In a move signaling the militarization of orbit, the U.S. Space Force has unveiled a new naming convention for its weapon systems centered on three core missions: Attack, Defend and Pursue. The scheme, first detailed by Ars Technica, draws parallels to early 20th-century aviation nomenclature, aiming to streamline identification amid a proliferating arsenal of space-based capabilities.

This overhaul comes as the Space Force accelerates development of offensive and defensive tools, amid rising tensions with China and Russia in space. A century ago, the U.S. Army Air Service devised a similar system for its growing fleet of airplanes, categorizing them by pursuit, attack, bombardment and observation roles, according to Ars Technica.

Reviving Pursuit Planes in Space

The new taxonomy replaces alphanumeric designations with mission-focused prefixes. ‘Pursue’ systems, echoing historical pursuit planes designed for dogfights, will target adversary spacecraft maneuvering in orbit. ‘Attack’ platforms focus on striking fixed or slow-moving targets like satellites, while ‘Defend’ covers protective measures against threats.

Ars Technica reports that the Space Force’s Program Executive Officer for Space Sensing drew from Air Force legacy systems, adapting them for the domain where satellites can’t easily maneuver away from danger. This shift underscores a doctrinal evolution from passive space support to active warfighting.

From Alphanumeric to Mission-Centric

Previously, Space Force systems used codes like ‘SBIRS’ for Space-Based Infrared System or ‘GPS III’ for navigation satellites. The new approach, outlined in internal documents obtained by Ars Technica, introduces prefixes such as ‘PU’ for Pursue, ‘AT’ for Attack and ‘DF’ for Defend, followed by numbers and suffixes denoting variants or blocks.

For instance, a hypothetical Pursue system hunting adversary satellites might be designated PU-15, signaling its role in orbital interception. This mirrors World War II-era fighters like the P-51 Mustang, where ‘P’ stood for Pursuit.

Doctrinal Roots in Airpower History

The inspiration traces to 1924, when the Army Air Service formalized airplane types to manage rapid proliferation post-World War I. Bombardment (B), Attack (A), Pursuit (P) and Observation (O) became standard, per historical accounts cited in Ars Technica. Space Force leaders see space as the new air domain, demanding analogous clarity.

Gen. Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, has emphasized offensive capabilities. In a March 2025 speech covered by Ars Technica, he outlined six weapon categories, including anti-satellite lasers, aligning with the new naming push.

Six Weapons in the Orbital Arsenal

Space Force doctrine now calls for directed-energy weapons, kinetic interceptors and electronic warfare tools. ‘Controlling space means “employing kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities,”’ Guetlein stated, as reported by Ars Technica. Pursue systems would handle dynamic threats, like maneuvering satellites from China’s arsenal.

The service’s fiscal 2026 budget prioritizes these, with cuts to legacy programs like the ‘ax’ terminations of 11 major contracts, per Ars Technica. Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman noted, “I’ve terminated 11 major contracts in less than three years.”

Open Talk of Offensive Options

Recent rhetoric has grown bolder. In December 2024, U.S. military leaders discussed attack capabilities openly: “We have to build capabilities that provide our leadership offensive and defensive options,” per Ars Technica. The naming scheme codifies this mindset.

On X, Ars Technica posted about the announcement, garnering thousands of views and sparking debates on space arms control. Posts reflect industry sentiment that reusable rockets from SpaceX could enable rapid deployment of these systems.

Integration with Commercial Launchers

SpaceX’s dominance in national security launches, undercutting prices as noted in historical Ars Technica X posts, will underpin proliferation. The 2021 National Defense launch of GPS III via Falcon 9 marked a reuse milestone, per Ars coverage.

New Glenn from Blue Origin, with its November 2025 successes reported by Ars on X, adds capacity. Space Force’s scheme anticipates a fleet where systems like PU-series interceptors launch frequently.

Adversary Capabilities Driving Change

China’s fractional orbital bombardment systems and Russia’s co-orbital weapons necessitate Pursue capabilities. U.S. spy satellites by SpaceX have faced signal issues, as noted on X by Ars Technica, highlighting vulnerabilities.

The naming aligns with Saltzman’s ‘responsible counterspace campaign,’ blending defense with preemptive action. Internal memos, per Ars Technica, stress that satellites’ fixed orbits demand new intercept paradigms.

Budgetary and Procurement Shifts

FY2026 funding emphasizes sensing and warfare. Legacy cuts free resources for Attack/Defend prototypes, including lasers sought since 2025 plans detailed by Ars Technica.

Industry insiders on Hacker News discussions of the Ars article debate scalability, with one thread at Hacker News questioning kinetic risks like debris cascades.

Legacy from Air Force Evolution

Post-1926, Air Corps refined types, leading to fighters like P-47 Thunderbolt. Space Force’s PU/AT/DF echoes this, but for exo-atmospheric realms where physics favor attackers.

Observation roles evolve to resilient sensing, per doctrine. The scheme’s rollout, starting with next contract awards, positions Space Force for contested orbits.

Global Reactions and Proliferation Risks

While U.S.-focused, the model may influence allies like UK’s Space Command. Adversaries could mirror, escalating via asymmetric counters.

On X, reactions mix excitement and alarm, with Ars Technica’s post amplifying insider buzz amid Blue Origin’s New Glenn advances.

Toward a Standardized Space Lexicon

Suffixes denote improvements: Block 1, 2, etc., ensuring backward compatibility. This lexicon aids rapid procurement, crucial as threats evolve yearly.

The Space Force’s pivot, rooted in history yet forward-looking, equips it for an era where space denial is as vital as air superiority was in 1945.