This week I read the article “U.S. Space Command supports use of ‘responsive launch’ to deter China and Russia”.  It discusses General Raymond, the new Commander of US Space Commands desire to partner with commercial space entities to “build the capabilities to replenish our military space assets” [1].  Specifically “rapid replenishments, software upgrades, and other dynamic space operations as Russia and China’s anti-satellite weapons advance”[1].  

The article was interesting to me because of the security implications.  First, the desire to partner for more national security missions will improve the list of capabilities available to SPACECOM.  But I think it could potentially increase the risk to mission and equipment.  Typically, a “national security space launch is planned years in advance and relies on fixed infrastructure”[1].   If we suddenly shift to rapid launches to replenish lost or damaged assets which could cause additional level of risk to be accepted by decision makers throughout the entire lifecycle of an asset.  For example, when it comes to replenishing the reserve assets there could potentially be additional supply chain vulnerabilities introduced, vehicle assembly issues, launch site security issues.  I think this just based off what I perceive the demand will be from the DoD to get vehicles on orbit and return any degraded mission status.  

[1] S. Erwin, “U.S. Space Command supports use of ‘responsive launch’ to deter China and Russia,” Nov. 29, 2022. https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-command-supports-use-of-responsive-launch-to-deter-china-and-russia/ (accessed Nov. 30, 2022).