US Space Force Develops 2040 Strategy for Cislunar Operations and Lunar Missions
The US Space Force (USSF) is developing a strategy to address its operational needs for maintaining space superiority by 2040. A strategic document outlining these requirements is expected in 2026. General Shawn Bratton emphasized the need to accelerate planning for cislunar operations, noting that the USSF has lagged in this area.
Current lunar ambitions are primarily centered around NASA's Artemis program, which plans a manned lunar landing in mid-2027 and other orbital missions. The Department of Defense and the intelligence community are focusing on developing capabilities for domain awareness and navigation in cislunar space.
The USSF's Oracle program aims to launch satellites for space situational awareness, while the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) collaborates with the USSF and NASA to create lunar navigation infrastructure. Bratton also addressed the need for the USSF to consider satellite refueling and the future role of space troops.
