Australia’s defence forces reached for the stars when it tested its space skills during a recent exercise.
The ADF’s Space Command took part in Exercise Pitch Black 24, displaying its space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities through a key partnership with the United States-led Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) global network.
Chief of Joint Capabilities Lieutenant General Susan Coyle said the initiative underscored the critical role of space in modern defence operations and highlighted Australia’s growing ability in the space domain.
“From satellite communications to precision-guided weapons and situational awareness, the space domain is integral to our operational effectiveness,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
She said the JCO employed a “follow-the-sun” model to ensure round-the-clock space surveillance, with regional cells covering the Pacific, Meridian and Americas.
Lieutenant General Coyle said during the exercise personnel from the ADF, New Zealand Defence Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology contributed to the JCO operations floor.
She said the JCO’s role at Pitch Black involved monitoring various space activities, including changes in space objects’ photometric shifts, manoeuvres and re-entries.
“Investment in space capabilities that enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is a top priority under our National Defence Strategy.”
Officer in Charge of Joint Commercial Operations at 1 Space Surveillance Unit Major Thomas Bittner said this capability also covered direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests and launches, providing a comprehensive picture of space activities that could influence military operations.
“Australia must evolve into a genuinely integrated force across maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains,” Major Bittner said.
“Exercises like Pitch Black are pivotal in testing and refining our systems and enhancing interoperability with our international partners.”
