The U.S. Space Force is mandated to “organize, train and equip” forces to protect American interests in space. That sounds straightforward on paper. In practice, however, the very definition of those interests, and how best to defend them continues to be debated, especially as space is increasingly shaped by the private sector.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...