Establishing a Technical Integrated Planning Team
The Space Force has initiated the formation of a “technical integrated planning team” (IPT) aimed at evaluating its current and prospective contributions to the Iron Dome for America missile defense system, as stated by Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman during a recent press briefing. He emphasized the importance of the Space Force’s involvement, saying, “I think we have a central role to play,” and noted that the IPT is being established to consolidate various systems and approach the initiative from a comprehensive perspective.
Current Responsibilities and Future Developments
Currently, the Space Force is responsible for missile warning and tracking, operating the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellites, and working on their successors through the multibillion-dollar Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program. These systems are crucial for the detection of missile launches and ongoing tracking of threats.
Focus on Hypersonic Missile Tracking
In addition to its primary responsibilities, the Space Force is advancing two new programs dedicated to tracking hypersonic missiles. These include the Resilient Missile Warning/Missile Tracking — Medium Earth Orbit initiative managed by Space Systems Command, and the Tracking Layer constellation developed by the Space Development Agency. This latter program is a key component of the broader Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), which aligns with the priorities set forth in President Donald Trump’s executive order from January 27 regarding the Iron Dome for America.
Mandates and Strategic Objectives
The executive order also calls for the Pentagon to develop and deploy “proliferated space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase intercept.” Although this objective has not previously featured in the Space Force’s agenda, it marks a significant strategic shift in the defense capabilities being considered.
Moreover, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is tasked with developing a comprehensive plan within 60 days to protect the homeland from a spectrum of aerial threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles, as well as other next-generation attacks from both peer and rogue adversaries.
This initiative underscores the Space Force’s expanding role in national defense and its commitment to enhancing the United States’ missile defense systems through advanced technology and strategic planning.
