IC Technology & AI — 2026-04-11

Multiple Nations Developing Military Spaceplanes and Bodyguard Satellites for On-Orbit Intelligence Protection

A Secure World Foundation report details a global race to develop reusable military spaceplanes and bodyguard satellites for orbital defense. The U.S. X-37B has completed eight classified missions since 2010, while China's Reusable Experimental Spacecraft has flown four times. France plans a VORTEX demonstrator by 2028, Germany is developing agile surveillance and bodyguard satellites by 2030, Japan aims for bodyguard satellite capability by 2029, and India is testing the Pushpak prototype. Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon of Space Force Combat Command and French Gen. Philippe Koffi discussed implications for space-based intelligence asset protection.

Analysis
The global race to develop bodyguard satellites directly threatens U.S. space-based intelligence collection. If adversaries can deploy proximity defense vehicles near NRO assets, the traditional sanctuary of space-based ISR platforms is compromised. France and Germany investing in autonomous bodyguard capabilities by 2028-2030 suggests allied services also see their space intelligence assets as vulnerable.

1 sources

Everyone wants a spaceplane: More countries eye on-orbit protection for satellites - Defense One