Trump launches US space warfare command, says it's key to country's defence

Current Affairs

US President Donald Trump on Thursday formally launched the Space Command, which he said will defend America's vital interests in "the next war-fighting domain".
Gen John W Raymond is the commander of the US Space Command, which has been established as the 11th Unified Combatant Command of the American armed forces.
"It's a big deal. As the newest combatant command, SPACECOM will defend America's vital interests in space -- the next war-fighting domain. And I think that's pretty obvious to everybody. It's all about space," Trump said addressing a formal ceremony at the White House Rose Garden.
Among others, it was attended by Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper.The Trump administration has identified Russia and China as the countries who pose threat to the United States in space.
"Now, those who wish to harm the United States -- seek to challenge us in the ultimate high ground of space, it's going to be a whole different ball game," Trump said.
"Our adversaries are weaponising Earth's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites that are critical to both battlefield operations and our way of life at home. Our freedom to operate in space is also essential to detecting and destroying any missile launched against the United States," he said.

 "Just as we have recognised land, air, sea, and cyber as vital war-fighting domains, we will now treat space as an independent region overseen by a new unified geographic combatant command," said the US president...Read More