Comparative Cislunar Strategies
Abstract
As interest in cislunar space rapidly increases around the globe, a new, 21st-century space race has begun for cislunar advantage. While this race continues, time is fleeting for nations to establish a clear cislunar space strategy. The question is, what kind of cislunar space strategy will effectively establish cislunar space power? Near-Earth space strategies cannot simply be copied due to the starkly different nature of cislunar space. This thesis identifies four possible strategies, varying in degrees of cooperation, and juxtaposes them across three case studies of specific, operational cislunar challenges: space situational awareness, infrastructure, and energy. Ultimately, a strategy of commercial internationalism is recommended. Supported by international coalitions and coordination with private companies, this strategy presents the most promising and most sustainable means of achieving cislunar space power and overcoming the complex challenges presented in the cases of space situational awareness, infrastructure, and energy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224830
Entities
People
- Matthew J. Serio
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School