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The mission launched April 1 at 6:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule, marking the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972.

The 10-day mission will carry the crew to approximately 280,000 miles (450,000 km) from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13’s record of 248,655 miles (400,171 km) as the farthest human spaceflight in history, according to NASA.

The crew consists of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

The mission is proceeding nominally as of April 2 flight updates published by NASA. All four solar array wings deployed successfully after launch and proximity operations (controlled maneuvering near another object in space) between the Orion and SLS upper stage were completed as planned.

Mission control polled the crew and Houston teams “go” for the trans-lunar injection burn (the engine firing that sends the spacecraft from Earth orbit toward the Moon) on April 2 at 7:49 p.m. EDT, following completion of the perigee raise burn, a 43-second engine maneuver that raised the spacecraft’s lowest orbital altitude, NASA stated.

Mission Objectives: What Artemis II Is Designed to Prove

Artemis II is not a lunar landing, and the crew will not touch the Moon’s surface. The mission’s purpose is to verify that the Orion capsule can safely carry a human crew to the Moon and return them to Earth, providing the data NASA needs to decide whether Artemis III, the actual crewed landing mission targeted for 2027, can proceed.

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The 10-day flight profile tests Orion’s systems under conditions that cannot be replicated in Earth orbit or on the ground. Specific objectives include measuring radiation exposure the crew receives during deep-space transit beyond the protection of Earth’s magnetic field, and verifying that life support systems (oxygen, carbon dioxide removal, temperature, and water) perform at lunar distances where resupply or quick return is not possible.

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This development, alongside Russia’s 2023 suspension of implementation and China’s accelerated nuclear buildup from over 200 warheads in 2020 to more than 600 in 2026, has prompted the United States to advocate for a new multilateral arms control structure involving multiple nuclear peers.

Concurrently, Iran has prioritized the restoration of ballistic missile facilities damaged during the June 2025 12-Day War, with reconstruction at sites such as Parchin and Shahroud progressing more rapidly than efforts at nuclear facilities like Natanz and Fordow.

Key Developments in Arms Control Landscape

The treaty’s lapse eliminates constraints on strategic forces, potentially allowing both nations to expand deployments.

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Prior to expiration, Russia observed central limits despite ceasing inspections and data exchanges. U.S. evaluations confirm adherence until the 2023 suspension, though breaches in verification protocols occurred.

The agreement, established in 2010 and extended in 2021, supported reductions but omitted tactical weapons, hypersonics, and China’s arsenal.

The U.S. Department of State identified structural shortcomings, recommending a replacement that includes all nuclear actors. China’s stockpile expansion, anticipated to surpass 1,000 warheads by 2030, renders bilateral approaches outdated.

Russian endorsement of this growth further undermines stability. U.S. legislative measures mandate assessments on confronting the dual-peer challenge.

International responses highlight perils. The UN Secretary-General characterized the expiration as a serious juncture, calling for resumed negotiations to avert unrestricted rivalry.

Russian Positions on Treaty Expiration

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This announcement asserts U.S. leadership in nuclear stockpiles with completed modernization during his 2017-2021 term. Assessments from independent organizations indicate Russia maintains a larger arsenal, while U.S. modernization efforts remain ongoing.

Verification reveals discrepancies in stockpile rankings and testing activities. Projections for global arsenals suggest continued expansion among major powers through 2030 and beyond.

Analyses indicate Trump’s claim that “The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country” may derive from emphasis on strategic deployable warheads under New START limits, capped at 1,550 for the U.S. and Russia, or views of U.S. qualitative advantages from investments.

Total stockpile figures show Russia ahead, and no evidence supports active rival testing prompting the directive.

Nuclear Stockpile Assessments

Russia holds the largest nuclear arsenal with an estimated 4,309 warheads as of early 2025, according to the Federation of American Scientists. The United States follows with 3,700 warheads, per the same assessment.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports similar figures in its 2025 yearbook, with Russia at 4,309 and the U.S. at 3,700, accounting for 87 percent of global inventories. China’s stockpile stands at approximately 600 warheads, placing it third, based on the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ March 2025 estimate.

France possesses 290 warheads, while the United Kingdom has 225, according to World Population Review data for 2025. India maintains 180, Pakistan 170, Israel 90, and North Korea around 50, per Federation of American Scientists and SIPRI estimates. These figures represent military stockpiles for potential use.

