Proposed Tenets of Spacepower: Six Enduring Truths
Abstract
The United States Air Force has a policy of using space as the high ground. It calls for capabilities to use spacepower in every conceivable way in conflict including missile defense, space control and creating significant terrestrial effects. Air Force Space Command has funded programs that will bring responsive launch vehicles and an ability to apply force directly from space while continuing to improve all the things they currently do in, to and from space. However, there are no tenets about how to best employ spacepower. This paper concludes now is the time to write these tenets. This will help guide the development of new programs and tactics, techniques & procedures (TTP). Without guiding, enduring truths there is no foundation to build upon, and the Air Forces risks building systems and developing TTP that do not ensure the most efficient and effective use of spacepower. The six proposed tenets of spacepower are: 1. Space operators should understand the advantages and limitations of operating in, to and, from space. 2. Spacepower should be prioritized and coordinated by a space professional with a global perspective. 3. Spacepower in a theater should be centrally controlled by a space professional. 4. Spacepower is flexible and versatile. 5. Spacepower is best used to achieve effects in, to and from space that capitalize on its unique advantages. 6. Spacepower can support or be supported by terrestrial operations or operate independently.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA424972
Entities
People
- Samuel L. Mcniel
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College