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.