Applying Mahan's Theory of Sea Power to Future Space Development
Abstract
Space has the potential to provide abundant commercial profits and scientific discoveries. However, the United States currently faces a problem in space with how best to protect commercial and national interests against adversarial threats. Previous studies have failed to show how to practically apply a method of space development that ensures the security of both national and commercial interests. This study solves this issue by using the theories of Mahan, historical examples of sea development, and scientific studies on space exploration to create a fictitious future scenario where space is developed. As a result of this fictitious look at the future, a renewed interest in the United States becoming a space-faring people, establishing a manned lunar base and infrastructure to secure space lines of communication can reasonably be assessed as the best option for securing future US interests in space. Finally, this study can be used to show the importance and feasibility of securely developing the region of space that encompasses the orbits of both the Earth and the Moon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1161199
Entities
People
- Craig A. Maybee
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies