Deputy Secretary of Defense Visits Campus, Calls for Space Innovation
Today@NPS
Deputy Secretary of Defense Visits Campus, Calls for Space Innovation
By Kenneth A. Stewart
Deputy Secretary of Defense and NPS alumnus the Honorable Robert O. Work, above right, is pictured with NPS Professor Jim Newman, above left, in the Small Satellite Test and Development Laboratory, June 19. Work, a Space Systems Operations graduate, spoke at length about the importance of space operations while attending NPS' Spring Quarter Graduation.
"For the last 25 years we have almost considered space a sanctuary. We haven't really worried about adversaries being able to go up and take out the space capabilities that we rely upon so much. The space constellation allows us, as a global power, to project power globally," said Work.
Work also discussed what he believes to be the future of space operations and where he believes space systems education should focus to meet future challenges in the space domain.
"What's different about the next 25 years is that space is going to be a contested environment. We have to think about it as a contested domain. We have to think in terms of resilient architectures. We have to think in terms of back ups and we have to think in terms of responsive space control, defense and launch," said Work.
Work also asked students and faculty to turn their attention toward developing new space strategies and challenged NPS faculty to ask themselves if they are really teaching their students to think about a contested space environment, and if not, to change their approach.
Work was confirmed as the 32nd Deputy Secretary of Defense April 30, 2014. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Work also served as the Undersecretary of the Navy where he acted with full authority of the secretary in the day-to-day management of the Department of the Navy.