pace emphasized that the Space Force is relatively small but highly specialized, comprising skilled personnel responsible for organizing, training, and equipping forces that provide essential space services such as GPS, communications, and surveillance. Its primary function is to support combatant commands globally by ensuring reliable space-based capabilities, while simultaneously safeguarding U.S. space assets from emerging threats.