Guetlein outlines U.S. Space Force vision for ‘allied by design’ space systems

BETHESDA, Md. — In a shift from the military’s historically insular approach, the U.S. Space Force is actively pursuing expanded partnerships with allied nations to bolster space defense capabilities. This marks a transformative moment for the youngest branch of the U.S. military, Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein said Aug. 28. 

“We no longer can go it alone,” Guetlein said at the AFCEA-INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit. He highlighted the Space Force’s position as the smallest service with the most expansive area of responsibility at a time when the complexities of space security demand a collaborative, global approach.

The Space Force will pursue joint development of technologies to protect satellites and respond to attacks on space networks, Guetlein said. He emphasized the need for partnerships to achieve deterrence, interoperability, resiliency, redundancy and scale in space operations. 

However, the path to international cooperation is not without obstacles. Guetlein acknowledged persistent cultural barriers within the U.S., including stringent security policies and a preference for domestically-built assets. These factors have historically hindered deeper collaboration with allies. Documentation often restricts information sharing, and programs are typically designed without export considerations, complicating later efforts to share capabilities.

Strategy for working with alliesWith these challenges in mind, the Space Force is taking steps to foster international partnerships, said Guetlein. A commercial space strategy released earlier this year commits to private sector collaboration, and a similar document for allied partnerships is in development. The ultimate goal, according to Guetlein, is to create systems that are “allied by design.”

To facilitate this vision, the Space Force is pushing for reduced classification of data to enable greater information sharing with international partners. Guetlein commented on the current frustration among allies who seek guidance on developing technologies compatible with U.S. systems but often encounter barriers to information access.

Several ongoing collaborations showcase the potential of this new approach, he said. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability project, part of the AUKUS partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, aims to enhance tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit through a global network of advanced ground-based radar sites.

In South America, the Space Force is partnering with Chile to improve space domain awareness. This is a pilot project looking at installing a half-meter class telescope at Cerro Moreno Air Base in Antofagasta, leveraging Chile’s optimal geographic conditions for astronomical observations.