Using a ground-based medium-range ballistic missile, the test knocked out an aging Chinese weather satellite about 537 miles above the earth on January 11 through "kinetic impact," or by slamming into it, Johndroe said.
This is of great concern to us. Not only do satellites do a lot of work for our civilian economy, but they are crucial for our command and control, precision bombing, reach-back capability (UAVs over Iraq piloted by ground crews in America), networking, and communications. The Chinese desperately want the ability to deny us this asset should it come to a shooting war.
I still say our Air Force needs to aim high and become our Space Force. If they don't embrace this mission, we will create a Space Force from scratch. And as the Army takes over tasks once in the Air Force's domain, the Air Force will wither as it tries to hold a niche market of airlift and strategic nuclear weapons.
Will the Air Force listen to the message China is sending? With their origins in the Signal Corps, you'd think the Air Force would be more receptive to receiving this advice.
