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The Universe of Space Defense
The US and the former USSR spent much of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s duking it out for the supremacy of outer space. The USSR put the first person in space in 1961 and the US landed the first human on the moon eight years later. Since the cooling off of the Cold War, countries have more or less agreed to grant each other the right to the peaceful exploration of space. But the temperatures have been rising. As more countries (and companies) have entered the space domain, it has become an uncontested domain like any other: one worth fighting for.
Nearly 70 years ago, the first satellite was sent into space. Today, one source estimates there are over 18,000 satellites operated by roughly 80 countries.1 Satellites have become essential tools for providing GPS navigation, telecommunications, and weather forecasting, as well as for better understanding our planet and the outer reaches of deep space.2 For the most part, space defense has meant protecting those satellites and other valuable assets within the Earth’s orbit.3
But what do satellites need to be protected from? Like other advanced technological systems, satellites can be tampered with, whether through electromagnetic interference or physical damage from missiles and lasers. As a result, anti-satellite technologies (ASATs) have become a must-have technology for spacefaring countries.4
Most recently, the US has gone from defense to offense, acquiring Meadowlands, an offensive military weapon that can interfere in electromagnetic communications. The technology blocks signals being sent from satellites to the ground without permanently damaging the satellite itself. Similar types of electromagnetic warfare were reportedly used in the attack of nuclear sites in Iran in June 2025.5
Cybersecurity and space defense therefore go hand-in-hand. SpaceX Starlink satellites, for example, experienced cyberattacks over Ukraine several years ago.4 Even nuclear attacks in space, though once completely off the table, can no longer be ruled out. Russia has reportedly put a nuclear-armed ASAT in orbit.4 Other weapons, like missiles, can also be stationed in space alongside defensive shields against foreign weapons. The US is looking to develop the Golden Dome, a space-based missile-defense shield around the continental US.6
Given the advantages that satellites and space infrastructure offer, it makes sense that protecting and attacking satellites has become a standard tactic incorporated within a country’s overall defensive strategy.4 As one country builds its space defense capacity, others do as well. Whether we’ve entered a new space race for the sake of preparedness or deterrence is yet to be determined. Regardless, space defense is just as much a national priority as it is a commercial one.
The TrueShares Patriot Defense ETF (FLDZ) seeks capital growth through investing in defense companies included in the Global Industry Classification Standard of Aerospace & Defense. FLDZ invests at least 80% of its assets in defense companies, including the manufacturers of civil or military aerospace and defense equipment parts or products, such as defense electronics and space equipment. FLDZ’s management fee, less fund operating expenses, is used to support the mission of the Folds of Honor Foundation.
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- https://orbitalradar.com/satellites-by-country
- https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/satellite/en/
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-needs-orbital-interceptors-win-180000465.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/already-witnessing-space-warfare-action-140000973.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/science/articles/us-space-force-just-got-130000631.html
- https://spacenews.com/golden-dome-and-the-search-for-new-space-markets/
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*FLDZ changed its name from RiverNorth Patriot ETF to TrueShares Patriot Defense Innovation ETF on July 8, 2026. Shares will continue to trade under ticker FLDZ.
Companies operating in the defense and aerospace industries may be affected by changes in government spending, procurement cycles, geopolitical events, regulation, and technological developments. These factors may increase volatility.
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