U.S. Space Force: Ensuring Readiness in a Contested Space Domain

  • Published
  • By Col. Corey Klopstein, USSF Program Executive Officer, Operational Test and Training Infrastructure and Commander, System Delta 81
The modern battlefield extends far beyond land, sea, and air. Space has become a critical domain for national defense. With adversaries developing advanced methods to disrupt and degrade essential space-based systems, like SATCOM, GPS, and missile warning satellites, preparation for conflict in this contested environment is paramount. The Space Force Program Executive Officer for Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) and the Space Systems Command’s newly established System Delta 81 are charged with developing materiel capabilities needed to prepare both systems and Guardians to succeed in the harsh realities of space warfare.

Space is a highly congested and contested domain. The number of operational satellites continues to grow, as do the threats posed by adversaries through tactics like SATCOM jamming, GPS spoofing, cyberattacks, and anti-satellite weapons. In such an environment, the Space Force’s mission is clear: ensure that U.S. systems are resilient and capable of operating seamlessly through any form of conflict or crisis. Simultaneously, Space Force Guardians must be trained to respond effectively against a sophisticated adversary in contested situations. To achieve this, the Space Force has invested in advanced infrastructure that underpins the live, virtual, and constructive environments for testing and training.

Among the core capabilities being developed are realistic synthetic environments that replicate the complexities of the space domain. These environments model orbital dynamics, potential threats, and contested scenarios, enabling Guardians and systems to train in operationally relevant conditions. Additionally, aggressor squadrons, designed to act as opposing forces using replicated enemy weapon systems, simulate enemy tactics and provide critical training opportunities. Live interactions between friendly (blue) and adversarial (red) forces through simulations further enhance the realism and effectiveness of exercises.

A key factor is the use of digital twins—virtual models of physical systems—that are developed in concert with our industry partners to closely mirror all aspects of our blue assets.  This goes beyond just orbital dynamics, and includes subsystem performance modeling, communications link modeling, performance uncertainty, and many other aspects our Guardians experience. Digital twins, when paired with Intelligence Community informed red models, prove to be especially useful as we aim to train Guardians and develop and test new tactics.  These environments allow the Space Force to avoid divulging tactics to anyone watching while giving Guardians repetitions to hone their skill.  

STARCOM’s Space Delta 11 oversees this dedicated National Space Test and Training Range, tackling key areas like orbital warfare, electromagnetic spectrum operations, and cyber defense.  They do this in both a physical range and a digital range.  The physical range consists of ground and space sensors capable, and the command-and-control capability needed to orchestrate on-orbit test activities.  The digital range underpins the Space Force operational exercises, allowing multiple Combat Forces Command units to simulate operations together in a virtual environment.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving threats, the Space Force has adopted strategies to streamline acquisition and innovation. Leveraging commercial partnerships and adopting non-traditional contracting methods like Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) ensures the integration of cutting-edge industry capabilities at speed. Where government-led development is necessary, the Space Force fosters competition and incentivizes performance to deliver mission-critical solutions on accelerated timelines.

This progress will be prominently showcased at the upcoming Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in December, where the U.S. Space Force, alongside the U.S. Air Force, will co-lead participation for the first time. I/ITSEC, held annually in Orlando, is the world’s largest training and simulation conference, bringing together defense professionals, industry experts, academics, and international allies. The Space Force’s involvement underscores the growing importance of modeling and simulation in preparing for tomorrow’s threats. This is an opportunity to highlight mutual collaboration and leverage cutting-edge technologies to bolster readiness.

Through OTTI, System Delta 81, and partnerships with industry and allies, the Space Force is ensuring the resilience of U.S. space capabilities. These initiatives prepare Guardians to deter aggression and prevail in the face of emerging threats. As space becomes an increasingly critical front in modern warfare, the U.S. Space Force remains committed to maintaining superiority and securing America’s future. Semper Supra!

This column originally appeared on ussfa.org.
 

 

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