23rd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Space Force

Mr. J.P. Parker addressed the escalating strategic significance of space in national security, intelligence, and the global economy. Drawing upon his experience as the former Intelligence Community Space Executive, he elucidated that the United States operates not only military satellites but also intelligence satellites that serve as the nation’s “eyes and ears” in space, gathering data, monitoring global activities, and facilitating communication systems. He underscored that space capabilities support both defense and intelligence operations and are indispensable to contemporary governance and security.

Parker observed that space is also deeply integrated into daily life, supporting technologies such as GPS, weather forecasting, communications, transportation systems, and smartphones. He cautioned that modern economies have become highly reliant on space-based infrastructure, with estimates indicating that approximately one-quarter of the U.S. economy depends on space-enabled services. Losing access to space, even momentarily, could result in severe disruptions to both civilian life and military operations.

He further highlighted emerging threats from China and Russia, which are developing counterspace capabilities such as anti-satellite weapons designed to disrupt or destroy satellites. Parker cited the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test and a more recent Russian test as demonstrations of these capabilities, both of which generated hazardous debris in orbit. He emphasized that in future conflicts, losing space capabilities could severely diminish a nation’s ability to achieve victory.

To mitigate these risks, Parker emphasized the significance of robust international alliances among spacefaring nations, expanded commercial space industries, and cooperative measures such as a global moratorium on destructive anti-satellite missile testing. He concluded that collaboration among like-minded countries will be crucial to safeguarding space infrastructure and ensuring sustained economic and security benefits from space.