Defining “Counterspace” in the Theory on Competitive Endurance

The Elara Edge

In General B. Chance Saltzman’s “Theory on Competitive Endurance,” the Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force listed three core tenets of the military’s approach to the space domain: avoid operational surprise, deny first-mover advantage, and undertake “responsible counterspace campaigning.” This third tenet, counterspace, has become increasingly relevant for a warfighting domain that has traditionally approached space capabilities with risk-averse language and restrictive classification policies.

But now, adversaries have recognized that space capabilities are both a strategic advantage - and potential vulnerability - for the United States military. This emerging threat is driving an imperative to both understand and define how counterspace capabilities can preserve the space domain the global economy has come to rely on.

In this episode of "The Elara Edge," Elara Nova partners Col (Ret) Stu Pettis and Col (Ret) Dave Morrow describe the types of counterspace threats the Space Force must prepare for and emphasize the role of counterspace campaigning in Gen Saltzman's "Theory on Competitive Endurance." Both Col Pettis and Col Morrow are graduates of the United States Air Force Weapons School.

Col Pettis served for 29 years in the United States Air Force supporting space operations and serving on the Secretary of the Air Force’s Space Force Planning Team, where he oversaw the establishment of the military’s newest service. Col Morrow served for 24 years in the United States Air Force before retiring as the Director of Testing and Evaluation for the United States Space Force.

"The Elara Edge" is hosted by Scott King and produced by Regia Multimedia Services. The full story can be found on Elara Nova's Insights page here. Music was produced by Patrick Watkins of PW Audio.