Space Force Payload Launches Aboard Allied Satellite In Historic First

In a groundbreaking move that signifies a new era of international space cooperation, the U.S. Space Force has successfully launched a payload aboard an allied satellite. This historic milestone marks the first time an operational Space Force payload has been deployed on a foreign-owned spacecraft.

In July 2023, the Rand Corporation wrote in an analysis of Air Force security cooperation projects with allies, including EPS-R: “The Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission effort experienced budgetary, bureaucratic, regulatory, cultural, and technical barriers, with bureaucratic and regulatory barriers being the most problematic.” It took almost two years to finalize the memorandum of agreement, even with leaders pressuring acquisition officials to get the deal done. 

The successful launch and deployment of the Space Force payload represent a major step forward in the integration of space capabilities between allied nations. By sharing resources and technology, both countries stand to benefit from enhanced space-based services and a more robust space architecture.

Rand analysts noted in their report that the payload going on QZSS will provide “a space domain awareness capability that the United States arguably did not need but pursued for the overall sake of cooperation.” 

This historic partnership is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations in space, fostering closer ties between allied nations and advancing the exploration and utilization of space for the benefit of all.