Space: June 26, 2001

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The U.S. Air Force has set up two units (squadrons). One unit is an "aggressor" unit which will concentrate on coming up with ways that foes could attack American satellites. The other unit will work on techniques for maintaining U.S. superiority in space. Both functions were previously performed by several smaller organizations, often on a temporary basis. Making these two functions permanent is the first step in building the new American "Space Force." To a certain extent, the two new units are a public relations exercise. But the air force needs some action in order to convince, or scare, Congress into forking over the big bucks needed for most space activities.