![]() We have listed these space forces in terms of the declared number of personnel. Each country has structured its Space commands/forces best suited to the structure of its armed forces. Among these, only the US has officially announced its space force to be an independent entity under the US Space command (a separate force). Presently, the following countries have officially declared to constitute a space force. Its personnel are mostly raised from the USAF to serve in this space service branch of the U.S. It is the world’s first and currently only independent space force. ![]() The biggest example of a dedicated space force is the “US Space Force”. These types of missiles, space, and cyber systems are already operated by the Space Command so feasible to structure the space force under the space command. Long-range missiles (ICBMs-Inter Continental Ballistic missiles) already travel in space as a part of their journey to the target. A Space force is structured under the Space command and serves as a specialized branch for space warfare. Whereas a Space force is a dedicated force that consists of personnel, technology, and weapons to be functional in space warfare. It does not necessarily develop space weapons for warfare in space (yes literally in space!). The space command develops space systems for cyber warfare, establishes coordination between the conventional and non-conventional armed commands to meet all requirements of modern dimensions of warfare. A basic difference can be identified between a Space command and a space force. A Space command manages the Cyberspace threats and works with other entities of the Strategic Command to develop offensive and defensive strategies to mitigate such threats. To face this challenge, some countries have established dedicated “Space commands” structured in their Strategic defense commands. As the Head of US Strategic Command, General John Hyten, once said: “Space is now a potential battle zone…the Air Force wants to ensure ‘space superiority’ which he says means “freedom from attack and freedom to maneuver.” Now Cyberspace and space itself are considered battle zone. The present active utilization of space technologies is found in almost all equipment that is used in air, land, and sea warfare (fighter jets, submarines, frigates, aircraft carriers, tanks, missiles, and missile defense systems). Although it is still a far-fetched scenario, it’s a very possible one. ![]() Just like there is conflict on Earth over the minerals present here, similarly, there is a conflict in space for the same purpose. Now if you have the capability to develop high-functioning space tech, it’s logical to explore the Moon and Asteroids for minerals (i.e Rare-Earth Metal that is used in Rechargeable batteries). Present scenario: Militarization of Space If you are a power in space, you are a power to be reckoned on Earth. To understand the importance of Space as an armed conflict zone, you only need to look at the top five or top 10 nations that are advanced in space technology are exactly the same that are far ahead of other nations of the world. Many examples show that inventions that were meant to be developed for space eventually found useful applications on Earth. is the penultimate creation of any given time. Space itself is a complex place that requires a high level of sophisticated technology to function and serve various purposes. Without going into the details of modern defense strategy, an understanding of the importance of space establishes space as the pivot of modern defense. What makes Space a possible theatre of armed conflict? The answer is multi-faceted and complex. But the preparations of Space warfare lead to the gradual but advanced militarization of space over the recent past decades. Perhaps mankind’s romance with conflict demands to see it played out in Space as well! So it is inevitable that space exploration and space conflict will go hand in hand. A constant theme of these marvels and many other entertainment pieces is warfare in space. But the influence of the militarization aspect in space has grown with the advancement in space.Īmong the famous and iconic Films or series to date, Star Trek and Star Wars stand out as the most recognized and loved ones (though I recommend “The Expanse” all the same to understand the theme!). No doubt the space programs of almost all countries are basically under the command of their armed forces. But as is the case with many good-intended endeavors, this novel dream was militarized citing security as an exigent factor of Space. Space travel and Space exploration became the next big dream of many nations. Mankind developed a relation with Space after Yuri Gagarin became the first visitor in Earth’s orbit. Space: The last frontier, or perhaps the first doorway towards the heavens.
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