U.S. Nuclear Triad and Modernization Plans

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Above Photo: NASA - An artist’s concept of a fission surface power system on the surface of the moon. The nuclear reactor has been buried below the lunar surface to make use of lunar soil as additional radiation shielding. The engines that convert heat energy to electricity are in the tower above the reactor, and radiators extend out from the tower to radiate into space any leftover heat energy that has not been converted to electricity. The power system would transmit a steady 40 kW of electric power, enough for about eight houses on Earth, to the lunar outpost.

This initiative aims to establish a 100-kilowatt reactor by 2030, surpassing prior NASA research on a 40-kilowatt system targeted for the early 2030s. The move reflects efforts to maintain U.S. competitiveness in space, particularly against joint China-Russia lunar projects.

NASA seeks industry proposals within 60 days, designating a project leader to advance the effort. The directive emphasizes the strategic importance of lunar power sources, noting that the first nation to deploy a reactor could establish exclusion zones impacting others.

This aligns with broader U.S. space policy under the Trump administration, prioritizing human spaceflight amid budget constraints. Concurrently, Duffy will issue orders to expedite the replacement of the International Space Station with commercial alternatives by 2030, addressing potential gaps as China advances its orbital capabilities.

U.S. Lunar Nuclear Reactor Initiative

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The hydrogen-driven explosion created an intense flame surpassing 1,000°C (1,832°F) for more than two seconds, 15 times longer than the heat duration of a comparable TNT blast.

This was outlined in a March 2025 article by Wang Xuefeng from the 705 Research Institute, part of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), published in the Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance.

On January 14, 2025, the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics announced the completion of a pilot phase for a Shaanxi facility on January 10, 2025, capable of producing 150 tons of magnesium hydride annually. The precise date of the experiment could not be verified, but it likely preceded the March 2025 publication.

Key Developments

• 2025-01-14, 00:00 UTC (Approximate): The Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics announced the completion of a pilot phase for a Shaanxi facility on January 10, 2025, with an annual capacity of 150 tons of magnesium hydride, as stated in the institute’s official release (Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, January 14, 2025).

• 2025-03-31, 23:59 UTC (Approximate): Wang Xuefeng’s paper, published in the Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance, described the non-nuclear hydrogen bomb test, achieving an intense flame surpassing 1,000°C for over two seconds, reported by the South China Morning Post (April 19, 2025).

• 2025-04-19, 12:00 UTC: The South China Morning Post detailed the test, referencing the March 2025 paper. Secondary outlets, including Business Standard, The Indian Express, and Swarajya Mag, on April 20, 2025, confirmed technical details and noted the Shaanxi facility’s launch “earlier this year.”

Technology and Capabilities, Analysis:

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Since 2015, China’s satellite fleet—its collection of orbiting spacecraft—has surged approximately 1,000% from about 109 to 1,094 by January 2025, according to a U.S. Space Command statement on March 26, 2025, with 490 dedicated to intelligence and surveillance, such as gathering data for military purposes, as of June 2024, per the Space Threat Fact Sheet 2024.

China’s ambitions extend further. According to the Space Threat Fact Sheet 2024, China focuses on precision targeting—using satellite data to guide military operations—through its intelligence and surveillance satellites. It also signals a goal to become the world’s preeminent space power, leading in technology and influence by 2045.

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The Annual Threat Assessment 2025 states that Russia is developing a nuclear-armed antisatellite (ASAT) capability, described as a satellite intended to carry a nuclear weapon, which poses a severe threat to U.S. space assets due to its potential to cause devastating consequences in orbit. While the assessment does not explicitly mention an electromagnetic pulse (EMP)—a burst that could disrupt satellite electronics—this effect is inferred as a likely outcome of a nuclear detonation in space.

Separately, the Space Threat Fact Sheet 2024 reports that Russia conducted a counter-space satellite operation in May 2024 near a U.S. satellite, an action explicitly noted as interfering with U.S. space systems, raising concerns about orbital stability. The fact sheet does not define 'space stability,' but it is interpreted here to mean the safety and operational integrity of the orbital environment."

Meanwhile, Iran’s growing cyber operations, which could potentially disrupt space systems like satellite communications or ground control networks, add to the threats facing U.S. space assets, according to the Annual Threat Assessment 2025.

General Stephen N. Whiting emphasized the severity of these challenges, stating, “These novel and unprecedented developments include China’s robust counter-space weapons and Russia’s reported pursuit of an on-orbit nuclear anti-satellite weapon,” per the U.S. Space Command statement.

The Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative

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What Is DARC?

