The American Forces Press Service cites the Atlantic Council for hosting an event with General William L. Shelton, commander of US Air Force Space Command:
Air Force Gen. William L. Shelton spoke at the Atlantic Council on the U.S. future in space.
“Our satellites were not built with such threats in mind,” Shelton said. There hasn’t been a launch failure in 72 consecutive national security launches, he added, and satellites have lasted so much longer than their designed lifespan that the nation accidentally gained overlap between “father and daughter” satellites.
“Space largely has been a peaceful sanctuary up to this point,” the general said, “and due to the cost of each of these intricate machines, we build just enough capability and build it just in time. … We don’t really plan for anything but success.”