National Security Implications of the Commercialization of Space
Abstract
Space is one of our nation's vital national interests. During the Cold War, space products and services were dedicated predominately for national security purposes with relatively little commercial utility, with the exception of communications. Within the past decade, space products and services have transitioned more and more into the commercial sector, realizing global commercial revenues approaching $65 billion in 1998. As this nation explores and exploits the importance of commercial space activities, it must weigh the costs, benefits, and vulnerabilities between "enhancing our security" and bolstering our "economic prosperity". Striking a balance between these two core national security objectives is critical to our nation's future and essential to providing sound leadership to this nation's space program and more importantly, the international space community. This paper discusses current national space strategy, law, and policies - focusing predominately on commercial space, explores the four economically prosperous commercial space activities - communications, remote sensing, navigation, and launch - as well as the implications each of these activities has on our future national security, and concludes with recommendations on how this nation can best posture its space program to gain maximum economic benefit while preserving national security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378018
Entities
People
- Richard C. Doerer
Organizations
- United States Army War College