The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) is a trilateral initiative established by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 27, 2023.

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NOTE: As a reminder, some government reports and data may contain biased language or propaganda terms. While I do my best to exclude such content if it’s excessive and lacks value, it is ultimately up to the reader to use their judgment when interpreting this information.

This 22-year partnership aims to deploy a global network of advanced ground-based radar systems to enhance space domain awareness by tracking objects in geosynchronous orbit (GEO), approximately 22,236 miles above Earth.

Designed to operate continuously in all weather conditions, DARC will monitor satellites, space debris, and potential threats, safeguarding critical space-based services essential for defense and civilian applications.

• The first DARC site, located in Exmouth, Western Australia, completed construction in December 2024, ahead of its projected timeline, with initial radar transmission achieved in September 2024. Full operational capability is expected by 2027.

• The second site, proposed for Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is undergoing environmental and planning assessments, with the U.K. Ministry of Defence anticipating economic benefits through sustained local employment.

• A third site, to be situated in the continental United States, remains under evaluation, with the entire network slated for completion by 2032.

DARC employs innovative radar technology, utilizing multiple smaller arrays to replicate the capacity of a single large receiver, a concept proven by the U.S. Space Force in 2021. This enables precise, 24/7 tracking of objects in GEO, overcoming limitations of optical systems constrained by weather and daylight.

The initiative addresses escalating challenges in space, including debris and adversarial actions, enhancing the AUKUS partners’ ability to protect vital infrastructure and respond to threats.

Collectively, DARC strengthens strategic deterrence and interoperability, aligning with broader security objectives in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability Makes Tremendous Progress In The First Year

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Recent Reports On Europe

Becker's post featured a video of an alleged New York Times report being scrolled, along with the following text:

Kyle Becker: BOMBSHELL. The New York Times buries in a report that the Biden administration is considering the return of Nuclear Weapons to Ukraine. "So U.S. and European officials are discussing deterrence as a possible security guarantee for Ukraine, such as stockpiling a conventional arsenal sufficient to strike a punishing blow if Russia violates a cease-fire. Several officials even suggested that Mr. Biden could return nuclear weapons to Ukraine that were taken from it after the fall of the Soviet Union. That would be an instant and enormous deterrent. But such a step would be complicated and have serious implications." The nuclear brinksmanship is being framed as an act of "deterrence," but it would drastically escalate the conflict. Moscow is sure to consider such an action as a betrayal of Post-Soviet agreements and a direct provocation. Russian president Vladimir Putin recently lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons; a major attack on Russia with conventional missiles, drones or aircraft could trigger a nuclear response. The Biden administration can't leave office soon enough.

On Sunday, while speaking to ABC, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the United States is not considering this option after Russia called the idea "absolute insanity" and that preventing such a scenario was one of the reasons Russia carried out its operation within Ukraine in the first place.

"That is not under consideration. No. What we are doing is surging various conventional capacities to Ukraine so that they can effectively defend themselves and take the fight to the Russians, not nuclear capability," Sullivan said.

Although Ukraine Possessed Nuclear Weapons Before The Fall Of The Soviet Union, It Gave Up The Weapons After The Budapest Memorandum Agreement Was Reached In 1994:

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According to an article by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Sun has reached its Maximum Phase in its 11-year Solar Cycle.

NASA/NOAA: "The solar cycle is a natural cycle the Sun goes through as it transitions between low and high magnetic activity."

"Roughly every 11 years, at the height of the solar cycle, the Sun’s magnetic poles flip — on Earth, that’d be like the North and South poles swapping places every decade — and the Sun transitions from being calm to an active and stormy state."

NASA: This week there were:

• 28 M-class flares

• 4 X-class flares (!)

•  31 coronal mass ejections

•  2 geomagnetic storms

The article went on to explain, “During solar maximum, the number of sunspots, and therefore, the amount of solar activity, increases". 

"This increase in activity provides an exciting opportunity to learn about our closest star — but also causes real effects at Earth and throughout our solar system.”

"Solar activity strongly influences conditions in space known as space weather. This can affect satellites and astronauts in space, as well as communications and navigation systems — such as radio and GPS — and power grids on Earth.

When the Sun is most active, space weather events become more frequent. Solar activity has led to increased aurora visibility and impacts on satellites and infrastructure in recent months."

Full Article: Sun Reaches Maximum Phase in 11-Year Solar Cycle

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All Reports On IBCM

China’s Rocket Force test-launched an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile loaded with a dummy warhead into the Pacific at 8:44 a.m. (00:55 GMT) on Wednesday, according to the Chinese Ministry of Defense which said the missile “fell into expected sea areas”.

