Antipodal Zones Implications for the Future of Space Surveillance and Control
Abstract
This paper has defined antipodal-zone interception of space assets in the context of modern space-control strategy without real regard to national policy or whether any ASAT system should be deployed. The point was not to argue if ASAT systems should be used, but simply to point out that certain operational and strategic objectives could be met through their employment, in times of crisis, if the necessary system infrastructure is present and the national command authorities decide to use them. Like any militarily significant technical advancement, the use of space assets to advance or secure national power in the context of the modern world will not be forgotten. In this grand strategy that aims primarily at access to or denial of vital information--command, control, communications, information, and reconnaissance systems--antipodal-zone interception of just-launched space assets constitutes an aspect of space control that both we, the United States, and our contemporaries in the space-faring world must recognize and exploit if possible and economically justifiable. The United States should continue to develop space launch systems that are relatively invulnerable to AZ interception, such as Pegasus, Taurus, RLV, and others, while maximizing launch flexibility and surge rates and minimizing necessary launch infrastructure and, therefore, cost. Designing for additional orbital-maneuvering capability in future high-value spacecraft would also minimize our vulnerability to AZ-based ASAT weapons systems. If adversaries develop AZ-interception capability, above and beyond any based on their own soil, US naval or air assets should be trained and employed to neutralize the threat, if necessary, in times of heightened tension or outright conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA514937
Entities
People
- Martin E. France
Organizations
- Air University