Satellite Reconnaissance of the Future
Abstract
The intelligence community is responding to a Presidential tasking that calls for more direct support of military operations. It is also adjusting to concepts presented in Joint Vision 2010 that are based on the assumption that commanders will enjoy information superiority--an ability to see and hear virtually everything of importance--to control the course and outcome of any military operation. However, developing such a capability could take a decade or longer. There may not be a consensus on the import of JV 2010 for intelligence requirements that deal with targeting, damage assessment, and simultaneous operations until 2005. This would pose a serious dilemma. In 2005 it will be too late to change reconnaissance satellites in orbit to meet these requirements, and it will take several more years to develop and launch new satellite systems. Moreover, other nations will have increasing access to satellite derived intelligence to support their operations while America's ability to use space to freely collect intelligence may be challenged. Space is rapidly becoming commercialized. U.S. success during Desert Storm can largely be ascribed to superior information from its spaceborne intelligence system. Changes in the highly competitive field of space reflect this progress. Three American firms plan to launch commercial imagery systems before 2000, and at least ten nations will have imagery systems with resolution to one meter or less by 2010. That information will likely be available in the marketplace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA524807
Entities
People
- Kenneth Mcgruther
- Thomas G. Behling
Organizations
- National Defense University