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The Chinese military released a statement that said, “The PLA Rocket Force launched an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) carrying a dummy warhead to the high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08:44 on September 25th, and the missile fell into expected sea areas”.

New Photos Posted By The Chinese Military

The Chinese military added, “This test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan. It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target”.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa spoke to reporters in Tokyo and said, “Currently, the situation is being analyzed by the relevant ministries and agencies.It has been reported that the vessel fell into the Pacific Ocean, but in terms of the safety of ships and other vessels, there have been no reports of any damage so far. We will promptly investigate and analyze the matter, as well as maintain close vigilance and monitoring”.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara reported that there was no information about any damage to Japanese ships, or other vessels in the region as a result of the ICBM launch.

“We will continue to collect and analyze information about the movements of the Chinese military while doing a good job of vigilance and surveillance,” the Defense minister said.

The Japanese Coast Guard said they received a report from the Chinese hydrographic authority regarding “falling space debris” on September 23rd, after which they issued a navigational warning telling vessels navigating the region to be cautious.

According to Japanese media the fall period for the ICBM was to be from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Japanese local time on September 25th. NHK reported that the trajectory would be from the “sea northwest of Luzon Island in the Philippines, the Pacific Ocean east of Luzon Island, and the South Pacific northeast of New Zealand”.

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“The Ministry of Defense says this report appears to be referring to the ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) that China launched at 9:44 a.m. on the 25th,” NHK reported, adding that the director of the China Research Institute at the Ministry of Defense's National Institute for Defense Studies Masayuki Masuda said that the missile is likely the Dongfeng-41, which is capable of hitting the mainland United States and carrying multiple nuclear warheads.

“It is believed that the missile passed over the Pacific Ocean and landed in the South Pacific,” it continued, adding that it’s believed to be the first time China has launched an ICBM into the sea since 1980, 44 years ago.

“Until now, China has been proceeding with tests and launches while avoiding external stimulation. , has announced that it has landed an ICBM in the Pacific Ocean that is within range of the U.S. mainland, which is clearly a message to the United States,” Masuda stated.

Masuda also said that China’s aim was to show that the Dongfeng-41, which was first announced 5 years ago has “entered a stage where it can be used in combat”.

“The alliance network including Japan, the United States, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia is becoming stronger. It appears that the United States sent a clear message back to the United States at a time when a system based on alliances is being strengthened with China in mind,” the Director added.

Although the Chinese military did not say what type of missile was fired, its latest known missile is the Dongfeng-41 or DF-41 which was displayed in 2019 during celebrations to mark 70 years of the People’s Republic of China.

The DF-41 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile is known to have a range between 12,000 and 15,000km (7,400-9,320 miles).

The missile test was rare, and also unusual in the fact that China does not usually fire ICBMs into international waters, but usually prefers testing them in remote or isolated provinces such as the Xinjiang region or Bohai Sea.

The country also does not normally disclose that it has launched an ICBM and normally prefers to be private about its launches. The last time China is believed to have fired an ICBM into the Pacific was in May of 1980 when it launched a DF-5 missile into the South Pacific.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also delivered a message on Monday encouraging the country’s space industry to work hard to accelerate its progress in “space endeavors” according to it’s Ministry of Defense as he met with representatives of China’s space scientists and engineers who took part in developing the Chang'e-6 lunar mission.

Pentagon: China Notified The United States Prior To The ICBM Launch, Which A “Step In The Right Direction”. China Launches Multiple Satellites, Russia’s Sarmat Test Fails (Full Report):

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Furthermore, the orbit of the device launched by Russia has been placed within the same orbit as a U.S. Government satellite, according to the Pentagon, which says it's currently monitoring the device.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a briefing, "We have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the domain - the space domain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the Joint and Combined Force.

And we'll continue to balance the need to protect our interests in space with our desire to preserve a stable and sustainable space environment."

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Ryder also said during the briefing, "What I'm tracking here is on May 16th, as you highlight, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that we - that we assess is likely a counter-space weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.

Russia deployed this new counter-space weapon into the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite. And so assessments further indicate characteristics resembling previously deployed counter-space payloads from 2019 and 2022. And so, you know, obviously that's something that we'll continue to monitor.

