The world space economy is currently valued at over $385 billion. At least 666 intelligence satellites from 38 countries monitor the globe; 790 communications satellites from 45 countries move critical data; 121 navigation satellites from six countries connect point As to point Bs; and 303 scientific satellites from 38 countries push the frontiers of learning. Of these, the United States accounts for 353, 391, 31, and 94 respectively—a 46 percent eagle’s share if you do the math.
Having experienced nearly 7 percent annual growth for a decade, top investment firms predict over a trillion dollar space industry by 2040 with some going a high as 3 trillion. With space-based broadband, cheaper reusable rockets, and space tourism nearly here, and energy, mining, and
transportation looking increasingly possible, our national interests—and treasure—are increasingly migrating to space and, correspondingly, our national security concerns.
Countries like China have already demonstrated their intention to escalate hostilities into space. First conducting a debris-forming anti-satellite test in 2007, China is developing antisatellite missiles and lasers that will be fully operational within a few years. Having opened this Pandora’s Box, cyber, jamming, high-power microwave, and space-based weapons cannot be ruled out as future threats, especially when Kepler’s laws make critical asset locations uncomfortably predictable.
The Air Force’s space budget request is $14 billion—17 percent larger than last year’s. But it isn’t just larger—it incorporates speedy acquisition authorities, faster contracting approaches, and strategic industry partnerships to compete against emerging space threats
That was Air Force acquisition chief William Roper, in a statement before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (April 25, 2019), “Hearing on China in Space: A Strategic Competition.”
Kevin Pollpeter later says that China has 284 total active satellites (about 15 percent of the total).
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