Trump Wants to Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before… Establishing a U.S. Space Force
Pop Quiz: Which of our nation’s five established military branches is the youngest? I’ll provide the answer at the tail end of this piece.
I bring this up because there is a chance the U.S. will add a sixth branch soon. (The other five are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.)
Last month, President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to establish a “Space Force” as the sixth and newest branch. This is to ensure American dominance “on the high frontier.”
He made the announcement while speaking at a National Space Council meeting at the White House.
Plenty of “Space” for Discussion
Trump also called for his administration’s third Space Policy Directive. This one would establish new protocols and procedures to manage and track the increasing number of satellites in low-Earth orbit.
Not to mention the tens of thousands of pieces of space junk and debris that pose risks to spacecraft.
One of the previous Space Policy Directives called for returning humans to the moon before missions to Mars.
The other was aimed at streamlining the federal space bureaucracy. That’s to reduce red tape on licensing and the oversight of commercial space activity.
Trump Seeks ‘American Dominance in Space’
“My administration is reclaiming America’s heritage as the world’s greatest space-faring nation,” Trump said.
To put it in perspective, it has been nearly 46 years since the last manned mission on the moon occurred with our current space program.
“The essence of the American character is to explore new horizons and to tame new frontiers. But our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security.”
Trump said that in the future, defending America will require not just a presence in space. But also, “American dominance in space.”
Although the president did not provide more details, it’s obvious this would be a huge undertaking. There will be much congressional debate before it’s a done deal.
An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Some people argue that in the 21st century, it just makes sense. We’re already using space for satellite-based intelligence. Plus communications, weapons command, cyber capabilities and secure communications.
Over time, it will become more important to protect those assets. Especially because Russia and China have developed anti-satellite weapons. In fact, China recently made a dramatic showing of shooting down one of its own disabled satellites.
Needless to say, there will be pushback to Trump’s initiative.
Democratic Senator Bill Nelson of Florida tweeted that military generals don’t want a new military branch. He added that “now is NOT the time to rip the Air Force apart. Too many important missions at stake.”
Progress Already Being Made
But Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said they’re making good progress on Trump’s Space Policy Directives.
That includes reducing red tape in the commercial space market. And encouraging private-sector development of low-Earth orbit, including space tourism.
And NASA’s new administrator, Jim Bridenstine, said his agency is developing concepts for an orbital “gateway” space station.
It would circle the moon and serve as a base of operations. It would also be a jumping off point for future flights into deep space.
Bipartisan Support Needed for Longevity
There is a Republican in the White House. And there are Republican majorities in the House and Senate right now.
So, the GOP could possibly use those advantages to push these space initiatives through.
But, gaining bi-partisan support for these plans would be the wise course of action. Otherwise, an eventual change in leadership could result in having everything overturned.
As Terry Virts, a veteran shuttle astronaut and space station crew member, said, “Getting back to the moon and eventually to Mars does not depend on rocket science. It depends on political science.”
What Do You Think?
Ok, as promised, here’s the answer to that trivia question I asked at the beginning of this email.
Our nation’s youngest military branch is…
The Air Force. Added shortly after World War II, the U.S. Air Force is “only” 71 years old.
Now I’d love to hear what you think.
How do you feel about President Trump’s idea for a U.S. Space Force?
Do you believe it’s necessary to protect Americans in the 21st century?
Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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Best idea — send Trunp into space.
yes i knew as a former USAF dependent i should; yes i favor a return to space However, A “Space Force” is and would be a violation of international treaty on the non-militarization of space not that will stop mister Laws & Treaties don’t apply to me
I feel that what our president is doing is the right thing. We obviously can’t beat Russia so we should join them to dominate the world as partners. I think we should call it the United States of Russia. If we just continue to alienate our old Allies we will be justified in joining our former enemies.
I see no need for it, we need to take that money and take care of the people, we need no more natioal debt.
Everything President Trump has done is successful. He is a man of Honor and that is why he is hated by people filled with hate. GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT TRUMP, And GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Man of Honor? he doesn’t know the meaning of the word, he’s pathological liar and amazingly does it badly; yes Luis We Will make america great , again just as soon as we lose this alleged President
you are nuts….
Hahaha ,, befor the Air Force to this title. The air force was known as the army air Corp, when the new name took tidle Air Force it spit in two factions the United States Air Force and national arownotical space administration,, But yes space force would be a option to remove space resizable trash to make space ships out in space using 3D printers , releaving are sky to space zone free of trash or resicable metals .. Watch when thay say space force will be building space ships in outer space with the use of 3D printers To make a major sized ship to carry smaller ships that are maid on earth soil,, Wednesday 11,2018 at 3:39 mid western time ..
I would like NASA to once again head this re-start of space exploration both in a military sense but also because of the basic research it would entail to achieve this would create of by- products for consumers as in did in the past such as microwave ovens, the mathematics and circuitry for the computers of today along with a myriad of other things. At the same time it would provide a deterrent against aggression from other countries as it did in the past!
There is no need for a space force. The Air Force is currently launching space shots routinely. Just Make a subset Space division, like Marines are part of the Navy. There is no need to create bigger government when the systems are already there and the saving can be put towards hardware.
