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Space Force Launches Orbital Watch Program to Protect Commercial Satellites
COLORADO SPRINGS – The U.S. Space Force’s acquisition division has unveiled “Orbital Watch,” a novel intelligence-sharing initiative designed to alert commercial satellite operators to potential dangers threatening their space-based assets. This program aims to enhance space domain awareness and safeguard critical infrastructure in orbit.
Sharing Threat Data with Commercial Space Operators
Space Systems Command (SSC) stated that Orbital Watch will disseminate unclassified threat intelligence to over 900 space sector companies registered through the command’s “Front Door” portal. Participation is open to all registered companies, irrespective of existing government contracts or security clearances.
“As hazards in space continue to evolve—ranging from cyber intrusions and electronic warfare to hostile on-orbit actions—Orbital Watch is designed to communicate vital unclassified threat information. This will enable commercial providers to develop robust systems and effectively counter threats,” Space Systems Command announced in an April 8 statement.
Orbital Watch Expands Intelligence Sharing Beyond Existing Programs
For the past decade, the U.S. military’s Commercial Integration Cell (CIC) program has facilitated intelligence sharing with a specific cohort of space companies, including Blacksky, Kratos, LeoLabs, Telesat, Eutelsat America, Hughes Network Systems, Intelsat, Iridium, Maxar, SES, SpaceX, Viasat, and XTA. However, unlike CIC, which necessitates Defense Department contracts and personnel holding security clearances, Orbital Watch has no such prerequisites.
Growing Concerns Over Space-Based Threats
This initiative arises amidst escalating anxieties regarding threats to space assets. These assets have become indispensable infrastructure for global communications, navigation, and Earth observation. The commercial satellite industry has expanded significantly in recent years, with numerous new satellites launched into orbit by both established aerospace corporations and emerging space startups.
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Space-based threats encompass physical anti-satellite weapons, electronic jamming, cyberattacks, and ground-based directed energy weapons. Several nations, including Russia and China, have demonstrated anti-satellite capabilities in recent years, driving increased emphasis on space domain awareness and security measures.
Phased Rollout and Future Goals
Colonel Richard Kniseley, senior materiel leader of the command’s Commercial Space Office, emphasized that the program prioritizes “sharing threat information promptly,” highlighting the Front Door infrastructure’s suitability for this purpose.
The program will be implemented gradually, commencing with quarterly threat information distributions during its beta phase.
Victor Vigliotti, director of the Front Door initiative, explained that Orbital Watch seeks to “reinforce collaboration with commercial space providers and enhance shared understanding of the environment.”
The long-term objective is to establish a secure “commercial portal” enabling bidirectional threat intelligence exchange between government and commercial operators.