U.S. and France Prepare Another Coordinated Satellite Maneuver in Orbit

France and the United States are preparing a second joint mission involving coordinated satellite maneuvers in orbit, as both countries seek to enhance allied capabilities in space intelligence and security. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over China's expanding military presence in space, a senior U.S. general told Reuters.

This upcoming operation will be the Pentagon’s third known military space mission with an ally. Last year, the U.S. and France conducted their first-ever joint maneuver with two spacecraft in orbit. Earlier this month, the U.S. also carried out a similar operation with the United Kingdom, signaling an increasing effort to strengthen alliances in the increasingly contested domain of space.

Space is becoming a critical military frontier. Satellites that support communications, missile warning systems, and battlefield intelligence face threats from top space powers like China, Russia, and the U.S. These countries have tested anti-satellite weapons and launched maneuverable spacecraft, raising the risk that a conflict could disrupt GPS navigation or sever key communication channels relied upon by forces on Earth.

In response, the U.S. and its allies are focusing on improving satellite maneuvering precision and building international partnerships to secure space assets. Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, who oversees secretive military space operations for the U.S. Space Force, confirmed that the mission with France is in the planning stage but did not provide further details. He added that similar operations with other nations could follow.

France, which is Europe’s largest government spender on space, declined to comment on the new plans. However, French Space Command emphasized that its first operation with the U.S. was meant to strengthen cooperation and demonstrate strategic solidarity. Major General Vincent Chusseau, the unit’s commander, described the initial exercise as a success.

The first operation, known as a rendezvous and proximity maneuver, involved a U.S. and a French military satellite approaching each other near a third, “strategic competitor’s” spacecraft. These exercises are designed to train militaries to operate in real-life orbital scenarios and protect their assets against potential threats.

The second known joint operation, conducted in September, involved a U.S. satellite checking whether a British military communications satellite, SKYNET 5A, was operating correctly in geostationary orbit—about 36,000 kilometers above Earth. Both satellites were moving at approximately three kilometers per second. Analysts observed that a highly maneuverable U.S. surveillance satellite, USA 271, moved close to the British satellite during this period.

Major General Paul Tedman, head of UK Space Command, called this operation a first-of-its-kind achievement for the UK and said it marked a significant increase in operational capability. He highlighted that such exercises allow allied nations to conduct advanced orbital operations to protect shared national and military interests.

These developments underline the emergence of a new global space race, where precision satellite operations, advanced surveillance, and strategic alliances are becoming critical. As China and Russia continue to expand their presence in space, the U.S. and its allies are demonstrating a growing commitment to safeguarding their orbital assets and ensuring that space remains secure for military and civilian purposes.