US Space Command has launched a new classified wargame series, Apollo Insight, designed to simulate and respond to potential threats in space, including the detonation of a nuclear weapon in orbit. The inaugural exercise was conducted as part of a broader strategy to integrate military and commercial expertise in addressing emerging challenges in the space domain.
Gen. Stephen Whiting, the senior officer overseeing Space Command, emphasized the importance of these exercises during a recent discussion hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Space Command, distinct from the Space Force, is tasked with military operations in space, while the Space Force provides the personnel and equipment necessary for these missions.
The Apollo Insight series aims to conduct four tabletop exercises throughout the year, focusing on simulated scenarios that require rapid and coordinated responses. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of space as a critical arena for national security, particularly in the face of escalating global tensions.
By involving commercial companies, Space Command seeks to leverage diverse technological and strategic insights, ensuring a robust and comprehensive approach to space defense. The exercise series highlights the need for advanced preparedness as space increasingly becomes a contested domain.