Chief of Staff speaks on future of space operations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force News Agency
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNEWS) --  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley delivered a speech to a crowd of more than 400 at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 11.

The general's speech to a group of military, civilian and industry space professionals focused on the important part space plays in the defense of the nation and about Air Force issues in the past, present and future.

"Today more than ever the Air Force mission is global," General Moseley said. "Awareness in space provides us that first and very primary notion of vigilance, reach and power."

General Moseley said that space capabilities are a vital tool in the war on terrorism. He said that currently great efforts are being made to better fuse space operations personnel into deployed unit's missions.

"Space capabilities are an important element of waging and winning this long war," General Moseley said. "We can't sit back and think that what we did yesterday will keep us safe in today's world."

He said an important part of keeping space as a vital tool is to keep improving the technology. The general identified two areas in particular that will play a big role in the future of space operations.

"All of our satellite systems need to be modernized and require recapitalization over the next decade," General Moseley said. "To make modernization work we have to stay combat focused. We have to strive to constantly stay ahead of our adversaries."

One audience member who will play a part in that future is Tech. Sgt. Anthony Handy. The Space Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, crew chief, from Schriever AFB., Colo., has been a part of Air Force Space Command for 13 years. The SBIRS program is scheduled to become operational sometime next year.

"I thought it was great, General Moseley provided some great guidance on space issues," he said. "I will definitely share some of his insights with my coworkers. I liked that he put a lot of emphasis on Airmen matters and what will happen in the future."

General Moseley said that he has confidence that the space community can handle the challenge.

"Air Force Space Command has never rested on its laurels in its 25 years of existence," he said. "It is time to buckle down again. This challenge falls on all of us, whether it is uniformed Air Force, civilian or industry professionals."

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