In the midst of an escalating global space race, the United States is re-evaluating its approach to spectrum management, a critical asset in the domain of space communications. As nations like China and Russia advance their space capabilities, the U.S. recognizes the need for a strategic overhaul in how it manages and utilizes the radio frequency spectrum, especially if it wishes to maintain its competitive edge and bolster the capabilities of its military allies.
The current situation highlights a demand that has never been greater. The National Spectrum Strategy, as outlined by President Joe Biden, underscores the importance of ensuring sufficient spectrum access to support federal agency missions. This strategy targets the repurposing of five spectrum bands, focusing on expanding the midband spectrum for mobile services in the United States. Among these, the X-band stands out, serving as the backbone of U.S. and allied military SATCOM capabilities.
General Hyten, a former Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, once remarked that the creation of “large, big, fat, juicy targets” in space would no longer be supported. This statement reflects the vulnerability of fixed geostationary satellites, which emit powerful signals. Nevertheless, the U.S. military relies heavily on such terminals, which are compatible only with geosynchronous satellites operating within federal spectrum bands. Transitioning to newer capabilities in lower and medium Earth orbits will take a significant amount of time, requiring innovative approaches to strengthen existing operations without exacerbating risks.
The imperative to embrace commercial spectrum use alongside federal operations is clear. By integrating commercial capabilities, a more resilient and adaptable space infrastructure can be developed. While countries like Russia have declared commercial satellites as valid targets, an increased number of satellites from diverse providers complicates adversarial strategies, offering enhanced pathways and capabilities for U.S. and allied forces.
At the Spacepower 2024 Conference, Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch emphasized the work needed to integrate commercial potential with military needs. An example is Viasat’s Global Express constellation, which provides reliable services within federal spectrums but initially had to seek spectrum allocations outside U.S. and NATO jurisdictions. Collaborations such as those between XTAR, Hisdesat, and MOD Spain demonstrate the benefits of public-private partnerships in achieving strategic objectives.
The U.S. Navy’s integration of services from Viasat and XTAR highlights a growing trend towards combining commercial and military capabilities to meet increasing demands. Lieutenant General Guetlein has acknowledged a transformation in crisis management perspectives, where reliance on commercial and international partners has shifted towards a more integrated approach. Sharing federal spectrum with commercial providers is not merely beneficial; it is essential for driving innovation, fostering competition, and enhancing national security.
Clay Bosler, a retired U.S. Air Force officer with extensive experience in the space and communications sector, advocates for this strategic integration. His insights reinforce the idea that sharing spectrum with commercial entities represents a commitment to innovation and leadership in global space exploration.
The integration of commercial space capabilities into federal spectrum management represents a pivotal shift in maintaining the United States’ leadership in space exploration and military readiness. By adopting a collaborative approach, the U.S. and its allies can enhance resilience, drive technological advancements, and secure their positions in the rapidly evolving space domain.
Source: Spacenews
