Erik Mudrinich’s Post

Commentary | Driven by governmental and commercial institutions, the space economy is expanding and becoming increasingly valuable. While there is an increase in public and private interest and investment in space ventures, space is also becoming a contested domain due to its military capabilities. https://lnkd.in/gbcHenU3

Exciting news! 🚀 Our latest article, "Navigating the Final Frontier: NATO’s Strategy for Heavy Space Lift," is out now! Explore NATO's response to challenges in space resilience. Read how NATO faces crucial choices in the wake of Russia's decision to halt RD-180 sales and how a collective approach to rocket engine R&D and prioritized domestic launch investments can strengthen NATO's position as a global space leader. Don't miss out! Read the full article here. 

Ukraine's battle against Russia shows the importance of integrating data from satellites at the battle-edge. The fact that most of the data is coming from commercial satellite systems is important but beside the point here. The USSF and DOD should: 1) evaluate priorities and investment decisions to see if they adequately reflect the importance of integration, networks, and the ground-based segment of space systems and: 2) evaluate what investments are needed to protect the ground-based segments of DOD and commercial space systems. Space-to-the-warfighter or bust!

While public-private partnerships for outer space are increasingly common in both the civilian and military spheres, the development of relevant regulations has lagged. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, particularly to achieve space sustainability and manage the militarisation of outer space, will be crucial for space powers regardless of their size and capabilities. Read more in IDSS Paper "Public-Private Partnerships for Outer Space: Challenges for Future Regulation" by Wichuta Teeratanabodee #RSIS #IDSSPaper

Establishing a DOD Cislunar Strategy is the first step in aligning the military resources, capabilities and requirements to accelerate and secure scientific and economic ventures on and around the Moon.

Some reflections from the 1st ever NATO Space Symposium in Toulouse April 29-30: 1. The importance of the space domain for modern defence is growing. Space already is and will incresingly be become an integral part of NATO's multi-domain operations. 2. The innovation pace in the commercial & dual use sector is many areas outpacing the innovation of government and military Space programs. This trend will likely further accelerate. 2. Closer commercial-public partnerships are key to secure innovation speed, cost effectiveness , scale & resilience - and will be an increasingly important complement government programs for Space defense #space #spaceIQ #nato #mdo #situationalawareness #isr #protectingdemocracy #dualuse #innovation #speed #efficiency #resilience #workingtogether #iceye

LOST IN SPACE Over the last decade, the United States has increasingly relied on satellite systems for military operations, communication, and navigation, making them some of our most critical assets. During this same period, our adversaries developed more sophisticated counter-space capabilities, particularly as they relate to EMI, EMPs, and DEWs. In recent years, Congress and the DOD have begun to play catch-up budgeting, spending some $842 billion in FY 2024 and providing a modest increase for FY 2025. Given the immensity of the threat and the sheer number of assets at risk, this expenditure level will not reduce the threat significantly. #spacewarfare #EMS #EMP #nationaldefense

The U.S. Space Force is gearing up to award up to 20 contracts by 2026 for its Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR). This groundbreaking initiative will enable the military to leverage private space capabilities more effectively during peacetime and conflicts. By creating a framework for redundancy and excess capacity, CASR addresses future challenges with peer adversaries like China and Russia, ensuring readiness even in unpredictable scenarios. Companies selected will join war games and help shape this innovative program, setting the stage for a new era of military-commercial collaboration in space. #spaceforce #commercialspace #defensestrategy #spacetechnology #militaryinnovation

Space tends to grip the public imagination, but these forays are not driven by vanity. China, like the U.S., like Europe and like the other main players on the world stage, understands that Space is now one of the key arenas in a potential conflict, and a key driver of innovation across the board. And while the U.S. remains the preeminent space and military power, China’s rapid advancements are narrowing the gap.

Protecting deep sea submarine cables is next to impossible. So it is not surprising that NATO is looking for a seamless satellite back up system as today most of its traffic does traverse subsea cables. I can envision narrow band free space lasers being used to move military communications between Europe, North America and also some NATO members like Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. A ground based laser beams up to a satellite, which then uses a laser to relay via other satellites to a US ground station. Narrow band free space lasers are highly secure and already used for short range air-to-air communication in the US Air Force. NASA's future deep space communication network will be based on free space lasers as they offer much higher bandwidth and security. It is basically impossible to eavesdrop on directed narrow band laser beams whereas standard satellite radio frequencies are an easy target. And narrow band free space lasers do not share frequencies. #subseacables #security #satellite #freespacelasers https://lnkd.in/dVEB9m_y