HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The head of U.S. Space Command is pushing for a fundamental shift in how America thinks about its satellites, arguing that the military’s orbital assets need the same robust logistics support that keeps jets flying and ships sailing — a call that comes as China is seeking to demonstrate its own in-space refueling capabilities.

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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...