WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of the recent report that an Israel-downed Houthi ballistic missile was the first instance of space warfare, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is requesting an update from U.S. Space Force General Saltzman on the United States’ capacity to defend the itself in this emerging age of space warfare.

With Israel’s Downing Of A Houthi Ballistic Missile In Space, A New Theater Of War Has Opened

“On October 31, 2023, Iranian-sponsored Houthi terrorists launched a ballistic missile from Yemen intended to strike Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East. The missile flew almost 1,000 miles over the Arabian Peninsula until it was successfully intercepted by Israeli Defense Forces. This successful interception occurred outside of the Earth’s atmosphere, making it the first recorded instance of space warfare during an active conflict in world history. I am gravely concerned about this new theater of war that has opened.”

The New Axis Of Evil Is Building Up Their Space Arsenal Against The U.S. And Our Allies

“Our adversaries have been emboldened, and the New Axis of Evil—China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea—have grown more united. When war in this new theater comes, it will not spare the United States and our allies… Not only does the New Axis of Evil have the intent to do us harm, but they also now have the capacity. Recent reports indicate that U.S. warships in the region are within the range of Houthi missiles, and China has a rapidly developing counterspace weaponry program and the space architecture that will enable them to execute long-range precision strikes. We must be ready to confront this challenge and defend ourselves and our interests, whether on Earth or in outer space.”

The U.S. Must Be Ready To Defend Itself In The Emerging Age Of Space Warfare

“Given that the planned test launch of our new hypersonic missile system was cancelled in September, I am concerned about military readiness in the face of these new threats. With that in mind, please provide an update at your earliest convenience on our capacity to defend the United States in this emerging age of space warfare.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.