Next Space Force chief throws cold water on the idea of space privateers

The article explores the historical use of privateers by the US and the modern-day proposals to revive the practice for cyber warfare and conflict in space. While some lawmakers see potential in authorizing private individuals to attack adversaries, concerns about control and the ethical implications of weaponized private assets are significant, particularly in the context of space operations.

• Privateering, the use of privately owned armed ships authorized by a government to attack enemy shipping, was historically used by the US during the Quasi-War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812.
• Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin and William Whipple expressed moral and economic objections to privateering, viewing it as potentially leading to piracy and avarice.
• Modern proposals, led by Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Tim Burchett, aim to reintroduce privateering for combating drug cartels and for cyber warfare.
• The application of privateering to space warfare is being considered due to the blurry lines between commercial and military operations in space, and the potential for commercial assets to become military targets.
• The nominee for Chief of Space Operations, Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess, expressed agreement that while commercial leasing makes sense for non-weaponized functions like communications and domain awareness, weapon systems must be owned and controlled by the Space Force.
  Continue reading https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/next-space-force-chief-throws-cold-water-on-the-idea-of-space-privateers/