Australian Space Command

Australian Space Command is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) dedicated space operations command, established in January 2022. The creation of Space Command reflects the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain and the need for a dedicated military organization to manage Australian space operations and capabilities.

Key aspects of Australian Space Command:

1. Establishment and structure:

• Established in January 2022 as a unit within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
• Headed by a one-star Air Vice-Marshal
• Operates under a US Space Force blueprint, reflecting the close alignment between Australian and US space operations doctrine
• The command coordinates space activities across all three services (Navy, Army, Air Force)

2. Core missions:

• Space domain awareness (SDA): Detecting, tracking, and characterizing objects in Earth orbit to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the space environment. This includes monitoring for potential threats to Australian and allied space assets.
• Space operations: Conducting military space operations in support of ADF and allied missions, including satellite communication, navigation, and intelligence collection.
• Space capability development: Developing and acquiring space capabilities for the ADF, including satellites, ground stations, and space surveillance systems.
• Space control: Protecting Australian and allied space assets and, if necessary, denying adversary use of space.

3. Key assets and programs:

• DARC (Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability): Trilateral US-UK-AU deep space radar at Exmouth, operational 2026
• JORN (Jindalee Operational Radar Network): Over-the-horizon radar network with space surveillance capabilities
• C-band space surveillance radar: US-owned radar at Exmouth for LEO tracking
• Space Surveillance Telescope (SST): Optical space surveillance at Exmouth
• Military satellite communication: Access to US Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and other allied satellite communication systems

4. Allied cooperation:

• US Space Force: Australian Space Command operates under a US Space Force blueprint and maintains close cooperation with USSF
• Five Eyes: Space intelligence sharing through Five Eyes partnership
• AUKUS Pillar 2: Space cooperation is a key element of AUKUS Pillar 2, with DARC as the flagship program
• Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC): Australian personnel participate in allied space operations at CSpOC

5. Strategic context:

• The establishment of Space Command reflects the growing strategic competition in space, with Russia, China, and other nations developing counterspace capabilities
• Australia's geographic location provides unique advantages for space surveillance, particularly of the southern hemisphere sky
• The ADF's increasing reliance on space-based capabilities (communication, navigation, intelligence) makes space security critical for Australian defense

6. Personnel and expertise:

• Space Command draws personnel from across the ADF with space-related skills
• The command works closely with DSTG on space science and technology
• Training and development programs build Australian space operations expertise
• The command leverages allied training programs (US Space Force, UK Space Command)

7. Connection to JORN: The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), while primarily an over-the-horizon radar for air and sea surveillance, also has space surveillance capabilities. JORN can detect objects in low Earth orbit, contributing to the Australian space domain awareness picture. The AUD 14-20 billion investment in JORN modernization will enhance its space surveillance capabilities.

Australian Space Command represents Australia's commitment to space as a warfighting domain. The command's establishment in 2022, its close alignment with the US Space Force, and its management of key space surveillance assets (DARC, JORN, Exmouth assets) position Australia as a significant contributor to allied space operations and space domain awareness.