Emerging International Space leaders visit SpOC 

  • Published
  • By SSgt Jose Rodriguez

SpOC hosted 15 members of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program along with five civilian US program escorts from Department of State and the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council.  

The purpose of the visit was to promote links between U.S. scientists, engineers, and public policy experts from countries with emerging space programs and to discuss collaborative efforts and partnerships between public, private and academic actors in space. 

“The US Space Force and Space Operations Command recognize the imperative of working with international partners,” said Lt Col Richter, International Affairs deputy director. “Today's event allowed the Command to communicate its mission and vision to a broad range of distinguished foreign dignitaries representing civil and military institutions, industry, and academia.”  

The group also received a SpOC mission brief, a Space Law briefing, and participated in a discussion on science and technology matters.  

“It’s truly amazing the way Space operations command seeks partnerships in academia and allies alike,” said   Marco Romero, aircraft system engineer and pilot, Angolan National Air Force. “This has been a once in a lifetime experience and I hope to go back Angola and research ways to partner in future space endeavors.” 

The goals of programs like IVLP are long-term and focus on the need for enduring global relationships to ensure the space domain is a safe and sustainable area of operations.  

  “We hope the IVLP leaders will take from this an understanding of the benefits of working with the US in Space,” said Richter. “The broader IVLP Space Program could lead to new opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships in the future.” 

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.