The National Security Implications of Rapid Access to Space

For decades the United States has enjoyed a strategic advantage in outer space. Systems in space provided the U.S. military with unparalleled abilities to collect intelligence, communicate securely, and provide precision location and timing. While the U.S. still maintains an advantage in space, other countries and private industry have significantly changed the space environment. Today military leaders talk about space being congested, contested and competitive. Underlying all the changes in space, however, is the challenge of getting into space. Rapid access to space is the goal of initiatives like the Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space, but building, testing and launching a satellite still takes months or years. Congressman Jim Bridenstine, who recently introduced the America Space Renaissance Act, will provide opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion on the strategic importance and technology challenges of rapid access to space.