Space to be 'next war-fighting domain': Trump

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said the U.S. Space Command would 'ensure that America's dominance in space is never questioned and never threatened'.

Trump made the announcement in the Rose Garden, flanked by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mike Esper and the newly appointed head of Space Command, U.S. Air Force General John Raymond.

Trump said Space Command would "defend America's vital interests in space, the next war-fighting domain."

Space Command was originally established in 1985 by the Air Force to coordinate defense efforts amid the Cold War. In 2002, Space Command was merged into the unified Strategic Command to focus on the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Trump added that Space Command would be followed by the establishment of the Space Force, " the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces," he said.

Creating a new military branch requires congressional approval and the House and Senate are expected to take up the issue when they return from their August recess.