The U.S. Space Force is developing a new training strategy that involves deploying dedicated "aggressor satellites" in orbit. This initiative, outlined by Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, aims to provide Guardians with realistic, hands-on experience in a contested space environment, moving beyond traditional ground-based simulations.
The plan mirrors the U.S. Air Force's long-standing use of aggressor squadrons, where pilots fly aircraft mimicking enemy tactics. By creating a live, thinking adversary in orbit, the Space Force intends to better prepare its personnel for potential conflicts against near-peer competitors like China and Russia.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force plans to purchase and deploy dedicated satellites to act as in-orbit adversaries for training purposes.
- This initiative is part of a broader expansion of the service's Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI).
- The goal is to create a more realistic training environment that simulates a "high-intensity fight" against a thinking adversary.
- The program is modeled after the U.S. Air Force's aggressor squadrons, which use specially trained pilots and aircraft to replicate enemy tactics.
- This move is a direct response to the growing counterspace capabilities of nations like China and Russia.
Expanding Training Beyond Simulations
The U.S. Space Force is working to enhance its training capabilities to reflect the realities of a contested domain. Gen. Chance Saltzman, the service's top officer, has emphasized the need to move training from purely virtual environments to live, physical scenarios.
During a discussion with reporters, Saltzman detailed plans for a comprehensive Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI). This infrastructure will combine high-fidelity simulators and virtual ranges with live-fire exercises and on-orbit activities. "We need to send people physically to ranges; we need live ranges to get live data," Saltzman explained. "All of that has to be considered a part of the test and training infrastructure."
What is an 'Aggressor' Program?
In military training, an "aggressor" or "adversary" unit is a specialized force that mimics the equipment, tactics, and operational mindset of potential enemies. The U.S. Air Force has used aggressor squadrons since the Cold War, flying jets like the F-16 and F-35 painted in adversary camouflage to provide realistic combat training for its pilots. The Space Force aims to apply this proven concept to the orbital domain.
Creating a Thinking Adversary in Orbit
A central element of this new training doctrine is the use of live aggressor satellites. These spacecraft would be operated by Guardians trained in adversary tactics, presenting a dynamic and unpredictable challenge for trainees on the ground.
"If you do that with a thinking adversary, meaning that the satellite you’re trying to use is being flown by aggressors, then that’s a live environment, and they’re trying to make it harder for you to do your job," Saltzman stated. "So yes, we do want to go to a live aggressor force."
This approach allows for the practice of complex procedures under realistic conditions. According to Saltzman, simulations cannot fully replicate the challenges of real-world operations, such as establishing and maintaining a radio frequency link with a satellite as it passes through atmospheric weather. The goal is to give Guardians repeated practice—or "reps and sets"—to validate tactics on operationally relevant timelines.
Responding to Growing Threats in Space
The push for more realistic training is driven by the rapid development of counterspace capabilities by other nations. U.S. military officials have repeatedly highlighted the growing threat posed by China and Russia, which are developing systems designed to disrupt, disable, or destroy American space assets.
China's Counterspace Capabilities
According to U.S. intelligence assessments and reports from organizations like the Secure World Foundation, China's space warfare capabilities are advancing rapidly. These include:
- Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) Missiles: Ground-launched missiles capable of destroying satellites in low Earth orbit.
- Co-orbital Satellites: Spacecraft equipped with robotic arms or other mechanisms that can physically interfere with other satellites.
- Ground-Based Lasers: High-power lasers that can dazzle, damage, or destroy satellite sensors.
- Electronic Warfare: Ground and space-based systems designed to jam satellite communications and GPS signals.
Gen. Saltzman has previously warned about China's development of "killer satellites" and ground-based lasers powerful enough to cause physical damage to spacecraft structures. Russia also possesses a range of similar anti-satellite technologies. This evolving threat landscape makes it critical for Space Force personnel to train for scenarios where U.S. satellites are actively being targeted.
Implementation and Future Acquisitions
The establishment of a live aggressor force will have a direct impact on the Space Force's procurement strategy. Gen. Saltzman indicated that future satellite purchases will need to include assets specifically designated for test and training purposes.
"For every orbital regime in which Space Force operates... some of the satellites the service purchases should be test and training articles," he said, drawing a parallel to how the Air Force procures aircraft for its test and aggressor squadrons.
This strategy is already being supported by new organizational structures. The Space Force recently activated System Delta 81, a unit dedicated to aligning the acquisition process with the needs of operational testing and training.
Building on Existing Foundations
While the concept of live aggressor satellites is new, the Space Force already has units dedicated to replicating adversary threats. These squadrons have primarily focused on electronic and cyber warfare simulations.
- The 527th Space Aggressor Squadron conducts exercises that include directing live energy at U.S. satellites to simulate jamming attacks.
- The 57th Space Aggressor Squadron, activated in 2021, is tasked with teaching and replicating modern and emerging space threats through academics and virtual simulations.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna confirmed that some on-orbit training involving electronic warfare is already underway. However, he stressed that "more infrastructure needs to be built out for other opportunities" and other tactics. The goal, Bentivegna said, is to give Guardians an environment where they can "train harder than maybe what conflict would look like" against a thinking adversary.
By investing in a live aggressor force, the Space Force aims to ensure its personnel are not just prepared for the challenges of today, but are also thinking ahead of the capabilities of potential adversaries in an increasingly vital and contested warfighting domain.