US Space Command has set its sights on the future, prioritizing “space fires” to secure dominance in orbit and advancing battlespace awareness by 2027. According to Gen. Stephen Whiting, these objectives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the United States maintains its edge in space as global threats continue to rise.
During a speech at the Army Space and Missile Defense Symposium, Whiting outlined SPACECOM’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) “integrated priorities list”—a vital document submitted to the Joint Force. This list highlights the command’s evolving needs and ambitions, guiding military services and defense agencies in shaping their budget plans and acquisition strategies. But this year’s list is more than just a checklist; it marks a turning point for SPACECOM as it begins a strategic shift toward 2040, preparing for potential conflicts with adversaries like Russia and China. Notably, China’s aggressive military ambitions, including the possible takeover of Taiwan by 2027, loom in the background of these preparations.
At the heart of SPACECOM’s FY27 priorities is the concept of “space fires,” a term Whiting used sparingly and without detailed explanation. The phrase conjures images of offensive actions in space, which Pentagon officials have historically avoided discussing due to political and security sensitivities. Yet, Whiting emphasized the importance of space superiority—commanding space as the ultimate high ground in any conflict.
While the specifics of “space fires” remain shrouded in mystery, its inclusion signals a growing acknowledgment of the need for more aggressive space operations. These could involve not just defending US space systems but potentially targeting enemy satellites and space assets. This stance is echoed by other military leaders like Space Force Chief Gen. Chance Saltzman, who described space superiority as shielding the Joint Force and the nation from threats originating in or aimed at space.
The Army, too, has embraced this evolving mission. Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, leader of the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command, spoke about developing non-kinetic capabilities—those that don’t involve physical force—to counter adversaries in space. “Non-kinetic is the space we operate in,” Gainey said, pointing to the importance of disrupting enemy operations without resorting to weapons.
Supporting space fires, Whiting explained, are advanced space domain awareness operations—essentially the eyes and ears of space. Enhanced battlespace awareness is crucial, allowing SPACECOM to detect and respond to threats in real time. To do this, SPACECOM is investing in a resilient and agile space command-and-control infrastructure, using machine-to-machine connectivity to speed up decision-making during conflicts.
Another area of focus is bolstering cyber defenses for space systems, ensuring that satellites remain secure against potential hacks. SPACECOM also plans to upgrade its satellite telemetry, tracking, and commanding architecture, making its systems more reliable and capable of withstanding enemy interference.
Whiting also emphasized the need to strengthen missile defenses. The FY27 list includes a requirement for “missile defeat effects,” enabling SPACECOM to neutralize a wide array of missile threats, from ballistic and cruise missiles to the more cutting-edge hypersonic glide vehicles that are capable of evading traditional defenses. Whiting highlighted that this approach must evolve beyond simple one-on-one missile interceptors, advocating for a multi-layered defense system combining ground-based interceptors, sea-based platforms, and space-based sensors. This strategy, he noted, is crucial for addressing new challenges, especially the maneuverability of advanced hypersonic weapons.
As SPACECOM looks ahead to 2040, Whiting envisions a future of “dynamic space operations.” This could involve everything from on-orbit refueling and maintenance to responsive launches, all aimed at ensuring that US space assets can maneuver and sustain themselves during prolonged operations. Whiting also stressed the importance of making space infrastructure more resilient and mobile, recognizing that as space becomes more contested, simply remaining static will not be enough.
Looking beyond Earth’s immediate orbit, Whiting foresees cislunar space—the vast region between Earth and the Moon—becoming a new battleground. As NASA and commercial companies push towards lunar colonization, SPACECOM will have to extend its mission to protect US interests and ensure security in this expanding frontier.
Finally, Whiting underscored the necessity of integrating defense networks across multiple domains and Allied nations. Seamless coordination between air, sea, land, and space forces will be essential for defending against the growing range of missile threats. He also stressed the need for enhancing global sensor management, which will provide comprehensive situational awareness and improve threat detection, enabling faster, more effective responses.
SPACECOM’s FY27 vision sets the stage for an ambitious and challenging future, one in which space will no longer be a passive theater for observation but an active and contested domain requiring constant vigilance, innovation, and readiness to protect both the United States and its Allies.
