The Ukrainian deployment of commercial satellites to aid in their defense against the Russian invasion has increased the U.S. Space Force’s enthusiasm for harnessing the private sector’s capabilities to create novel space warfare technologies, the Washington Post reported.

However, the potential dependence on private corporations and the technological advancements that have led to the development of smaller yet more powerful satellites have placed the Defense Department in a challenging position, requiring them to grapple with complex issues regarding the course of action in the event of an adversary targeting privately-owned satellites.

Since a senior Russian official announced in October that Russia could attack the expanding array of commercial satellites if utilized to support Ukraine, White House and Pentagon officials have been deliberating on the appropriate course of action.

Written by staff