Please join the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security on July 22, 2014 from 9:05 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. for a Commanders Series event with General William L. Shelton, commander of US Air Force Space Command.
A discussion with
Gen. William L. Shelton
Commander
US Air Force Space Command
Moderated by
Barry Pavel
Vice President and Director, Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security
Atlantic Council
Please join the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security for a Commanders Series event with General William L. Shelton, commander of US Air Force Space Command.
The space domain is increasingly congested and contested, which presents urgent challenges for the United States. For example, the United States remains reliant on Russia’s RD-180 rocket engine in order to access outer space, an arrangement that is increasingly precarious given geopolitical trends. Other actors have developed counterspace technologies to exploit and disrupt US systems and networks. With threats to US space assets increasing and continued defense budget uncertainty, the status quo is no longer a viable option. In this important speech, General Shelton will discuss the current state of play in space, and how to achieve US strategic priorities in that domain.
Gen. Shelton is responsible for equipping, organizing, training, and maintaining mission-ready space and cyberspace forces and capabilities for North American Aerospace Defense Command, US Strategic Command, and other combatant commands around the world. He oversees Air Force network operations; manages a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and space launch facilities; and is responsible for space system development and acquisition. He leads more than 42,000 professionals assigned to 134 locations worldwide. Prior to assuming his current position, he was the assistant vice chief of staff and director of Air Staff at the Pentagon.