This April I had the privilege, along with 18 other space enthusiasts, to discuss space resiliency with Redwire’s EVP of National Security Space Dean Bellamy and Associate Director of National Security Space Mitch Ledbetter at the Space Generation Fusion Forum (SGFF). Taking place immediately before Space Symposium, SGFF is a professional development and networking event focused on the global space industry. At SGFF, students and young professionals participate in small breakout sessions guided by leaders in space. Our breakout session was titled “Enhancing the Resiliency of our Space Assets.”
Over the course of two days, breakout session participants and Redwire subject matter experts discussed space asset resiliency and compiled a report for the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which will be presented at the Committee’s annual General Assembly and other conferences around the world. Our group discussed the implications of living in an era where space, which is integral to our daily lives and warfighter operations, has become increasingly contested. We proposed ways to protect continued, sustainable open access to all current and future spacefaring nations and ensure continued freedom of action.
Participants determined that threats require improving infrastructural adaptability to stress, including strengthening launch and ground operations, while maintaining assured access to space for all. The discussion explored issues in launch operations, communications, mission planning, and global collaboration. The group’s key recommendations included imposing launch and ground operation common standards for cyber exchanges, enforced orbit diversity, in-plane phasing, and terrestrial ground diversity.
The group also discussed required spectrum management for equitable access, encryption standards, and cloud-based data processing. Mission management proposals included a central traffic management system, shared ephemeris, and coordinated responses between operators. Discussions regarding continued access to space prompted recommendations for improved workforce equity and the need for a global summit.
The opportunity to moderate this insightful and exciting breakout session allowed me to witness the students and professionals of today shape the future of space. The enthusiasm and expertise shown during the sessions inspired great ideas for significant change and gave a glimpse into the bright minds of the world’s young space workforce.
