The United States Space Force is gearing up for a set of exercises designed to defend against potential threats from a satellite belonging to a rival power such as Russia or China. The reporting on this plan comes from a technology-focused outlet that tracks space defense developments and governance.
According to the coverage, the Victus Haze mission will involve a Rocket Lab satellite tracing a path alongside a spacecraft built through a separate initiative. The goal is to advance the algorithms that enable counter-satellite operations, including coordinated maneuvers in low Earth orbit to neutralize or deter hostile devices. This work reflects ongoing efforts to extend space situational awareness and protection of critical assets in space, with practical experiments to validate tactical concepts.
Recent analyses note a significant disruption in a fleet of satellites due to solar activity. Solar flares heat and expand the upper atmosphere, increasing drag and atmospheric density at orbital altitudes. The resulting orbital perturbations can push spacecraft off their intended trajectories, with the most pronounced effects observed at altitudes around 400 kilometers or lower. This phenomenon underscores the importance of robust debris and environment modeling in sustaining satellite operations across the Earth’s immediate space environment.
In earlier missions, observers reported Russian cosmonauts addressing an issue by deactivating a malfunctioning radiator system in orbit. The episode highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining complex hardware in the harsh conditions of space and the need for reliable training and contingency protocols in space operations.