A senior official within the U.S. Space Force has emphasized the critical role played by guardians during significant military operations in Iran and Venezuela, stating that this experience highlights the necessity for enhanced resources to prepare the service for future conflicts. In an exclusive interview with DefenseScoop, Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, commander of the Space Force’s Combat Forces Command, attributed the success of operations like Midnight Hammer and Absolute Resolve to the control of what he describes as the “invisible front line” of outer space.
Operations Midnight Hammer and Absolute Resolve, conducted in June 2025 and January 2026 respectively, showcased the Pentagon’s capability to project military power globally, aided by the deployment of over 100 aircraft and weapon systems. In these operations, space assets played an essential role, with guardians operating 24/7 from locations as far-flung as Colorado, Europe, and Asia. They facilitated the operation of a global sensor network crucial for maintaining situational awareness and delivering essential communications to forces in the field.
During Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Spacecom was pivotal in providing non-kinetic support that enabled ground troops to navigate the operational environment effectively. Guardians stationed at Schriever Space Force Base offered vital satellite communications and position, navigation, and timing data, ensuring US forces had accurate geolocation information while simultaneously monitoring for potential interferences.
The same overwatch capabilities were crucial during Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted nuclear facilities in Iran. Gagnon revealed that guardians detected Iranian missile launches almost instantaneously, illustrating the rapid response achievable through space-based assets. He reiterated the importance of integrating advanced space systems and skilled operators into joint operations, a perspective leaders of the Space Force have reinforced since the service’s inception in 2019.
However, Gagnon expressed concern about complacency, warning that future conflicts with near-peer adversaries may not be as straightforward due to their developing space capabilities. He highlighted the ongoing expansion of China’s military space elements, which could pose significant challenges to U.S. operations. The Space Force is proactively addressing these concerns with plans to enhance its capabilities. This includes the recent launch of the seventh and eighth satellites in the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) to augment tracking abilities of celestial objects.
To advance its orbital warfare tactics, the Space Force is developing new technologies, such as the Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) and modern upgrades to existing telescopic systems to improve tracking of smaller space objects. However, as new systems come online, there is a pressing need for additional trained personnel. Gagnon indicated that the Space Force, although it has exceeded recruiting targets for fiscal 2026, may need to double its manpower to tackle upcoming challenges effectively.
To meet these demands, Gagnon urged for increased funding and resources, asserting that while the Space Force is currently operating effectively, it needs to evolve to counter adversaries with established space capabilities. “We want America to know that we are ready to deliver the high ground if tasked and asked by our chain of command,” Gagnon stated. “But in order to do so, we need guardians, we need resources, and we need funds to do so.” The positive outlook centers on the Space Force’s commitment to adapting and enhancing its operations to ensure its readiness for future military engagements in an increasingly contested space environment.