In a move that could trigger an arms race in space, President Trump has formally launched U.S. Space Command. At a White House ceremony, Trump described space as the next war-fighting domain.

President Donald Trump: “As the newest combatant command, Spacecom will defend America’s vital interests in space, the next war-fighting domain. … Spacecom will soon be followed, very importantly, by the establishment of the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces.”

Jon Rainwater of Peace Action criticized Trump’s announcement, saying, “Given that any fighting in space would likely be with nuclear powers like Russia and China, the militarization of space adds to the risk of nuclear war.”