SPACECENT Hosts Second Annual CENTCOM Theater Space Forum with Global Experts

SPACECENT Hosts Second Annual CENTCOM Theater Space Forum with Global Experts
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 27, 2024

In a strategic move to bolster space capabilities within the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations, the U.S. Space Forces Central (SPACECENT) recently convened the second annual CENTCOM Theater Space Forum. This significant gathering, held at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, saw the participation of over 140 space experts from the five branches of the U.S. Defense Department, multiple combatant commands, and allied nations.

The forum aimed to facilitate the exchange of lessons learned from ongoing regional operations, enhance intra and extra-command processes, and solidify partnerships. By forming dedicated working groups, participants were able to draw upon a diverse pool of expertise, fostering innovative solutions and building strong relationships essential for future collaboration.

A focal point of the forum was the diverse range of capabilities that SPACECENT's Guardians provide, offering a firsthand learning experience for attendees from the Defense Department and partner countries. These capabilities include the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for critical naval and aerial navigation and supporting commercial shipping, including the transportation of humanitarian aid. Additionally, the Space Force Guardians play a crucial role in missile warning systems, contributing to the success of missions such as Operation Prosperity Guardian, which secures freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and Operation Inherent Resolve's mission to defeat Daesh.

Col. Christopher S. Putman, SPACECENT commander, emphasized the integral role of space-based capabilities in defense and commercial sectors. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to integrate space activities with international partners, which not only enhances operational efficiency and innovation but also opens avenues for mutual learning and technological advancement. "Integrating with our partners helps us support them from a security standpoint. But engagement also provides the U.S. an opportunity to hear from and learn from our partners. They may have the next great idea, capability, or technology that makes us even better in defense we weren't thinking about. We're always learning from each other," Putman remarked.

The CENTCOM Theater Space Forum stands as a testament to the critical importance of space in contemporary defense strategies and the value of international cooperation in harnessing space capabilities for global security. As SPACECENT continues to lead efforts in integrating space into defense operations, the forum's outcomes promise to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of CENTCOM and its partners in maintaining regional stability and security.