Certainly, we would say that we have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the domain - the space domain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the Joint and Combined Force. And we'll continue to balance the need to protect our interests in space with our desire to preserve a stable and sustainable space environment."

When Ryder was asked whether it posed a threat to the U.S. Government satellite right now, he replied and said, "Well, it's a counter-space weapon in the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite, so.."

When asked if the Pentagon knew there was a launch by Russia into space he said, "Typically when there - when there are launches into space, there are requirements in terms of notifications - international notifications, notifications to airmen, things like that.

So the question is did we have advanced notice of that launch? As it relates to payloads and - and what we know about and what we don't know about, i.e. intelligence, that - that is not something I can get into."

During a United Nations Security Council meeting on a resolution on the prevention of an arms race in outer space & outer space security, Robert Wood, U.S. representative in the UN, highlighted Russia's actions in space & how the U.S. will continue to demonstrate safe space activities.

During the meeting, he addressed the launch by Russia, saying that the United States will continue to put a "bright spotlight" on Russia's "troubling actions in space",  and how the actions "diverge from its statements here in the Security Council". 

He told the Security Council, "On March 16th Russia launched a satellite into low-earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counter-space weapon that is presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low-earth orbit.

Russia deployed this new counter-space weapon in the same orbit as a U.S. Government satellite. Russia's May 16 launch follows prior Russian satellite launches likely of counter-space systems into low-earth orbit in 2019 and 2022". 

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Remarks Before the Vote on a Russia-Drafted UN Security Council Resolution on Outer Space Security

Ambassador Robert Wood, Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs on May 20, 2024

Thank you, Mr. President.

Colleagues, we are here today because Russia seeks to distract global attention from its development of a new satellite carrying a nuclear device.

On April 24, Russia vetoed a resolution, supported by 13 members of the Security Council that called on all Member States not to develop nuclear weapons specifically designed to be placed in orbit.

That resolution, which was a product of nearly two months of constructive negotiations and co-sponsored by 65 countries, reflected a simple reality: placement of a nuclear weapon into orbit would not only violate the Outer Space Treaty, it would also threaten human spaceflight as well as the vital communications, scientific, meteorological, agricultural, commercial, and national security services that any and all satellites provide to people around the globe.

We have heard President Putin say publicly that Russia has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space. If that were the case, Russia would not have vetoed that resolution.

Over the past several weeks, and following widespread condemnation from a geographically diverse group of Member States in the General Assembly on May 6, Russia has sought to distract from its dangerous efforts to put a nuclear weapon into orbit. The culmination of Russia’s campaign of diplomatic gaslighting and dissembling is the text before us today.

Drafted through a hasty process that did not take into account legitimate, repeated, and shared concerns by a majority of this Council, Russia’s resolution does not achieve the simple task that we set out to achieve several months ago: reaffirm the basic obligations of the Outer Space Treaty and avoid a nuclear arms race in space.

Consequently, the United States will not support this disingenuous resolution. We urge the Council to reject it and instead reiterate our call for Russia to join every other member of this Council in supporting the common sense, straightforward text that dozens of Member States supported only four weeks ago.

Again, Russia does not want the Security Council to focus on its dangerous actions in space. Its veto then requires that we be skeptical of its statements today and its intentions in putting forward this resolution.

It’s also vital we not lose track of some simple facts.

First, rather than enhance arms control, the Russian text put forward today would narrow the scope of efforts in other United Nations bodies in a way that would be detrimental to preventing an arms race in outer space.

Second, by seeking to use this resolution to put forward language on other topics that Russia knows does not have consensus support in this Council, Russia’s text also distracts from affirming the important obligations of all 116 States Parties to the Outer Space Treaty – including that no nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction be put into orbit.

Third, the text that Russia vetoed on April 24 went to great lengths to address every Council member’s concerns in a broader and more inclusive manner than what Russia has forced on the Council today.

To repeat: the resolution that Russia vetoed was supported by 13 members of this Council and was co-sponsored by 65 Member States.

It reflected the strong global consensus, as the President of the General Assembly Ambassador Francis later declared, during the Assembly’s May 6 meeting that: “[o]uter space does not belong to individual nations. Its peaceful and sustainable use is not subject to national appropriation and must be a place of peace and cooperation for the benefit and in the interest of all countries.” The United States could not agree more.

For our part, the United States will continue to demonstrate how space activities can be conducted in a responsible, peaceful, and sustainable manner in order to preserve the benefits of space for current and future generations.

We also will continue to put a bright spotlight on Russia’s troubling actions in space, and how they diverge from its statements here in the Security Council.

