Challenges to Future U.S. Space Control
Abstract
Space Control can be defined as the ability to maintain strategic and tactical military superiority through the continued and uninterrupted use and protection of national Spaced-based assets while denying, degrading, or manipulating the military use of an adversary's Space-based assets. Space control is a mixture of defensive and offensive measures implemented to ensure successful achievement of national objectives and is particularly important during periods of increased international tensions or hostilities. The capabilities required to accomplish the Space control mission are surveillance, protection, prevention, and negation. The employment of Space-based assets, the utilization of Space asset products or services by the U.S. military since the 1980s has received worldwide attention by friendly, neutral, and hostile nations. Today, a growing number of countries, including third world countries, are accessing Space-based assets. This growth includes terrorist groups who are now utilizing Space assets in their attempts to give them a political (i.e. through direct television broadcast systems) or military advantage in their geopolitical situations (i.e. through the use of telecommunication systems or purchase of satellite imagery for target planning).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA525773
Entities
People
- Terrence Smith
Organizations
- United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command