Defining Commercial Space's Place in the Battlespace
Abstract
The Combined Joint Force Combatant Commander (CJFCC) relies on the ability to maintain information superiority across the spectrum of military operations. The availability of accurate and timely information, as well as the ability to rapidly exchange this information, represent key components enabling effective command and control of the battlespace. Since Operation DESERT STORM, the U.S. has relied on space-based systems to achieve information superiority and enhanced combat effectiveness. In order to meet demands for critical information flow during recent military operations (to include ALLIED FORCE, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM), the U.S. has needed to extend beyond the capabilities of dedicated DoD and national space assets, relying on the commercial space sector to provide critical force enhancement functions. Underlying this reliance are three primary premises: first, the U.S. military force cannot meet all mission requirements without tapping into the additional resources provided by commercial space; second, commercial space will continue to provide force enhancement capabilities beyond those derived from dedicated DoD systems; and thirdly, the use of commercial space products and services often facilitates improved information sharing with coalition partners. In effect, commercial space assets fill a niche as an operational force enabler. For the combatant commander to fully leverage commercial space capabilities, the role of commercial space must continue to be defined. This will be achieved by combining U.S. national and DoD policy with Joint service doctrine, while continually applying operational lessons learned concerning the best uses of commercial space in support of the warfighter. This paper reviews the combatant commander's use of commercial space by analyzing a number of critical utility factors that must be considered when integrating commercial space into the operational battlespace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426002
Entities
People
- Bruce R. Demello
Organizations
- Naval War College