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The United States Space Force has established a new unit with the purpose of protecting the country from space threats posed by other nations. The Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (ISRS) was activated during a ceremony held at the Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. The squadron will specifically target satellites and ground stations that are associated with adversary space forces and counter-space force threats.

During the activation ceremony, Lt. Col. Travis Anderson, the leader of the squadron, explained that space forces are capabilities used by a country to support their joint war fighting efforts. Counter-space forces, also known as space attack forces, are capabilities designed to prevent the United States from using their satellite systems during conflicts.

The U.S. Space Force also unveiled the new patch for the ISRS, which features the imagery of the grim reaper at its center. This symbolizes the demise of any adversary the squadron would engage with. The patch also incorporates the Polaris Star, representing the guiding light of security and the constant presence and vigilance of the squadron in space.

The establishment of this unit comes as a response to growing concerns over China’s advancements in space capabilities. China has its own space station in Earth orbit and plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon. In 2007, China conducted an anti-satellite missile test, destroying one of its defunct satellites. Meanwhile, Russia also carried out its own anti-satellite test in 2021.

The U.S. has taken steps to address the issue by calling for a ban on anti-satellite weapons, with the hope of encouraging other countries to do the same. However, China has criticized this call, claiming it aims to weaken others and has a negative impact on space security and global stability. China has consistently expressed its commitment to the peaceful use of space and opposes the weaponization and militarization of space.

The establishment of this new unit by the U.S. Space Force underscores its commitment to protecting national interests in space and signifies a move towards the militarization of Earth’s orbit.

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