New squadron tests space weaponry

A new Air Force squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., will test prototypicalweapons for controlling space. The 76th Space Control Squadron, createdJan. 22, is the Air Force Space Command's first counterspace technologyunit. The squadron, part of the 21st Space Wing, will test models and prototypesof systems that will give the United States an advantage in the controlof space.

"The freedom to operate in space is widely acknowledged as an Americanvital interest," said Brig. Gen. Gary Dylewski, Air Force Space Command'sdirector of operations. "We must plan to both protect our access to spaceand deny access to those adversaries who want to use their own space systemsagainst the United States and our allies."

The squadron will focus on solving the challenges associated with futureoperations, according to Brig. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, 21st Space Wing Commander.

"Assessing the technological feasibility of an idea is only one pieceof the puzzle," Kehler said. "You also have to consider how each conceptmight be deployed or employed in harsh combat environments."