How about we get things in order here on Earth before expanding more into space. Protection of all (not just those that look and act like POTUS) in our country on Earth is much more important than spending huge amounts of money on space exploration. We already know that robust investment in as many as possible right here works. So get off all the exclusion in our country and share the bounty with all. True cultivation of all citizens in this land, instead of taking care of only those who choose to separate from their neighbor “across the tracks” will give us much more security and protection than searching in space for another place to run
It is a strategic goal that is long, long overdue.
I think the Idea of a space force will be good for us and the world! Let America get back on top!
Don’t think it’s necessary. The air force is already developing into and can actually be the space force.
First we need to figure out how to afford it. We are already looking at medicare collapsing followed soon by social security, we are so deeply in debt I am not sure if we are going to survive as a country at all. It is a good idea, but until we confront the main threat to our country which is our spending problem investing trillions and trillions more on this is ridiculous
Outer space is of grave concern to me; apparently our enemies could do a serious number on our country if we don’t take action to protect ourselves. The best defense is a good offense. I pray President Trump will be able to get this protection happen. He’s up against so many who don’t have our nation’s interests at heart. God be good to him and to the USA not that we deserve it.
Yes we need every advantage we can get to protect the US and stay a head of China, Russia, etc!
The dismantling of NASA is one of the worst decisions made with respect to national security. While the private sector has made tremendous strides space exploration is one area where government oversight is paramount.
I believe that Nasa was our space military, they
were trying to do all they could, I thought they ran
out of money, but it shouldn’t be military. Mike
Collins was the pilot of the first one and he worked
for my husband afterwards in Washington D.C.
N.a.s.a. Was formend to make topical maps of are surrounding planets and the study how human life can be habitable in space and other plants Eco systems to evolve and grow on those Eco systems .
Let’s go to space and start colonies on the moon and Mars. This will be a chance to advance technology to make space exploration a practical reality.
“A day late and a dollar short” Other sources reveal that we have had a secret space program since the spaceship that crashed in Roswell, NM. was back-engineered by scientists underground in “Area 51”
This may be Trump’s way of easing the shock to the general public.
It is absolutely past time to create, maintain and excel with a space force. America needs to lead, not get out of the way.
Definitely agree. This is the only way to lead the entire planet in moving beyond dearth.
NO! This is a waste of time, money and resources. It makes me ask: What is he trying to take our attention from? This is about the first thing re Pres Trump with which I have disagreed.
While I love space the amount of money could be better spent here on earth
Sounds like a way to funnel more $trillions into the corrupt pentagon.They cannot account for over $20 trillion$ already
This is the stupidest idea he has come up with already. The air force has been leading the military of this already and NASA has essentially been part of their inventive and explorative mission already! The roles are clearly defined and hav been for years! Retired aerospace engineer.
I actually think this is what Presented Kennedy was leaning towards go figure a democrat start and a Republican end … cross the aisle …
Thank you Mr President Trump for going above and beyond your office, but not your LOVE OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY .
Thank you sir Sgt Jeffrey Handloser e-5 sgt USMCR from 1975 to 1981.
I think this is a great move for the future of earth, the United States of America, and all peaceful nations of the world!!!
We should NOT invest in a Space Force until we, as members of this world, can resolve the horrendous problems we’ve already created. US attempt to dominate space – in other words battle for dominance with other nations – would be catastrophic. Look at the horrors we are already creating – the deaths, the refugees, the dead cities – it’s really, really horrifying to think this would be transferred to space!
I believe this is a good idea. I spent 9 years active duty Air Force in many places around the world. The Air Force mission shouldn’t be split between earthly skies and outer space. It is necessary to protect our US interests in this way.
I believe it to be absolutely necessary for the US to explore and develop a “Space Force”, not only for the security of the US, but, also because space is the ultimate frontier for known humanity to “go where no man has ever gone before” as quoted from “Star Trek” – to hopefully answer man’s question since the beginning of time – “Are we alone in the universe” ?
i HAVEN’T HEARD HIM NOR AHYONE ELSE SAY, BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE NASA WOULD GO AWAY. IF THAT IS TRUE, THEN A NEW BRANCH OF THE MIUITARY IS JUST TAKING THE PLACE OF NASA WHICH ON THE SURFACE AT LEAST MAKES SENSE. WE NEED MORE DETAIL
President Donald J. Trump is absolutely correct in creating a brand new “Space Force” considering that other powerful nations like Russia and China are tuned in to the very same thoughts of gaining power over the world. It’s been every dictator’s dream of ruling the world; remember Adolph Hitler, Julius Gaius Caesar, and Genghis Khan, all with that dictatorial dream of conquering the world.
Come now; even as a Boy Scout I’ve learned to be PREPARED, and never be caught with our pants down as in Pearl Harbor.
MSGT JOHN CORREA
USAF (RET)
I think his leadership on this is great. The need for the Air Force has been proven beyond any doubts. The Army Air Corps was with very simple aircraft and no electronics and could never be able to handle the mission of today. So it will be in the future with a space force. Only the mouthy idiots with their face stuck in a I phone or I pad have no ability to function if they didn’t have all the things NASA developed.
President Trump is thinking of the good of our nation and I agree that this is an essential service that needs to added. I wonder how many of us ever thought of it. The last 8 years, we didn’t even have a military presence as no funding was given to any branch. What does that say for the good of our nation? This is my cheer of agreement