The response was mixed: Some support, some pushback. The topic also became fodder for late-night TV shows.
The U.S. says it’s establishing Space Force as a response to perceived threats to American space hardware from Russia and China. Both countries have been developing high-powered lasers to knock out communications equipment on satellites. The U.S. government is taking a number of space threats seriously; hence the desire for space military capability.
It was not clear from Pence’s announcement whether troops would actually be sent to space, but fundraising emails from the Trump campaign included the logo “Mars awaits.”
This suggests support for plans to send humans to our neighbouring planet. But the journey to Mars will be perilous.
Continue reading at McMaster University.
Image via McMaster University.