The space supply chain is getting stretched. Here’s how it could impact the Pentagon’s plans

 In December, China filed an application with the International Telecommunication Union for a total of 203,000 satellites for various constellations. Weeks later, SpaceX proposed a million-satellite space data center network.

Meanwhile, militaries around the globe are investing into domestic space requirements, no longer willing to rely on other nations to provide the capability. In other words, between governmental and commercial needs, there is a mass rush for satellites and launch vehicles unlike anything that’s come before. 

But behind the headlines and hype is a shared supply chain that a dozen industry officials, experts and analysts told Breaking Defense is primed to see significant strain at any number of pressure points. That, in turn, could endanger several Pentagon initiatives to maintain dominance in the heavens — including for the high-profile Golden Dome effort.

Read more at Breaking Defense