The Advanced Extremely High Frequency system provides survivable, anti-jam satellite communications that can allow secure communications through a nuclear conflict.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the nominee will take over Space Systems Command — a new field command that will develop, acquire, field and sustain space capabilities for the Space Force.
The U.S. Space Force was set up to unify the military's space efforts and reform the way it buys space systems. Lawmakers aren't convinced that's what's happening.
The German military has announced the creation of a separate command dedicated to space, becoming the latest of a handful of nations prioritizing more resources and missions among the stars.
While satellite imagery has traditionally been a product of the intelligence community, the development of relatively affordable yet highly capable small satellites that can operate in low Earth orbit has convinced military leaders that they can play a tactical role on the battlefield.