The United States will set an example by promising not to conduct anti-satellite tests to avoid adding dangerous space debris in orbit, Vice President Kamala Harris said at Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday, calling upon other nations to make similar pledges.
Harris visited Vandenberg for a few hours, landing aboard Air Force Two at the base airfield on a windy afternoon before getting a tour of the facilities for a key unit responsible for monitoring satellites and space junk.
Two lawmakers and several space leaders spoke before Harris took the stage as approximately 300 Guardians and Airmen listened to the presentations.
The administration is working to establish worldwide rules and norms for 21st century space operations, Harris said.
“We must write the new rules of the road, and we will lead by example,” Harris said. “Today, we are taking a major step forward in this effort, a step that specifically addresses the problem of destructive missile tests in space like the one Russia took in November.”
That Russian test destroyed a satellite in space, years after China took a similar action.
The tests are among efforts to develop anti-satellite weapon systems to interfere with the U.S. space-based capabilities.
“These tests, to be sure, are reckless and they are irresponsible,” Harris said. “These tests also put in danger so much of what we do in space.”
She said she received a briefing from members of Vandenberg’s 18th Space Defense Squadron, learning that Russia’s test just months ago has led to the identification of more than 1,600 pieces of debris.
China’s test more than decade ago has seen 2,800 pieces of junk still in orbit.
“Like air traffic controllers in space, the 18th tracks debris and satellites to prevent collisions,” she said, adding that the debris poses a risk to the safety of astronauts and satellites.
Debris the size of a basketball traveling at thousands of miles would destroy a satellite. Even smaller pieces could cause serious damage to spacecraft vital for various aspects of everyday life.
She announced that the United States had committed not to do anti-satellite tests.
“Simply put, these tests are dangerous and we will not conduct them. We are the first nation to make such a commitment, and today on behalf of the United States of America, I call on all nations to join us, whether a nation is space-faring or not.
“We will lead. This will benefit everyone, just as space benefits everyone,” Harris added.
In the coming months, the Biden administration will work with the global community to establish responsible behavior in space.
A satellite destroyed by debris could affect various aspects of life on Earth, such as critical infrastructure, weather forecasts, space-based mapping systems, and televisions.
The Biden administration also has started working to create comprehensive principles to guide civll use of space, according to the vice president.
“They are designed to create a safe and transparent environment for space exploration, science and commercial activities,” Harris said, adding that the number of nations to sign on this pact has doubled under the Biden administration.
“As we move forward, we will remain focused on writing the new rules of the road to ensure all space activities are conducted in a responsible, peaceful and sustainable manner,” she said.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, also spoke Monday, along with military space commanders.
Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, chief of space operations for U.S. Space Force, noted the value of space power, but said adversaries have taken note of the capability.
“Legacy space systems that long guaranteed security and prosperity are vulnerable,” Raymond said. “The creation of the Space Force embodies our nation’s commitment to sustain our security and leadership in space.”
The budget proposal “prioritizes space and enables a bold transformation to deliver a resilient space capability,” Raymond added.
After hearing Harris speak, Carbajal said the vice president reaffirmed the importance of Vandenberg and its capabilities.
“It also highlights the commitment the United States has toward creating norms and standards in space to protect humanity and technology and satellites that humanity depends on day in and day out,” Carbajal said.
“I think it’s very wise that the administration understands the complexity of the type of tests that Russia and China have done, and the implications for not only our astronauts in space but for humanity.”
This was the second vice presidential visit to Vandenberg in three years. Mike Pence came to the base in July 2019.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.