After much anticipation and a bit of a delay, SpaceX has launched into space for a historic first mission for America’s newest branch of its military, the U.S. Space Force.
Cape Canaveral was once again making history as the SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a new GPS satellite into orbit as part of a mission with the U.S. Space Force, a first for the innovative aerospace company. The launch was made to upgrade existing satellites used for GPS navigation used for a variety of reasons including civilians driving their cars to military guidance and more.
This mission was planned to be executed in April, however, the delay was implemented to allow a satellite operations center to attempt new protocols for its control consoles’ physical distancing capabilities. The Colorado-based team reduced the size of its team and implemented partitions with PPE to help protect the crew against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The satellite being replaced was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and its fate is still to be decided on whether it will be decommissioned, although it was only supposed to be there for a 10-year mission and is now being replaced after 20.
5G, SpaceX, Space Force, and the Future
While the initial outcome of the collaboration between SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force may be better navigational technology, this is a great first step towards much more than replacing a GPS. SpaceX, the brainchild of Elon Musk, has positioned itself as an American leader in space travel since its successful launch with humans onboard earlier in 2020. The launch was the first since 2011 on U.S. soil and completed its mission which overcame major obstacles for reusable spacecraft in the future.
SpaceX is expected to continue working closely with both NASA and the U.S. Space Force as the need for protecting and expanding American communications grows. 5G is going to play a major role in a variety of industries and applications over the next decade and beyond. One of the primary roles of the Space Force will be to protect 5G communications and outer space operations from physical and virtual threats. The full extent as to how these organizations will continue to work together remains to be seen, but the future of 5G will depend on reliable protection from outside negative forces.
President Donald Trump presented the U.S. Space Force in December of 2019 as the United States continues to state the importance of a solidified force to protect American interests in space. 5G’s future and the future of America’s newest military branch will continue to be intertwined as companies unleash more and more 5G communications and capabilities that affect the everyday lives of Americans. Hackers, terrorists, and foreign governments can pose major national security risks in the way we communicate. With innovative companies and a dedicated military branch, the U.S. can defend against these threats and protect itself today and in the future.
Source: Spaceflight Now