Index

Title: Space Power 2010

Subject: An examination of the deficiencies of US military space power.

Author(s): James L. Hyatt III; Paul L. Laugesen; Michael A. Rampino; Ronald R. Ricchi; Joseph H. Schwarz

DTIC Keywords: MILITARY DOCTRINE, SPACE DEFENSE, SPACE SYSTEMS, SPACE TECHNOLOGY, SPACE WARFARE, SPACE WEAPONS

Abstract: Today’s US military space power is deficient. The US military has no space-based force application systems and no anti-satellite weapons, the latter being a key part of a space control capability. The US military also has serious limitations in its ability to deploy and sustain space forces, and minor limitations in its ability to perform the force enhancement functions. The US military must recognize and correct these deficiencies in order to remain a top space power. These deficiencies can be corrected with existing or emerging technology especially with the aid of official policies focused to encourage growth in commercial space activities.

A working lexicon is created to assist in the process of analyzing US space power and in developing a desirable vision for its future. The authors first derive a definition of space power and military space power by drawing on scholarly interpretations of the notions of space and power. The authors then describe five elements of military space power. Guided by this formal concept of military space power and its elements, the authors present six basic Space Power 2010 concepts of operations (CONOPS). These six CONOPS are space strike, information blockade, space denial, omniscience/omnipresence, operational spacelift, and massively proliferated and networked microsat constellations. Tailored to address current deficiencies in US military space power, these CONOPS are exhibited in notional future scenarios and classroom briefings in order to help the reader visualize a variety of effects. Finally, the authors present technological, organizational, and doctrinal requirements, as well as contextual elements, for the Space Power 2010 vision.



Last updated 1997 Jan 07