Indeed, just last week, on May 16, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit. Russia deployed this new counterspace weapon into the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite.

Russia’s May 16 launch follows prior Russian satellite launches likely of counterspace systems to low Earth orbit in 2019 and 2022.

Colleagues, I urge you to vote “no” on this distraction and to join us in pressing Russia to cease its obstruction here in the Security Council.

And we urge you to join us in making clear to Russia that the world will not turn a blind eye to its dangerous and unprecedented efforts to develop a new satellite carrying a nuclear device, which undermines its obligations under the Outer Space Treaty and counters the views of an overwhelming majority of members of the Security Council.

Thank you, Mr. President.

###

Thank you, Mr. President. I apologize for taking the floor, but I obviously need to respond to the remarks made by the Russian representative. In answer to his question: Yes, I read your bad text. Your text includes a lengthy binding mechanism that cannot be verified. That is clear.

We have had those discussions in Geneva before with regard to the type of treaty that you would like to see come into place. So, we’ve seen this movie before. But what I would submit to my Russian colleague is that we let the Council decide on his text. And we’re about to do that. Thank you.

Remarks Before The Vote On A Russia Drafted Un Security Council Resolution On Outer Space Security

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Space Officials Address Key Counterspace Challenges Posed By Russia And China

PENTAGON: The Defense Department remains focused on maintaining its edge in space as competitors attempt to shift the balance in the domain, a top space official from the Pentagon said today.

In testimony before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee, John D. Hill, deputy assistant secretary of defense for space and missile defense, outlined key investments in DOD's budget request for fiscal year 2025 needed to keep pace with challengers to the U.S. in the space-warfare domain.  

"We are clearly in a time of rapid change in the space strategic environment," Hill told the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. "One that does not favor the slow or those resistant to change."

He noted efforts by China and Russia to rapidly field space and counterspace capabilities meant to degrade and challenge the joint forces' use of space-based services that provide warfighters with key advantages on the battlefield.  

"The scale and scope of the threats in space present significant risks to the American people, to our national interests, [and] to allies and partners," Hill said.  

Hill was joined by Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration, and Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, the Space Force's vice chief of space operations, in testifying before the subcommittee. They further underscored the need for urgent action to maintain U.S. leadership in space. 

"Space has never been more critical to the security of our nation, and the success or failure of the joint force depends heavily upon the capabilities that we present," Guetlein said. "Repeated actions by both the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China underscore the urgency for action.”

"Although we still maintain control of space over our competitors, they are still working hard to close the gap and assert their dominance in space," he added. "We cannot let this happen."

Hill highlighted key programs included in DOD's budget request that are aimed at ensuring the U.S. is postured to maintain its dominance in space.  

The budget request includes $33.7 billion dollars for space programs in fiscal year 2025. Those investments include $2.4 billion for space launch capabilities; $1.5 billion for more resilient position, navigation, and timing; and $4.2 billion for more resilient and protected satellite communications.  

The request also includes $4.7 billion to develop new missile warning and tracking architectures and $12.3 billion for a range of other capabilities aimed at increasing the resiliency of DOD's existing space architectures. 

Hill also highlighted key initiatives the department has undertaken recently to ensure warfighters maintain the space advantage.  

Those include efforts to expand U.S. cooperation with allies to chart a path toward interoperability in space and strengthening collective deterrence. The department has also worked to remove obstacles that have impeded information sharing among the services and with allies.  

Hill also highlighted this year's release of DOD's commercial space integration strategy, which outlines the department's approach to harnessing private sector space technology innovation.

The strategy highlights four priorities to achieve integration with the commercial partners.   

First, it calls for outlining DOD's requirements in contracts and other agreements to ensure commercial solutions are available when needed.   

Second, the strategy calls for the integration of commercial solutions into defense architecture during peace time — including planning, training and day-to-day operations — to ensure warfighters can seamlessly utilize those solutions during crisis or conflict.   

Third, the strategy calls for protecting and defending against threats to U.S. national security space assets — including those in space and on the ground — and commercial space capabilities, where appropriate.    

Finally, the strategy emphasizes that DOD will use its full range of financial, contractual, and policy tools to support the development of new, commercial space solutions that have the potential to support the joint force.   

During his testimony, Hill said DOD will continue to advance on key policy objectives to ensure the U.S. maintains its edge in space.  

"I believe the progress we've already made together will pay dividends for years to come," he said.

