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Colorado Springs, Colorado – The U.S. Space Force announced last week that Exercise 'RED SKIES 24' concluded successfully in its first execution from December 11-15, 2023, marking a new phase in the Space Force's training programs, focusing particularly on the discipline of orbital warfare (OW). OW involves using the science of how objects move in space and how satellites are controlled and maneuvered in Space Force activities.

Key Points

• The initial phase was a simulation-based exercise, with future plans to transition to live, on-orbit operations using satellites.
• The exercise was hosted by the Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), facilitated by the 392nd Combat Training Squadron (CTS), and provided specialized training to Guardians from the Space Operations Command (SpOC).
• The primary goal was to prepare Guardians to effectively respond to potential threats against U.S. satellite systems.
• A key focus of the first 'RED SKIES' exercise was tactical command and control over multiple satellites, where Guardian operators engaged with aggressors to achieve various space effects.
• The exercise led to the recognition of the need to enhance realism in orbital warfare simulations and to refine the processes of integrated sortie planning. Sortie, in a military context, refers to the deployment of a military unit, be it an aircraft, ship, or troops, from a strong defensive position.
• Brig. Gen. Todd Moore, Deputy Commander of STARCOM, highlighted it as the first advanced training event that allows Guardians to utilize operationally-representative tactics in a dynamic, threat-representative orbital environment.