The Modern Space Domain: On the Eve of Weaponization

Abstract

Over the past 60 years, the world, and most decisively the US, harnessed space-enabled effects for both military and civil purposes. The lack of comprehensive international agreements restricting non-WMD offensive space-based capabilities and the asymmetric advantages space capabilities provide the US military represent an opportunity and incentive for potential competitors to weaponize space. This thesis examines the evolution of the space domain and provides recommendations for the future US space posture through three lenses: redesigning a space strategy based on deterrence, reviewing the organizational structure, and completing a space-based capability review that avoids a security dilemma in space.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 09, 2018
Accession Number
AD1051092

Entities

People

  • Mark A. Hauser

Organizations

  • Joint Forces Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Treaties
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space