Defense Officials Testify on Space Defense: Pentagon: In The Last Few Years Counterspace Threats Have Increased Significantly:

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Eclipse To Be Visible In Mexico, United States, Canada

The eclipse will block the sun and last around 4 minutes and 28 seconds on April 8th, 2024 which is around twice as long as the 2017 eclipse, and the path of totality (where it will be visible) will occur in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

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Mathematically, the longest possible duration of a total solar eclipse is 7 minutes and 32 seconds according to eclipse calculator Jean Meeus.

NASA states that you don't need to live in the path of totality to see the eclipse, and during the April eclipse around 99% of the people who live within the United States will be able to see a partial or total eclipse right from where they live.

Although those in the path of totality will be able to see the full blockage of the sun, those outside of it will still see a partial blockage or partial eclipse.

"Every contiguous U.S. state, plus parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will experience at least a partial solar eclipse," NASA states.

April 8th Solar Eclipse Path, Full Report:

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The same day the information was released, the U.S. Space Force successfully launched six satellites for the Missile Defense Agency and Space Development Agency on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket with a new generation of missile detection, missile tracking, and communications satellites on board:

The House Intelligence Committee had posted Turner’s message stating, “Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all members of Congress information concerning a serious national threat”.

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His statement added, “I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat”.

During a press briefing, national security spokesman, John Kirby confirmed that while he’s limited to the information he can confirm that it is related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing.

"First, this is not an active capability that's been deployed. And though Russia's pursuit of this particular capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone's safety," Kirby stated adding, "We're not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth."

He added that the United States has known about Russia’s intention for this capability for “many months if not a few years” but added that it’s only been recently that the intelligence community has been able to "assess with a higher sense of confidence exactly how Russia continues to pursue it."

He said that the administration is taking the potential security threat “very seriously” and is actively working to inform lawmakers and allies globally.

"Nothing is more important to President Biden and the safety and security of the American people," Kirby stated. "That's his top priority and it's going to remain front and center as we continue to determine the next best steps."

Reports: The Anti-Satellite Device Russia Intends To Put Into Space Is A Nuclear Weapon, Russia’s Response:

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Summary: "The U.S. Space Force (USSF)-124 mission successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40".

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - "Space Systems Command (SSC) and its mission partners successfully launched the U.S. Space Force (USSF)-124 mission on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket today at 5:30 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida."

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Full Pre-Launch/Post-Launch Reports:

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The center reported on December 14th that the Earth-directed component would be expected to reach Earth on December 16th and that the effects should last until December 17th.

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Radio Communication Interference With Aircraft Reported By Multiple National Weather Service Units:

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The Space Weather Prediction Center reports that the effects may be: "Temporary degradation or complete loss of high frequency (HF) radio signals on parts of the sunlight portion of the earth".

What Are X-Class Flares? More Information On The Current Flare:

What are X-class flares, and how does the classification system work? Read to the end of this article for an even more in-depth explanation of what they are and how they affect the Earth.

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X-class flares are the strongest type of flare. The system includes B-class flares (the weakest), C-class flares (second weakest), M-class flares, and X-class (strongest) types of solar flares.

Each class also has a point system associated with it, from 1 to 9, with 1 being the weakest and 9 being the strongest type of flare, except for X-class flares which can go even higher than 9. One example is the solar flare that occurred in 2003, during the last solar maximum.

That solar flare was so powerful that it overloaded the sensors measuring it. They cut out at X17, and the flare was later estimated to be about X45, according to NASA. 

A powerful X-class flare like that can create long-lasting radiation storms, which can harm satellites, and even give airline passengers flying near the poles small radiation doses. X flares also have the potential to create global transmission problems and worldwide blackouts.

Information, Charts, and Photos On The Latest X-Class Solar Flare:

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What Is A Coronal Hole?

The National Centers for Environmental Information defines coronal holes as, "dark regions in the sun’s atmosphere detected by ultraviolet and X-ray imaging, are the source of high-speed solar wind streams.

The winds generated by the coronal hole pass virtually unhampered into space. Sometimes present for many months, the holes rotate as the sun rotates every month. These high-speed streams collide with the slow solar wind that is generated outside the holes.

The visual effect resembles the spiral of a rotating sprinkler, which scientists call the Parker Spiral. This collision can lead to the formation of shockwaves in the solar wind and can produce disturbances to Earth’s magnetosphere, the protective magnetic field that surrounds the planet for thousands of miles above the surface."

