US Military Forms Space Force Unit in South Korea
- Song Kyung-Seok/Pool Photo via AP.
"US Space Forces Korea will maintain, operate and assess related equipment. Simply put, I would say the actual US space operations will be conducted at Osan Air Base," Jung Chang Wook remarked.
He emphasized that the main role of the US Space Forces Korea will be to receive, process, and analyze a large amount of data and information transmitted by US satellites.
"The US military is faster, more connected, more informed, and more precise," said General Paul LaCamera, commander of 28,500 US troops.
"Specifically, the activation of US Space Forces Korea here, today, to enhance our ability to defend the homeland and ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia."
The US military in South Korea said that one of the key mission areas the space unit will focus on in South Korea is missile warning operations, which provide real-time detection and warning of ballistic missile launches.
The new unit's duties also include coordinating space operations and services such as position and time navigation, and satellite communications in the region. Jung said the launch of the space unit in South Korea is likely aimed primarily at better surveillance of North Korea, then also at keeping an eye on China and Russia.