The New Space Arms Race: How Autonomous, Hardened Satellites Are Countering Rising Orbital Threats

  Introduction: The Militarization of the Orbital Domain In the silent vacuum of space, a new era of strategic competition is unfolding. Satellites are no longer passive platforms quietly supporting communications, navigation, and reconnaissance. They are rapidly evolving into autonomous, resilient systems designed to survive—and in some cases actively counter—an expanding spectrum of orbital threats….