What is considered a major historic event for the Space Force?

The selection of near-peer competition as a major historic event for the Space Force reflects a significant shift in national security priorities, particularly in the context of space as a contested domain. The emergence of near-peer competitors, such as Russia and China, has emphasized the need for the United States to enhance its operational capabilities in space to maintain strategic advantages. This competition has led to the development of policies and doctrines that prioritize the defense of U.S. and allied assets in space, as well as the ability to deter or counter potential threats.

The Space Force was created not only to ensure the protection and operation of space-based systems but also to establish dominance and readiness in an era where adversaries are advancing their own space capabilities. This historic pivot highlights the importance of recognizing space as an arena of potential conflict and demonstrates how the national defense strategy is evolving to address these new challenges. The focus on near-peer competition underlines the strategic significance of space in modern warfare and defense planning, marking an essential development in the history and mission of the Space Force.