The 21st Century Wright Flier: Rocket Technology and the Military Implications of Affordable Access to Space

Abstract

How will the development of cheaper, reusable space rockets by private industry affect the militarization of space? This paper will answer the question by analyzing a future scenario that looks at three technologies that can proliferate with cheaper, reusable rockets: improved rocket modules for logistics and mobility, small, light-weight satellites for surveillance and communications, and space-based weapon systems. The feasibility of these systems and their possible use will be evaluated by looking at the anticipated reduction of cost of rocket technology in the next 15 years (private companies are currently aiming for 10% of current costs) and the effects this will have on who is able to access space, what (and how much) can be put into space, and how this will change the military approach to space as an operational domain.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 30, 2018
Accession Number
AD1179104

Entities

People

  • Cole F. Petersen

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Anti-Satellite Missiles
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Governments
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Satellite Networks
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Space Weapons
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space