Good morning, Mr. Chair and committee members.
I am Brigadier-General Mike Adamson, Commander of Canada's 3rd Space Division and Commander of the Joint Force Space Component.
As the commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, I am responsible for the administrative functions of the division, which include the generation and development of personnel, strategic engagements with international allies and domestic partners, and identifying the operational capability deficiencies and needs. As the joint force space component commander, I am responsible for the delivery and use of space capability to support Canadian Armed Forces operations at home and abroad.
Space in the CAF has been evolving for over 20 years. Its first iteration, director of space development, was formed in 1997. The 3 Canadian Space Division was established on July 22, 2022, representing the operationalization of the space domain within the CAF. This reorganization has streamlined how we meet our mandate, which is supporting CAF operations with space effects, maintaining space domain awareness, and defending and protecting military space capabilities.
The focus of 3 Canadian Space Division is on the administrative business of the division, as well as developing and maintaining partnerships with our national and international space allies. The 7 Wing was also stood up subordinate to 3 Canadian Space Division. It is primarily focused on planning and coordinating the delivery of space effects.
The space domain is, as you can imagine, constantly evolving and changing. The growing accessibility of space means it is no longer limited to state players. Rather, we have seen incredible growth in civil and commercial activity as well as nefarious capability development by disruptive actors.
This creates challenges, as the space environment is becoming more congested, contested and competitive, making it an increasingly difficult environment in which to operate. It also increases the vulnerability of critical capabilities, potentially affecting the long-term sustainability of space-based services.
That is why Canada is working with other like-minded spacefaring nations to advance the development of responsible behaviours and identify how to reduce the risks of misunderstanding and miscalculations in the space domain.
As such, my priorities for the division are clear. The first is to maintain relevance within space alliance frameworks. The second is to maintain assured access to the space domain to support CAF operations at home and abroad. The third is the continued evolution of the space division and the CAF space operations enterprise.
Since our establishment, 3 Canadian Space Division has been focused on increasing what I have dubbed the “space-mindedness” within the CAF. That is the mindset that acknowledges the critical dependency that every CAF operation and activity has on space.
Space is just as vital to the day-to-day activities of Canadians. Space services power the stock market, provide Internet and cell phone services, get emergency services to where they're needed and even deliver meals to our doorsteps.
Part of my role is to ensure that space remains accessible and peaceful for the benefit of all, so that Canadians can continue to enjoy the services we rely on.
I appreciate the invitation to speak to you today and the opportunity to build space-mindedness within the Canadian public, and I welcome your questions about space and defence.