Nunn School Hosts Space Force Director

Posted November 16, 2021

Lt. General Nina M. Armagno, director of staff for the U.S. Space Force, visited Georgia Tech’s campus on Nov. 11. While there, she talked to the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs about the daily impact of space on American lives and the role of Space Force in defending access to space. The discussion was moderated by Adam Stulberg, Sam Nunn Professor and Chair of the Nunn School.

Be it mobile weather applications or GPS systems, the satellite technology used to dispense those programs is protected by the Space Force, Armagno said. But, she pointed out, a growing threat from countries like Russia and China will affect America’s ability to protect its space capabilities. That threat is the catalyst for the development of the Space Force.

“Russia and China are threatening the domain we use in day-to-day life and in scientific exploration,” Armagno said. “Space is still a domain that captures our imagination, but it’s threatened.”

Armagno also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in her talk with the Nunn School. Space Force is working with US allies to combine space capabilities and plans to launch several projects in 2022, including communications projects with Norway and launch projects with Brazil.

“We’ve called this the year to integrate the force. We’ve been working on projects with allies, and those are coming to fruition," said Lt. General Armagno.

Armagno’s discussion with the Nunn School was part of a day-long trip to campus that also included a visit with Georgia Tech’s Air Force ROTC and signing a memorandum of understanding with Georgia Tech for Space Force’s University Partnership Program. Georgia Tech was one of 11 universities selected to help train talent for future aerospace jobs and further aerospace research.