Space Posture Review Hearing Points Out Vulnerability

The Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Service Committee held a hearing on the Space Posture Review on April 21. Witnesses included:

• General C. Robert Kehler, USAF, commander, Air Force Space Command
• Robert J. Butler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber and space policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Betty Sapp, principle deputy director, National Reconnaissance Office
• Gary E. Payton, deputy secretary of the Air Force for space programs

Members noted their concerns that U.S. space-based assets have become increasingly vulnerable as space has become more congested, contested, and competitive. Rep. James Langevin (D-RI), chairman of the Subcommittee, admitted this presents the U.S. with a challenge to protect its assets, but it also provides the U.S. opportunities for collaboration. Rep. Langevin said he hoped this opportunity could support U.S. long-term goals and interests related to security, commercial, and civil sectors. The full Space Posture Review is not expected to be released to the public until after the President's National Space Policy is released later this summer.