Space Force, Aug 29

[_subgenius]

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the National Space Council, Vice President Mike Pence and Pentagon officials announced that a key step in creating the newest branch of the military would happen next week.

The U.S. Space Command officially starts Aug. 29, serving as the launching pad for the Space Force, they said. Air Force Gen. John Raymond has been tapped and confirmed by the Senate as its first leader.

"The United States Space Force will ensure that our nation is prepared to defend our people, defend our interests, and to defend our values in the vast expanse of space and here on Earth with the technologies that will support our common defense for the vast reaches of outer space," Pence said.

I know there have been jokes upon jokes over the Space Force, but since NASA funding (and defunding) has long been redirected to this effort and it has basically been in Pentagon development for quite some time (a.k.a. before Trump); I am curious what poster think about this new American "Force".

[_Dr. Shades]

I think that, given our technological and financial limitations at present, any such force will consist solely of remote-controlled drones for a long time to come.

[_moksha]

Wonder if those aliens who probed Subgenius and Ajax might lend a hand?

[_subgenius]

I think that, given our technological and financial limitations at present, any such force will consist solely of remote-controlled drones for a long time to come.

My understanding is that they are primarily focused, for now, on tracking and monitoring satellites.

[_subgenius]

Wonder if those aliens who probed Subgenius and Ajax might lend a hand?

If they are probing do they even have a free hand?

[_Gunnar]

I think that, given our technological and financial limitations at present, any such force will consist solely of remote-controlled drones for a long time to come.

My understanding is that they are primarily focused, for now, on tracking and monitoring satellites.

That is a laudable goal and activity, but it is my understanding that the Air Force Space Command, NASA and several other agencies, both U.S. based and foreign, are already actively and effectively engaged in tracking and monitoring not only satellites but manmade space debris and junk of all kinds. I don't know that there is need to create yet another agency just for that.

[_subgenius]

... I don't know that there is need to create yet another agency just for that.

My understanding is that it puts a more focused responsibility in play. Having it be "one more thing" on air force plate was problematic. And you might want to check that NASA funding thingy.
Nevertheless, its about resources and jurisdiction for the moment.