In efforts to make the United States Space Force a more transparent establishment, its head noted that the organisation is in the process of developing a declassification strategy for its space data. 

The recent and rapid development of the global space domain has not only fuelled the research field but also the prospects of military advancements in space. However, in its primary mission to deter conflict in space, the United States’ Space Force has its directions set towards declassifying necessary data.

For example, one instance where the transparent approach to space information would be beneficial is in the Fireguard Program led by the National Guard and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. 

Satellite imagery by the U.S. military, which is generally considered to be classified data, has come in handy for the program to observe wildfires and distribute the information with first responders in states battling catastrophic wildfires, in the past one year. 

An apparent unidentified flying object spotted over a farm near McMinnville, Oregon, 1950. (Britannica)

The open attitude towards declassifying space data was also the drive behind the disclosure of information on unidentified aerial phenomena (also known as unidentified flying objects). U.S. Representative Adam Schiff recognises that this will defuel conspiracies around UFOs and believes that measures such as this calls for more reasons to be less secretive with the public. 

The above mentioned scenarios are where declassification would prove to be of valuable assistance to the public. But the Chief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond acknowledges that this can be taken one step further to strengthen international ties. 

Although classification of confidential data pertaining to national security is necessary, over-classification of satellite information and orbital data can prevent the educating of the public and of allies in having a unified response to threats. There has to be an unreserved and transparent communication line between countries in order to maintain an honest and reliable relationship with allies. 

In addition, what has been deemed more unacceptable is the fact that even non-governmental and educational satellite data has been classified simply because they got ferried to orbit on launches by the Department of Defense or the National Reconnaissance Office. However, by pushing for more transparency in Space Force’s data, Raymond believes that it will dispel public conspiratorial theories and at the same time, pave the way for enhanced partnership with international forces in deterring conflicts.