Military Satellite Trackers Heighten Alert for Foreign Launches

The United States military has intensified its alert system for monitoring satellite launches, particularly those from foreign adversaries like China and Russia. This development is part of an ongoing effort to ensure space security and readiness, as the frequency of satellite deployments increases significantly.

In an interview with Col. Raj Agrawal, the former commander of the Space Force’s Mission Delta 2, he detailed the challenges faced by military operators tasked with tracking nearly 50,000 objects currently in orbit. The unit, which reports to Space Operations Command, has seen a proliferation of launches, largely driven by commercial companies like SpaceX and its efforts to expand the Starlink broadband network. While the U.S. military receives advance notice of these launches, the same cannot be said for the activities of other nations.

Both China and Russia typically do not disclose information about their rocket payloads or launch trajectories, heightening the risk for U.S. forces. Agrawal noted that the lack of transparency creates uncertainty regarding potential threats, such as whether a new satellite could be used for military surveillance or even to disable U.S. satellites. This uncertainty forces the military to prepare for various scenarios, including the possibility of hostile actions.

Preparing for Non-Cooperative Launches

Col. Agrawal emphasized that military personnel are on high alert during launches from adversarial nations. The Space Force gathers open-source information, including airspace and maritime notices, to anticipate launches. This practice mirrors how civilian enthusiasts and analysts track satellite activity.

However, the military benefits from classified intelligence that provides deeper insights into potential threats. Agrawal remarked on the unique challenge faced when dealing with nations that classify their satellites as experimental, despite suspicions that they support military objectives.

“When a launch occurs, we must prepare for the worst,” Agrawal explained. Commanders develop strategies to detect, track, and potentially target newly launched objects. This preparation involves coordination across various military units and international partners.

Coordination and Communication

The process of responding to a launch involves extensive planning. Agrawal outlined how his team is briefed on upcoming launches, assessing risk levels and who might be affected by potential satellite maneuvers. The mission planning process includes contributions from various branches of the military and intelligence agencies to ensure a comprehensive response.

The conversation has shifted significantly in recent years, as the frequency and unpredictability of non-cooperative launches have increased. Agrawal acknowledged that the amount of preparation required for these launches is immense, creating a strain on resources and personnel.

“Every time we face a non-cooperative launch, we’re essentially on alert for bad behavior, which diverts our focus from cooperative missions,” Agrawal noted. The military is working to foster international partnerships in space situational awareness to better manage these risks collaboratively.

Despite the challenges, advancements in technology have improved the military’s response capabilities. Agrawal highlighted that what once took hours to assess can now be done in mere minutes, thanks to high-speed communication systems and sophisticated data processing techniques.

Ultimately, the dynamic nature of space operations requires constant vigilance and adaptability. As satellite launches continue to proliferate, the U.S. military remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its assets and those of its allies in the increasingly crowded domain of low-Earth orbit.