Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States intends to accelerate space-based capabilities and industrial output to maintain military superiority under President Trump.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration is preparing to expand U.S. military capabilities in space by deepening partnerships with private aerospace companies, as part of what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described as a push to ensure American dominance in the space domain.
Speaking Monday at Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida, Hegseth outlined the administration’s approach to space and national security during remarks broadcast by C-SPAN. Addressing employees just south of the Kennedy Space Center, he praised U.S. aerospace workers and said the administration intends to rely on private-sector innovation to strengthen military readiness.
“The Department of War is partnering with the greatest companies in America,” Hegseth said, adding that space represents “the ultimate high ground” for national defense.
Hegseth pointed to Blue Origin’s New Shepard launch vehicle and Blue Moon lunar lander as examples of systems he said are critical to future defense and deterrence capabilities. He told workers that what they are building represents “a core function of the arsenal of freedom,” emphasizing the role of private manufacturing in equipping U.S. forces.
The secretary said the Trump administration is focused on rebuilding the defense industrial base, accelerating production timelines, and responding to what he described as growing challenges from China, Iran, and other adversaries. He contrasted that approach with policies of the previous administration, which he accused of allowing inefficiencies in defense contracting and permitting strategic vulnerabilities.
“Urgency matters,” Hegseth said. “American strength has to partner with American manufacturing.”
He said President Donald Trump has prioritized space as a strategic domain since the creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 and cited renewed investment in space-based defense systems. Hegseth referenced funding in what he called the “one big beautiful bill,” saying it includes $150 billion for defense modernization and $25 billion for a proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
According to Hegseth, the proposed system would depend heavily on space-based sensors and interceptors designed to detect and neutralize threats before they reach U.S. territory.
The remarks come as Blue Origin adjusts its corporate focus. According to The New York Times, the company recently announced it would pause launches of its New Shepard rocket to concentrate on developing lunar landers and other hardware tied to NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon.
Hegseth welcomed that shift, saying the administration views large-scale manufacturing and rapid development of space systems as more strategically important than commercial space tourism.
“No more business as usual,” he said, adding that under President Trump, private industry would play a central role in advancing U.S. space and defense objectives.
He concluded by telling Blue Origin employees that their work is directly tied to national security and deterrence, describing their role as essential to the administration’s broader defense strategy.
Original article
Comments