Finding the Shape of Space
Abstract
The US National Space Policy specifically addresses the preservation of, and freedom of action in, space. In order for the policy to succeed, would-be attackers must believe that the United States will detect and attribute their actions. Today's space surveillance network cannot detect either the newest and smallest satellites nor can it detect small particles of space debris. It therefore cannot monitor or attribute the actions of small satellites, nor can it guarantee the safety of our existing space assets. As new technologies enable packaging increased capabilities into ever smaller spacefaring packages, by 2030 our inability to detect small objects in space will become a critical capability shortfall in preserving the United States' freedom to operate in space. An inability to monitor small satellites and space objects could diminish our military instrument of national power and the ability to conduct diplomacy. To properly engage foreign powers using the political instrument of national power, our diplomats must also know what space objects are doing, their intentions, and who owns them. The Air Force must make decisions today regarding technology investment to ensure that the United States possesses comprehensive space situational awareness (SSA) in the future. This monograph is concerned with the direction space technologies will take over the next 20-30 years. Specifically, this research takes a purposeful look at accelerating technological change as it relates to US space capabilities instrumental to improving SSA and other key space initiatives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA603167
Entities
People
- Brian C. Mcdonald
- Christopher C. Shannon
- David S. Menke
- Dustin P. Ziegler
- Scott J. Scheppers
Organizations
- Air War College