From Orbit to Objective: Space and the Future of Conflict

Mar 20, 2026

General Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of United States Space Command, leads joint space operations and defends U.S. interests in orbit. He discusses how space underpins modern military capabilities, the SOF–space–cyber triad, on-orbit maneuvering and logistics, commercial integration with defense, and how China’s space outreach reshapes global competition.

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INSIGHT

Everyday Life Depends On Space

Civilian life relies on space through GPS, weather satellites, and commercial connectivity, making space cheap and convenient.
Dr. James Kiras summarized this as the three Cs: cheap, convenient, and complacent, warning society takes space for granted.

INSIGHT

Space Is Foundational To Modern Joint Operations

Space now underpins modern military operations, enabling command, ISR, weather, timing, and synchronized strikes.
General Stephen N. Whiting contrasted World War II raids of thousands of airmen with Operation Midnight Hammer’s seven bombers enabled by space effects.

ADVICE

Practice The SOF-Space-Cyber Triad Together

Exercise and train space, cyber, and SOF together to create integrated effects and real-world interoperability.
General Stephen N. Whiting described Apollo Nexus and joint live-fire exercises with Cybercom and SOCOM as model practices.

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Space is no longer a silent backdrop to conflict—it is a contested domain that enables, shapes, and increasingly defines how wars are fought. In this episode, Ben Jebb and Charlie McGillis sit down with Dr. James Kiras and General Stephen Whiting to examine the strategic importance of space in both great power competition and irregular warfare. The discussion explores how modern military operations rely on space-based capabilities for precision, synchronization, intelligence, and global reach—and what happens when those capabilities are contested.

The conversation also dives into the evolving “SOF-space-cyber triad,” highlighting how special operations forces, space professionals, and cyber operators can integrate to create complex dilemmas for adversaries. From maneuver warfare in orbit to countering Chinese influence campaigns in the Global South, the episode underscores a critical takeaway: space superiority is not automatic. It must be defended, integrated, and deliberately incorporated into joint campaigning if the United States and its partners are to preserve their strategic advantage.

Dr. James Kiras is Professor of Strategy at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Air University. A leading scholar on special operations and irregular warfare, his research focuses on strategy, special operations theory, and the integration of emerging domains into modern conflict.

General Stephen N. Whiting is the Commander of United States Space Command, where he leads joint forces responsible for military operations in the space domain. A career Air Force officer with extensive experience in space operations and national security strategy, he oversees efforts to defend U.S. and allied interests in an increasingly contested and competitive space environment.

Ben Jebb and Charlie McGillis are the hosts for this episode. Please reach out to Ben and Charlie with any questions about this episode or the Irregular Warfare Podcast.

The Irregular Warfare Podcast is a production of the Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI). We are a team of volunteers dedicated to bridging the gap between scholars and practitioners in the field of irregular warfare. IWI generates written and audio content, coordinates events for the IW community, and hosts critical thinkers in the field of irregular warfare as IWI fellows. You can follow and engage with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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