By Rafael Esteves and Caroline Colbert |
On April 19, 2021, the United States Army approved the development of prototype of a low-orbit satellite, dedicated to the navigation and reproduction of images in real time. The initiative is called the Tactical Space Layer and aims to replace the current system of US navigation services, called Global Positioning System (GPS). The army fears that U.S. adversaries, in a possible conflict, can render the system inoperative. There is an expectation that this project could be a starting point for other U.S. army programs to develop space technology, mainly in the areas of surveillance and tactical reconnaissance.
Impacts on Defense and Security: The development of this program demonstrates that different areas of the U.S. armed forces are concerned with the new possibilities represented by space. Regarding the impact of the Tactical Space Layer, the armed forces will gain advantages in ground combat, through effective communication and navigation, with less possibility of intervention from the opponents.
Source: ERWIN, Sandra. U.S. Army approves plans for a future ‘tactical space layer’. Space News. 04/19/2021. Available at: https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-approves-plans-for-a-future-tactical-space-layer/