Ratcliffe designates Space Force as 18th member of intel community

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Friday announced the Space Force as the 18th member of the intelligence community, in a move to "break down barriers" to information sharing, and to help inform the community's analysis of threats in space. 

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) called the designation is "a once-a-generation event." "This accession reaffirms our commitment to securing outer space as a safe and free domain for America’s interests," Ratcliffe said Friday. "American power in space is stronger and more unified than ever before. Today we welcome Space Force to the Intelligence Community and look forward to the power and ingenuity of a space security team unrivaled by any nation." "Through sharing space-related information and intelligence, the IC and DOD increase integration and coordination of our intelligence activities to achieve best effect and value in executing our missions," Ratcliffe said. "This move not only underscores the importance of space as a priority intelligence and military operational domain for national security, but ensures interoperability, future capability development and operations, and true global awareness for strategic warning."