US Space Systems Command Develops $10B Military Capabilities Across Continents

The evolving space domain is increasingly critical for national security and defense, with a focus on space domain awareness, combat power, and the integration of advanced AI capabilities. The U.S. Space Systems Command manages over 60 space and ground-based programs aimed at detecting, warning, and countering threats to space systems globally, supporting military and allied operations across multiple continents. Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, is enhancing onboard space computation, enabling faster and more accurate processing of surveillance, image, and communication data to provide a tactical edge in defense scenarios. India is also expanding its space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, relying on indigenous satellites like Cartosat-2C and Risat to support military operations against regional threats. Cybersecurity remains a significant challenge for satellite systems, especially in government and defense sectors, with advanced threats like signal spoofing and post-quantum vulnerabilities addressed through zero-trust architectures and international partnerships to enhance resilience and threat intelligence sharing. These developments underscore the strategic importance of space as a contested domain requiring robust technological, operational, and collaborative approaches to maintain superiority and security.