Slashing satellite and space launch programs would displace the United States as the world’s leading power within decades, said speakers at a space forum on Capitol Hill. Steven Bucci, a Heritage Foundation senior research fellow, viewed satellite capabilities as fundamental components of America’s military might. A lapse in “continually evolving” space technologies would ripple out, limiting current and future capabilities, he said during the July 26 event, which the TechAmerica Space Enterprise Council and Marshall Institute sponsored. Joel Arends, an Iraq war veteran and founder of Veterans for a Strong America, noted the importance of GPS and newer technologies that give soldiers a bird’s eye view of a battle in real time. “The biggest recipient of space-based technology were guys like me,” he said. (Marshall Institute webpage of event, with video link.)
With key members of Congress wavering on the possibility of a $350 billion defense reconciliation bill, defense experts told Air & Space Forces Magazine that the Pentagon is likely drawing up budget backup plans—but such plans would face hard choices between high-end weapons and low-cost drones and other programs in…