Whiting highlights SpOC capabilities at Space Mobility Conference

The Space Mobility Conference, hosted by Space Systems Command, gave an opportunity for the government and commercial industry to find ways to solve challenges through innovation in the space arena. Whiting closed out the conference discussing the unmatched advantages space has provided and evolved for more than 60 years.

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Whiting highlights SpOC capabilities at Space Mobility Conference

Published March 1, 2023
By Matthew Ebarb
Space Operations Command

Orlando, FLA -- Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of Space Operations Command, delivered the closing address during the 2023 Space Mobility Conference on Feb. 21, 2023.

The Space Mobility Conference, hosted by Space Systems Command, gave an opportunity for the government and commercial industry to find ways to solve challenges through innovation in the space arena. Whiting closed out the conference discussing the unmatched advantages space has provided and evolved for more than 60 years.

“Space provides the U.S. and our allied militaries a combat advantage from the ultimate high ground to the last tactical mile,” said Whiting. “With the threats we now face to our space enterprise, it is our job in the US Space Force and US Space Command to ensure that assumption is true.”

Whiting highlighted how the space environment has changed over time, particularly with regard to congestions. He highlighted the 90% increase in trackable objects on orbit over the past 3 years. Additionally, reliance on space for defense, commercial and personal purposes add the potential for further risk in the domain,

“The threat in space is growing, and the congestion is growing as well as we seek to leverage space for economic, scientific, and national security advantage here on earth.” Whiting said.

Whiting talked about the advancement from the early days of space exploration to future capabilities. He mentioned that partnership with industry will be key to advancement and sustainment of the nation’s ability to defend itself.

“If we are going to stay ahead of today’s threats and potential adversaries, we need to advance to the next stage of logistics and take advantage of new capabilities which American industry is now making available,” said Whiting. “We must be able to absorb attacks, rapidly reconstitute losses when required, and operate in novel and unexpected ways.”

Lastly, Whiting closed with a reminder that innovation is the key to keeping ahead of our competitors and maintaining U.S. preeminence in space is critical to our national security.

“It will be an ultra-marathon, but it will be required for humanity to continue to expand scientifically, economically, and for national defense into space,” said Whiting. “Thank you to SSC and stakeholders across the space community for the continued partnership as we advance the way we do business.”

Space Operations Command is the fight-tonight force and first Field Command of the U.S. Space Force. SpOC's mission is to protect America and our Allies in, from, and to space… now and into the future.