Space Technology: Force Multiplier or False Sense of Security

Abstract

The Premise that space technology is a force multiplier is analyzed. Lessons learned from Desert Storm are discussed to show the advantages that space systems can bring to the battlefield and how unprepared the space community and our military forces were to execute a war using space technology. New space technology applications are described to show how space technology can enhance our military forces and the need for space control is discussed as more and more countries acquire space capabilities. Finally, by relying too much on technology and believing that technology will win all wars, we may garner a false sense of security. The paper concludes that space technology can be used as a force multiplier if we integrate space technology into all military operations and exercises, develop space doctrine to drive requirements for technology, educate our people on space systems, develop a coherent space control strategy, win the technology race and carefully assess our military requirements in the 'new world order'.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 08, 1994
Accession Number
ADA279726

Entities

People

  • Jessie W. Canaday

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Bombing
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Defense Systems
  • Military Applications
  • Military Budgets
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Systems
  • United States
  • United States Central Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space