Washington, Sept 30 – The United States and France are preparing a second joint mission of coordinated satellite maneuvers, marking a new step in strengthening allied military space operations amid rising threats from China and Russia, a senior US general told Reuters.
The mission would be the Pentagon’s third known allied space operation, following the first US-France maneuver late last year and a joint exercise with the UK earlier this month.
Space Becoming a Battlefield
Military officials say satellites vital for communications, missile warning, GPS navigation, and battlefield intelligence are increasingly vulnerable.
China, Russia, and the US have already tested anti-satellite weapons and deployed maneuverable spacecraft, fueling concerns that future conflicts could target orbital assets to cripple communications on Earth.
“We are planning an effort with France right now,” said Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, head of a US Space Force unit conducting military space operations.
“I can see us doing more,” he added, hinting at future collaborations with other allies.
France, Europe’s top government spender on space, has been central to these efforts.
Earlier Missions With France and UK
The first joint US-France operation, described as a rendezvous and proximity exercise, saw satellites from both nations maneuver near a “strategic competitor’s” spacecraft. US Space Command chief Stephen Whiting revealed details in April but did not name the third satellite.
France’s Space Command later called the mission a success, noting it helped strengthen cooperation and “demonstrate our strategic solidarity.”
In the second operation, held September 4–12, a US satellite maneuvered close to the UK’s SKYNET 5A communications satellite to verify its performance in orbit. The UK’s Space Command confirmed the exercise, calling it a “significant increase in operational capability.”
“We are now, with our allies, conducting advanced orbital operations to protect and defend our shared national and military interests in space,” said Major General Paul Tedman, head of UK Space Command.
Commercial tracking firm Comspoc identified the US satellite in that mission as the highly maneuverable surveillance craft USA 271.
Growing Warnings From Allies
Western military officials from the US, Canada, and Europe have been issuing repeated warnings about space threats to both military satellites and private constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink, relied on by millions worldwide.
France’s Space Command said it must prepare for “military space operations in a real-life scenario.”
US And France Plan Second Joint Military Satellite Mission
