On Space Warfare: A Space Power Doctrine
Abstract
Ever since President Ronald Reagan's speech on ballistic missile defense (BMD) in March 1983, the military use of space has become a hotly debated topic. President Reagan did not mention space, only a plan to place renewed emphasis on the development of a BMD technology. Nevertheless, the speech was promptly dubbed "Star Wars" because the space environment seems to be the most likely place to deploy a ballistic missile defense system, and several administration officials mentioned space-based BMD systems as technological possibilities. Although Americans are accustomed to public debate concerning the merits of proposed weapon systems, the Star Wars controversy covers issues broader. Will space-based weapon systems allow a new strategy to replace assured destruction? Are we prepared to militarize space, an environment that has been treated as a war-free sanctuary since the Eisenhower administration? Are space-based weapons that have been proposed for BMD purposes technologically feasible? This paper provides exceptional insights into the various doctrines that do or would govern military affairs in the space environment. Its strengths are the author's ability to articulate the various doctrines, the historical perspective from which these doctrines are examined, and the broad context from which these doctrines are viewed. The prescription for the space power doctrine presented in this paper is not radically different from the path the United States has already taken. It calls for a complete space transportation system to augment the space shuttle, a system which includes space stations and a family of high- and low-thrust upper stages that will help maintain this nation's technological control of the environment. While this space transportation system will support both civilian and military users, we should develop a separate and primarily military vehicle, the aerospace plane, as soon as possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA421942
Entities
People
- David E. Lupton
Organizations
- Air University Press