Space OPCON: Who's Watching Zeus?
Abstract
Over the past decades operations from and through space have given U.S. forces tremendous advantages on the battlefield. However, the high demand for space resources has always outstripped the available capacity, inevitably leading to a debate in regard to the command and control of space operations. Given the nature of the space environment, current space doctrinal roles and missions, and the capabilities space systems bring to the battlespace this paper contends that command and control of space operations needs to remain within U.S. Strategic Command rather than in an operational theater. In examining this thesis, the paper defines the considerations that operational planners must take into account when conducting operations in and through space. It explains the composition and nature of current command organizations and relationships in the execution of space operations. It explores current and near-term space capabilities and its impact on joint space command and control doctrine. Finally, the paper draws conclusions concerning the most effective space command structure and recommends areas for further research and analysis in the continued evolution of joint space doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA463673
Entities
People
- Todd Zachary
Organizations
- Naval War College