Trump tells Pentagon to create ‘Space Force’
President Donald Trump is announcing that he is directing the Pentagon to create the ‘Space Force’ as an independent service branch.
Trump said Monday that “we are going to have the space force” which he deemed a “separate but equal” branch of the military.
Trump says the United States will “be the leader by far” in space and looks to revive the nation’s flagging space program.
The president framed space as a national security issue, saying he does not want “China and Russia and other countries leading us.”
Trump also vowed to soon return the United States to the moon and to reach Mars.
Trump was joined by Vice President Mike Pence, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and members of his space council.
Local Congressman Doug Lamborn praised Trump’s directive and said Colorado Springs has many resources to support the branch.
“Colorado Springs is the epicenter of national security space, and the Pike’s Peak Region is ready to support this national effort to secure the final frontier for ours and future generations of Americans,” Lamborn said. “I look forward to working with President Trump and our Air Force to make sure this is done right. I am encouraged to see he takes this issue seriously. Since the President’s request will require Congressional action, I will be working closely with my colleagues on both Armed Services Committees to oversee this exciting initiative.”
Lamborn said space needs priority as he said United States adversaries see it as a weak spot.
“They know that if they take out some of our expensive, very capable, but very vulnerable assets, they can leave our warfighters deaf, dumb and blind,” Lamborn said. “We can’t let that happen.”
Lamborn said the work towards space has been started by Air Force space wings like the ones at Schriever Air Force Base and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.
While it’s still up in the air as to what the new military branch could look like, Lamborn is positive Congress will collaborate on common goals.
“The goals are that acquisition is better, faster, and better funded. that space is a higher priority, that personnel are advanced and promoted and trained better than even before,” Lamborn said.
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11 a.m.
The White House is establishing a new policy for reducing satellite clutter in space.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the new space policy directive Monday, as the National Space Council convenes.
The new policy calls for providing a safe and secure environment up in orbit, as satellite traffic increases. It also sets up new guidelines for satellite design and operation, to avoid collisions and spacecraft breakups.
Vice President Mike Pence heads the recently revived space council. Cabinet members will take part in the afternoon meeting at the White House, as well as NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, retired astronauts and scientists.
The council’s executive secretary, Scott Pace, told reporters before the meeting that space is becoming increasingly congested and current guidelines are inadequate to address the challenge.
