Military Space Control: An Intuitive Analysis
Abstract
Military space control describes the capability to secure a military asymmetric advantage in space. Space control protects space assets to guarantee access to space services, and at the same time, prevents an enemy from benefiting from resources in space. The tremendous growth in the integration of space systems into today's warfighting machinery is driving a remarkable transition in the military space domain. The growing need for information dominance is the impetus for an increasing military dependence on space services. This reliance on space systems is compelling military decision makers to make key strategic choices about the future of space control. The purpose of this paper is to analyze major aspects of military space control strategy and determine if U.S. initiatives are on track to meet the needs of the warfighter. To analyze U.S. military space control strategy, this research takes an intuitive approach based on a methodology introduced by Newman, Logan, and Hegarty in their book, "Strategy, A Multi-Level, Integrative Approach." The method analyzes a strategy by defining the competitive domain, evaluating advantages in resources and organizations, and identifying strategic investment priorities. Based on this approach, the report will address the following three questions: (1) What is the domain the U.S. seeks in the military space control environment?; (2) What is the U.S. space control differential advantage?; and (3) What is the strategic thrust of space control initiatives? The report shows that military space control strategy, like many other facets of space, is in a significant phase of transition. As the military need for information dominance grows, space will become an area the U.S. will have to defend. This transformation will require moving military operations into space, improving the mission survivability of space systems, and ensuring a continual awareness of activities in space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA434364
Entities
People
- Adolfo J. Fernandez
Organizations
- Air University