Business Executives for National Security (BENS) members recently visited U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM), North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), and Space Operations Command (SpOC) to gain insights into military space operations and cybersecurity. The visit provided members the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of these commands’ role in our Nation’s defense, with a focus on protecting space assets and safeguarding against cyber threats.
A central theme of the visit was the growing collaboration between the military and private industry. The U.S. Space Force, in particular, has leaned heavily on commercial partnerships to stay ahead of adversaries, working with companies like SpaceX for satellite launches and Maxar Technologies for satellite imagery. These dual-use technologies are critical to both military and civilian sectors, highlighting the necessity of private-sector innovation for national defense.
BENS members also gained insight into how SPACECOM and SpOC are addressing cybersecurity challenges, particularly by partnering with private firms to secure communications networks and space-based assets. The visit underscored industry’s vital role in supporting military operations and the importance of continued collaboration to meet emerging security threats in space and cyberspace.
Engaging NORAD, NORTHCOM, SPACECOM, and SpOC –
The BENS View
Engagement with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM), United States Space Command (SPACECOM), and Space Operations Command (SpOC) presents a strong alignment with BENS’ focus areas of infrastructure, geopolitical and economic insights, technology, and human capital. These commands rely heavily on partnerships with the commercial sector to maintain technological superiority, particularly in space operations, domain awareness, and information dominance. Industry’s role in providing innovative solutions—such as advanced radar systems, satellite communications, and data analytics—is critical to national defense strategies.
Commands In-Brief
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national organization formed by the US and Canada. Its main missions are to provide aerospace and maritime warnings and control for North America. To fulfill its aerospace control mission, NORAD uses satellites, ground-based radar, airborne radar, and fighter jets to detect, intercept, and, if necessary, engage any air threats to North America. As a part of its aerospace control mission, NORAD assists in the detection and monitoring of aircraft suspected of illegal drug trafficking.
United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) is one of eleven combatant commands of the US Department of Defense (DOD) responsible for defending the continental United States and Alaska, and for coordinating with the defenses of Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. It provides military support through joint task forces to non-military authorities in the US and defends against invasions of the mainland. It protects US territories and interests in the continental US, Canada, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.
United States Space Command (SPACECOM) is a combatant command of the DOD responsible for operations in outer space. Its mission includes deterring aggression, defending national interests, and defeating threats by planning, executing, and integrating space power into global operations. It coordinates six distinct warfighting units to organize, train, and equip space professionals for active employment in other combatant commands.
Space Operations Command (SpOC) is a field command within the US Space Force, responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces to support space operations. SpOC provides capabilities such as missile warning, satellite control, space domain awareness, and satellite communications to ensure national security and defense in space. To achieve its mission, SpOC operates global networks of ground-based radars and satellite systems, ensuring space superiority by defending space assets, conducting domain operations, and supporting US forces worldwide.
Activities Overlapping with BENS’ Mission
- US Space Force Commercial Space Strategy
The United States Space Force (USSF) is increasingly integrating commercial space solutions to bolster its resilience and capabilities in response to growing threats from strategic competitors. By leveraging the innovation, scalability, and rapid technological advancements of the commercial sector, the USSF aims to strengthen national security, enhance deterrence, and maintain a competitive edge. This strategy, aligned with national defense policies, emphasizes collaboration, interoperability, and resilience, making it highly relevant to industry as it offers opportunities for partnership and innovation in advancing US military space capabilities. - NORTHCOM and NORAD’s Global Integration Strategic Principle
NORAD’s Global Integration Strategic Principle emphasizes the importance of collaborative defense efforts across nations to enhance security and resilience against evolving threats. It focuses on integrating global capabilities, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships to ensure a comprehensive approach to defense. This principle aims to enhance situational awareness, improve response times, and foster a unified strategy that transcends national borders, thereby strengthening collective security in an increasingly interconnected world. - NORTHCOM and NORAD’s All-Domain Awareness Strategic Principle
NORAD’s All-Domain Awareness Strategic Principle prioritizes the comprehensive understanding of threats across all operational domains—air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. This principle emphasizes the integration of data and intelligence from diverse sources to create a unified picture of the operational environment. By fostering real-time situational awareness, NORAD aims to enhance decision-making, improve response capabilities, and ensure effective defense against a wide range of emerging threats, ultimately strengthening national and continental security. - NORTHCOM and NORAD’s Information Domination Strategic Principle
NORAD’s Information Dominance Strategic Principle focuses on achieving superiority in the management and utilization of information to enhance operational effectiveness. This principle underscores the importance of robust communication systems, advanced technologies, and data analytics to ensure timely and accurate decision-making. By prioritizing information sharing and protecting critical data, NORAD maintains an advantage over adversaries, enabling proactive responses to threats and fostering seamless collaboration among partners in defense operations. - SpOC Industry Engagement Mission
Space Operations Command’s Industry Engagements Mission aims to foster collaboration with commercial and private sector partners to enhance the United States space capabilities. By actively engaging with industry leaders, the mission focuses on leveraging innovative technologies and solutions to improve space operations, ensure robust satellite communication, and enhance national security. This initiative promotes knowledge sharing, co-development of advanced systems, and the establishment of a resilient space architecture, ultimately strengthening the nation’s ability to operate effectively in the increasingly contested space domain. - NORTHCOM and NORAD Industry Days
The event attracts industry professionals from both large and small firms to showcase dozens of innovative technologies, many of which have significant potential to mitigate existing homeland defense capabilities gaps. Industry Days aligned with the command’s imperative to build partnerships with industry in support of keeping the United States and Canada technologically and strategically ahead of global threats. - SpaceWERX
Based in Los Angeles, California, SpaceWERX is an initiative the U.S. Space Force established to accelerate innovation and collaboration within the space ecosystem. It bridges military needs and commercial capabilities, fostering partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and private industry to develop cutting-edge technologies for space operations. SpaceWERX aims to streamline the acquisition process through various programs and outreach efforts, encourage agile development, and enhance the U.S. military’s operational effectiveness in the increasingly competitive space domain.
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Prepared by BENS Fellows: Ethan Ingram, Ryan Jurich, Jamie Lord, and Henri Roeer
Photo by: US Space Force
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