Space Force Eyes Very Low-Earth Orbit to Counter China’s Advances

The U.S. Space Force is shifting its focus to very low-Earth orbit (VLEO) as a strategy to counter China’s expanding space capabilities. This area, situated between 55 to 280 miles above the Earth’s surface, presents unique challenges and opportunities that the U.S. has not previously explored. As China advances toward a renewed lunar mission, the Space Force recognizes the need to address potential threats posed by Chinese operations in this lower orbital environment.

VLEO represents a new frontier for military and technological applications. The atmosphere at this altitude is thin enough to prevent conventional airplanes from flying, yet dense enough to create drag on satellites. This phenomenon, long regarded as a disadvantage, may actually provide a tactical edge. According to Dr. Gillian Bussey, Chief Deputy Science Officer of the Space Force, the U.S. and China approach the air-space continuum differently. While the U.S. maintains a clear distinction between air and space, China is developing technologies that seamlessly bridge the two domains.

Strategic Implications of VLEO

The U.S. aims to leverage the unique characteristics of VLEO for enhanced military capabilities. The presence of drag in this orbit can be manipulated for both maneuvering and propulsion, potentially allowing spacecraft to operate with greater agility than traditional satellites. This approach is particularly relevant as the Space Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are currently funding projects with companies like Rocket Lab and Redwire to explore the use of ambient air as a propellant. If successful, these innovations could reduce the reliance on onboard fuel, thereby decreasing costs associated with satellite launches.

Additionally, operating in VLEO could improve signal strength and imaging capabilities, both critical for military operations. The lower altitude allows for more detailed photography and greater redundancy, offering a potential fallback in case of satellite disruptions. Furthermore, VLEO could mitigate risks associated with the Kessler Effect, where collisions in space create cascading debris that threatens other satellites. In VLEO, the drag would pull any non-propelled debris back to Earth more quickly, reducing the threat of such an event.

Emerging Technologies and Future Considerations

China’s recent advances, including the development of hybrid vehicles like the wing-in-ground effect plane, signal a potential shift in how nations may utilize the space environment. The U.S. military’s current arsenal lacks specific defenses against such innovations, prompting a sense of urgency within the Space Force to adapt. As Dr. Bussey notes, “It’s not really entirely clear exactly how we would use VLEO, or exactly what the threat is expected to be there.” This uncertainty highlights the necessity for continued exploration and research in this new domain.

As the U.S. and China continue to navigate their respective ambitions in space, the implications of VLEO could redefine military strategies and technologies. The Space Force’s willingness to explore this uncharted territory suggests a proactive approach to maintaining its competitive edge. As nations re-evaluate their understanding of “air” and “space,” the future of military operations may increasingly blur the lines that have historically separated these domains.