Ever since the Trump administration called for the creation of a new branch of the military called “Space Force,” I’ve seen an astronomical amount of criticism directed at it. And justly so.
The militarization of space is incredibly dangerous, costly and stupid. But the Trump administration seems pretty set on making it a reality. So, instead of opposing Space Force, I’d like to switch its focus to something more positive.
According to Vice President Mike Pence, the most important reason America needs Space Force is to “protect American assets in space.” He’s insinuating we need to protect our assets (satellites, space stations, etc.) from foreign powers.
But the most dangerous factor to our assets is not other countries, but space debris. Pieces of broken hardware, dead satellites still in orbit, this space junk is hurling around low Earth orbit at thousands of miles per hour. If even a quarter-inch screw hit the International Space Station at these speeds, it could compromise its hull, killing or harming those aboard.
Space Force, to truly “protect American assets in space,” should be focused on cleaning up orbital debris, not on putting guns in orbit. Space is truly the final frontier, and it should be open for peaceful exploration, not military exploitation.
Mitch Stevens, Draper
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible