Saltzman: Space Force still grappling with refueling math

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WASHINGTON — The Space Force is eyeing innovative in-orbit refueling technology, but a key question lingers: is it worth the cost, especially when the military is considering a shift towards cheaper, disposable satellites? The jury’s still out on the value proposition, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said at a House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee hearing April 30. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) pressed Saltzman about the $20 million allocated in the Space Force’s fiscal year 2025 budget for studying the military utility of space-based services such as refueling. “China already has demonstrated these capabilities,” Aderholt said, echoing comments made...