U.S. Space Command hosts second wargame series on maneuver warfare in space

U.S. Space Command held the second event in its Apollo Insight Commercial Integration wargame series on June 24, 2026, focusing on maneuver warfare in the space domain. The tabletop exercise presented varied scenarios and taskings, and participants worked through joint strategies, refined communications, and explored ideas from industry for future capabilities.

“We had incredible interest for our inaugural Commercial Integration Wargame TTX on weapons of mass destruction on orbit, drawing 62 companies from our commercial mission partner network,” said Cmdr. Heather Thomas, integration branch chief for USSPACECOM. “For our second exercise on maneuver warfare, we welcomed 225 participants representing 91 different companies, including 37 new additions since our first event. As we plan for our third TTX on September 23, 2026, focusing on diversified orbits, I fully expect this collaborative momentum to grow even further.”

Industry participants highlighted how commercial technologies and concepts could support maneuver-focused operations. Joseph Calibeo, business development manager for Sierra Space Defense, said he felt honored to be invited and returned after attending the first TTX in March to continue informed, cooperative discussions. “Sierra Space is no stranger to sustained maneuver and dynamic space operations as we have designed our Velocity and Titan vehicles to be refuellable with high thrust and high delta V. The tabletop exercise on maneuver warfare provided commercial with a demand signal and importantly validated investments for refueling, logistics and servicing technologies,” Calibeo said. “I plan to attend the next Commercial Integration tabletop, and Sierra Space is thankful to be part of the conversation to shape the future of commercial utilization.”

Gen. Stephen Whiting, USSPACECOM commander, has repeatedly pressed for a shift from fixed spacecraft to maneuverable assets as competitors demonstrate on-orbit logistics and sustainment. At the 41st Space Symposium in April, he said, “The necessity of maneuver in space has intensified over the past year.” He added, “In space, we must perform, survive, and gain positional advantage. We want innovation that gives us maneuverability, endurability, and survivability—because maneuver warfare demands rapid, focused, and unexpected actions that shatter the enemy’s cohesion. A satellite which is locked in a predictable orbit is fighting from a fixed position, and it’s a target.” He pointed to the Apollo initiative’s wargaming approach as modeled after the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941, aiming to simulate sustained, contested operations in orbit and test a maneuver warfare strategy for space.

Barbara Golf, the strategic advisor for space domain awareness and director, Joint Commercial Operations, also participated. “I fully support USSPACECOM’s efforts to incorporate commercial in this Year of Integration. I appreciated the creativity of our commercial partners and the practicality of the [Capabilities and Resources Analysis Division] sponsors, who were focused on the logistics of implementation as they saw the maneuver options available from our providers. The greatest advantage the U.S. has is its allies, partners, and our commercial industry teammates.”

The first tabletop exercise in the series took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on March 23, 2026, and centered on the threat of weapons of mass destruction in space. The APOLLO INSIGHT Commercial Wargame series is scheduled to continue throughout 2026, with future events examining topics including proliferated constellations across orbital regimes and integrated missile defense.