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Space Command Advances Maneuver Warfare During Inaugural Live-Fly Exercise

Apollo Maneuvers 2026 gathered participating nations from Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender to strengthen future space operations.

U.S. Space Command has conducted its inaugural Apollo Maneuvers exercise. Credit: NicoElNino-stock.adobe.com

U.S. Space Command conducted its inaugural live-fly exercise, Apollo Maneuvers 2026, last week, testing a variety of space operations concepts and logistics in an effort to improve readiness and interoperability in a contested space environment.

According to the command’s press release, Apollo Maneuvers is inspired by the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941, which were U.S. Army exercises that evaluated training, logistics, doctrine and commanders through offensive missions.

Apollo Maneuvers 2026 focused on three major tasks: coordinating maneuvers across low-Earth orbit, medium-Earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit; refining maneuver warfare; and integrating nations from Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender (MNF OOD).

MNF OOD includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The force aims to optimize space operations, enhance space-based systems and strengthen defenses against hostile actors. During last week’s event, the partner nations combined capabilities to strengthen joint tactics, techniques and procedures, the release stated.

“Operating from a static, predictable orbit leaves our assets fighting from an easily targeted, fixed position,” said Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command and the Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender. “To perform, survive and gain advantage in the space domain, we need maneuverability and survivability in our capabilities.”

According to the release, the live-fly event showed progress in sustained space maneuver and reinforced the commitment to a safe and secure space domain.

Space Command will use the data collected from Apollo Maneuvers 2026 to inform doctrine, operational plans, contested logistics and satellite servicing requirements related to sustained maneuver and on-orbit operations, the release stated.

“Exercises such as Apollo Maneuvers allow us to demonstrate the requirements and capabilities needed to maneuver for advantage within the space domain,” Whiting said. “Executing coordinated activities across multiple orbits through live-fly elements enables us to reinforce the warfighting advantage of our partnerships by refining tactics, examining contested logistics and developing satellite servicing requirements.”