The Aerospace Advantage

Episode 198 – Want to Fight and Win? Air and Space Integration is Key

Aug 24, 2024

Heather "Lucky" Penney, a key aerospace thinker, is joined by Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space; Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; and Charles Galbreath from the Mitchell Institute. They discuss the strategic shift from airborne to space-based intelligence and reconnaissance, emphasizing the need for integrated air and space operations to maintain military effectiveness against modern threats. The conversation covers historical advancements, autonomous technologies, and the importance of resilient, multi-domain strategies in ensuring mission success.

01:03:56

Creator website

Episode guests

Charles Galbreath

Greg Ulmer

Robert Lightfoot

Heather “Lucky” Penney

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The trend of shifting airborne ISR missions to space has been ongoing since the Cold War, highlighting a preference for cost-effective space assets.

Experts advocate for the integration of air and space operations to enhance resilience, reducing the risks associated with over-reliance on a single domain.

The growing use of autonomous systems and small satellites will revolutionize military operations, enhancing effectiveness and situational awareness in contested environments.

Deep dives

Shift from Airborne to Space-Based ISR

There is a significant trend in defense strategy moving airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions to space-based platforms, which has been noticeable since the end of the Cold War. Iconic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird were retired in favor of satellite solutions, highlighting a historical preference for space assets due to budget constraints. Recent retirements, such as the E-8 JSTARS and the U-2, further underscore this trend, as their roles are set to be filled by space-based systems. While space capabilities are impressive, there is concern regarding over-reliance on a single domain, especially given the potential for adversaries to target and disrupt these space assets, prompting a call for more diverse, multi-domain solutions.

Intro

3min

Integrating Air and Space Operations

15min

Navigating Modern Threats in Space

5min

Integrating Air and Space in Warfare

5min

Building Resilient KillWebs through Multi-Domain Collaboration

8min

The Impact of Autonomy on Modern Combat Effectiveness

2min

Advancements in Autonomous Satellite Connectivity

2min

Integrating Air and Space Operations

16min

Integrating Air and Space for Military Innovation

9min

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space; Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Mitchell Institute’s Charles Galbreath.

Read defense news headlines and you’ll see a distinct trend: a drive to sunset airborne missions and move them to space—especially for functions like intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. In fact, the trend has been in play since the end of the Cold War.

At Mitchell Institute, we are huge fans of space-based capabilities. What Guardians can deliver on orbit is incredible, often superior to what an airborne solution can secure. That said, it is critical to guard against an over-concentration of capabilities in a single domain when our adversaries have clearly indicated that they’re willing to destroy or disable those assets—even when they are on orbit. As the saying goes—“don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

We now live in a world where mission effects will best be assured by pursuing a combined air-space approach. This will demand a new strategy to ensure smart multi-domain collaboration, a new assessment regarding how smart command and control is executed to ensure smart tasking, and adequate resourcing.

Join us to hear from some of the top figures in this discussion who innovate the technologies that are key to delivering mission results today and tomorrow.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Robert Lightfoot, President, Lockheed Martin Space

Guest: Greg Ulmer, President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

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