U.S. Space Policy, With Nina Armagno and Jane Harman
Mar 11, 2025
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Nina Armagno, a retired lieutenant general of the U.S. Space Force, and Jane Harman, former congresswoman and president emerita of the Wilson Center, delve into the significance of space in both commercial and security realms. They discuss the surge of satellite launches and the pivotal role of low Earth orbit, addressing the urgent need for space traffic management amidst increasing congestion. The conversation also highlights the dangers of space debris and the importance of international collaboration to adapt U.S. space policy in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Low Earth Orbit has become a crucial strategic area for both commercial ventures and military operations, necessitating robust policy frameworks.
The increasing satellite deployments in space highlight the urgent need for international collaboration to manage traffic and prevent potential collisions.
Deep dives
The Strategic Importance of Low Earth Orbit
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has emerged as a critical area for both commercial and military activities due to its accessibility and strategic advantages. Located approximately 1,200 miles above the Earth's surface, LEO hosts a significant number of satellites, including military reconnaissance systems and commercial projects like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper mega-constellations. The ease of launching smaller satellites into LEO, coupled with lower radiation exposure compared to higher orbits, drives its growing utilization. This shift is indicative of how space is becoming increasingly vital for various sectors, underscoring the necessity for robust management and policy frameworks.
Challenges of Space Traffic Management
As satellite deployments increase, managing space traffic is becoming increasingly complex and poses risks of collisions and debris accumulation. Currently, there is no international organization governing satellite orbit allocations, leading to a chaotic environment where countries operate independently without coordination. The United States has taken a lead role in space traffic management by providing collision avoidance information and tracking satellite locations through platforms like spacetrack.org. However, the lack of regulatory frameworks raises concerns about the growing risk of catastrophic collisions due to the increasing number of satellites in LEO.
Recommendations for U.S. Space Policy Enhancement
To address the escalating challenges of space management, experts recommend that U.S. space policy be prioritized at the national level. Key actions include organizing a space summit to assess capabilities and vulnerabilities across government agencies, declaring certain space systems as critical infrastructure, and enhancing communication mechanisms, especially with adversaries like China. By fostering cooperation on debris management and situational awareness, it's suggested that the U.S. can establish better operational communication, which may help mitigate risks and enhance global norms in space. These measures aim to strengthen U.S. leadership and ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.
Nina Armagno, retired United States Space Force lieutenant general, and Jane Harman, former congresswoman and president emerita of the Wilson Center, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the increasing importance of space as a commercial opportunity and strategic vulnerability for the United States.