In a significant effort to strengthen cooperation in the space and security field, the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) and the United States Embassy in Colombia announce the visit of General Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), to Colombia. The main objective of the visit is to learn about the Colombian Aerospace Force space program and explore possible lines of operation to strengthen USSPACECOM's commitment in the region.
General Luis Carlos Córdoba Avendaño, Commander of the FAC, and General Stephen N. Whiting will lead the talks and activities scheduled during this visit, being a clear reflection of the commitment of both nations to maintain and improve regional and global security through the space domain.
In fact, the Colombian Aerospace Force has maintained its commitment to the aerospace sector in Colombia, through collaboration with companies, academia and innovative technologies. A notable milestone is the launch of the FAC-SAT 2 Chibiriquete satellite in April 2023, a project that seeks to consolidate an extensive space capacity for Colombia, following the footsteps of FAC-SAT 1, launched in November 2018.
It should be noted that since the launch of the FAC-SAT 1, the Colombian Aerospace Force has set a more ambitious vision for the country, extending its sovereignty to space, in the same way, the establishment in Cali, Valle del Cauca, of the Space Operations Center (SPOC) and the Center for Satellite Design and Construction are examples of the efforts aimed at realizing this vision.
However, a consolidated space projection promises significant benefits for Colombia. FAC is leading the space program, in the same way heads the Executive Secretariat of the Colombian Space Group and works closely with the USSPACECOM, other allied air forces and business clusters, both national and international, this is a firm purpose to build the future and accelerate change in the country.
Since the signing of the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) agreement in 2022, the Colombian Aerospace Force has actively participated in combined exercises, intelligence sharing and space operations, both real and simulated, including Global Sentinel and Resolute Sentinel, which have been fundamental in strengthening this alliance.
The FAC's SPOC specializes in satellite mission planning, satellite operation, space risk monitoring, Big Data integration and production, geospatial information and space weather analysis, and space access and launch test operations. These resources reinforce the position of the Colombian Aerospace Force as a key player in the space field.
Finally, it should be noted that the second satellite of the FACSAT program, the FAC-SAT 2 Chibiriquete, plays a crucial role in monitoring land use, deforestation, illicit plantations, territorial organization, risk management, border and coastal control, and greenhouse gas monitoring, this satellite contributes significantly to the security and management of Colombia's natural resources.
As the Colombian Aerospace Force continues its way towards the modernization and expansion of its resources, the cooperation with the USSPACECOM promises to open new opportunities for growth and technological development in the region.
Source: Press - Colombian Aerospace Force
