The ADF’s Space Command made significant strides at Exercise Pitch Black 24, displaying its space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities through a key partnership with the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) network.
This initiative underscores the critical role of space in modern Defence operations and highlights Australia’s growing ability in the space domain.
During her visit to Pitch Black, Chief of Joint Capabilities Lieutenant General Susan Coyle said space was critical to every ADF operation and activity.
“From satellite communications to precision-guided weapons and situational awareness, the space domain is integral to our operational effectiveness,” she said.
The JCO, a US Space Force-led international collaboration, employs a ‘follow-the-sun’ model to ensure round-the-clock space surveillance. With regional cells covering the Pacific, Meridian and Americas, the network provides 24-hour monitoring through non-classified commercial SDA data.
During Pitch Black, personnel from the ADF, New Zealand Defence Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology contributed to the JCO operations floor.
The JCO’s role at Pitch Black involved monitoring various space activities, including changes in space objects’ photometric shifts, manoeuvres and re-entries.
‘Investment in space capabilities that enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is a top priority under our National Defence Strategy.’
Officer in Charge of Joint Commercial Operations at 1 Space Surveillance Unit, Major Thomas Bittner, said this capability also covered direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests and launches, providing a comprehensive picture of space activities that could influence military operations.
“Australia must evolve into a genuinely integrated force across maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains,” Major Bittner said.
“Exercises like Pitch Black are pivotal in testing and refining our systems and enhancing interoperability with our international partners.”
Space Command’s involvement in Pitch Black also reflected broader strategic goals. The ADF aims to enhance regional situational awareness by leveraging Australia’s geographical advantages and promoting a favourable strategic balance.
“Investment in space capabilities that enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is a top priority under our National Defence Strategy,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
“Collaborating with international partners helps us build a resilient space architecture and fosters mutual understanding and capability development.”
The exercise also offers valuable international engagement and collaboration opportunities, acknowledging that space is a team effort.
During Pitch Black, Space Command’s advanced SDA capabilities highlighted Australia’s commitment to maintaining a strategic edge in the evolving space domain.
This underlines the importance of continued international cooperation in securing space and cyberspace.
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