US Space Force: How Are Satellites Used In Defense?

Space is becoming an increasingly important domain in war. While Russia's space industry may be in decline, the United States is being challenged by a rising China and increasing threats to its satellites from both China and Russia. The US Space Force was established as an independent service branch in December 2019 to better focus on the space theater.

Now the Space Force is expanding to keep up with competition from China . But how are satellites used in defense? Navigation There are many ways satellites are used in defense, including providing navigation. After all, the Global Positioning System (better known as GPS) is owned by the United States Space Force and operated by Mission Delta 31.

GPS was built to guide military assets—like precision missiles—but today, it also guides countless civilians around the world. Russia has attempted to build its own answer to GPS, called GLONASS, but it is in a state of decay. "The Russian dual-use .

..GLONASS.

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currently faces several crucial challenges and delays. Moscow’s ability to transition from its outdated satellites to a relatively more advanced generation or to develop Tundra-orbit navigation satellites has severely weakened." - Jamestown Foundation The Jamestown noted that as of May 2024, 15 of Russia's 26 active GLONASS satellites have exceeded their warranted lifetime and that Russia may be forced to be increasingly reliant on China.

Russia's continued relative decline is likely to force it to become more dependent .