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NASA Video Showing Latest Hole In The Sun, More Information On What They Mean:

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The Space Weather Prediction Center reported a Moderate Radio Blackout Event on November 28th, 2023 when an M9.8 solar flare occurred. An M9.8 is only a few percentage points away from an X-class, which is the most powerful type of solar flare that is known to cause radio blackouts.  

At that time it was reported that the effects might be "temporary degradation or complete loss of High Frequency (HF) radio signals on some of the sunlight side of the Earth" at the time. 

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Coronal Mass Ejections are "large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona," according to the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center. Such expulsions can inject "billions of tons of coronal material and carry an embedded magnetic field (frozen in flux) that is stronger than the background solar wind interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength," the agency states.

It adds, "CMEs travel outward from the Sun at speeds ranging from slower than 250 kilometers per second (km/s) to as fast as near 3000 km/s".

The fastest CMEs directed at our planet can reach the Earth in a matter of 15 to 18 hours after being initially released from the Sun, according to the agency. 

On December 1st, the agency reported a G3 (strong) Geomagnetic storm was observed, adding that a geomagnetic storm is a "stronger disturbance in the Earth's magnetic field; often varying intensity over the course of some hours". 

It also added that the general public "need not be concerned" and that people who are under or near the 30-minute predicted "auroral extent" may look for the aurora if it happens at night, and if weather permissions allow it. 

The agency added that it could have some effects on the power grid with "controllable power fluctuations," and spacecraft operations: "Possible surface charging, atmospheric drag increase on Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites," and intermittent GNSS/GPS degradation is possible. 

Space Weather Prediction Center 3-Day Forecast And Explanation:

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An R2 (Moderate) HF Radio Blackout Event occurred on 28 November, 2023 at  1950 UTC. The responsible flare peaked at M9.8 at 2:50 pm EST on 28 November as measured by the GOES-18 satellite.

The flare source was NOAA/SWPC Region 3500 - a moderately complex sunspot group near the Sun’s central meridian. HF degradation was possible over much of the eastern portion of the southern Pacific Ocean while the flare was in progress and above M5 levels. 

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The flare was also associated with a probable coronal mass ejection (CME) as indicated by USAF solar and radio telescope observatory reports and also as suggested in GOES SUVI  imagery. 

SWPC forecasters will examine coronagraph imagery as observations become available for CME signatures and analyze accordingly. 

Due to this recent activity and instability of Region 3500, the chances for further M-class flares have increased and there is now a slight chance for X-class flares. 

G1 and G2 Watches for 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2023: "Multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) occurred from the Sun on 27 November 2023. Three of these CMEs appear to have Earth-directed components with the first arrival as a potential glancing blow or near-Earth proximity passage beginning as early as late on 29 Nov EST  (early 30 Nov UTC). 

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The later CMEs are anticipated to arrive at Earth near the end of 30 Nov EST (early 1 Dec UTC) as at least glancing blows. Analysis and model results suggest G1 levels are probable on the 30 Nov  UTC-day in response to any initial CME influences, followed by G2  levels on the 1 Dec UTC-day as the additional CMEs arrive". 

What Is A Coronal Mass Ejection? Full Forecast Information:

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Space-based resource identification is a key factor in planning for civilian- and government-led space exploration.

“Hydrogen has the potential to be a resource that can be used directly on the lunar surface when there are more regular or permanent installations there,” said Dr. Katherine D. Burgess, geologist in NRL’s Materials Science and Technology Division.

“Locating resources and understanding how to collect them prior to getting to the Moon is going to be incredibly valuable for space exploration.” The Apollo lunar soil samples were provided by a NASA-funded research mission to NRL scientists for investigation and testing.

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The research team, led by scientists in NRL’s Materials Science and Technology Division, continues to study lunar surface and asteroidal samples to gain an understanding of how surfaces interact with the space environment, which is known as space weathering. 

Previous testing from additional Apollo samples confirmed the location of solar wind helium in lunar soil grains. “This is the first time scientists have demonstrated the detection of hydrogen-bearing species within vesicles in lunar samples,” said Dr. Burgess.

“Previously, the same team at NRL used state-of-the-art techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy to detect helium in lunar samples, and other researchers have found water in other planetary samples, but this is the first publication to show hydrogen in-situ in lunar samples.”

The research article was published in the “Communications Earth & Environment” journal on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C., with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, Key West, Florida, and Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers, and support personnel.

NASA’s SOFIA Discovers Water on Sunlit Surface of Moon:

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