Space Minds Space Security, Threats and Rapid Innovation
Oct 2, 2025
Steve Kitay, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy and now Senior VP at True Anomaly, dives into the rapidly evolving world of space security. He discusses the critical role of commercial systems like Starlink in modern conflicts, the need for real-time space situational awareness, and the innovation of autonomous defense technologies. Kitay highlights threats from China and Russia, the urgency for new defense capabilities, and how True Anomaly is revolutionizing satellite operations to ensure U.S. deterrence in this new era.
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Space Is Now A Warfighting Domain
- Space has been militarized since Sputnik but in the last decade it became an independent warfighting domain.
- China and Russia developed systems forcing the U.S. to protect, defend, and deny adversary uses of space.
Jackal: An Orbit Policing Spacecraft
- True Anomaly's Jackal is a low-cost, highly maneuverable satellite for rendezvous and proximity operations to characterize other spacecraft.
- It focuses on non-cooperative inspection at safe distances to inform government decision-makers.
Autonomy And Software Make Rapid Response Possible
- Autonomous on-orbit operations and fast decision loops are essential to respond on operationally relevant timelines.
- True Anomaly pairs Jackal hardware with Mosaic software for command, control, and battle management.