Title: A Study on Contrasts: Similarities and Differences Between Development of Airpower and Space Power
Subject: Is the Air Force as prepared to pursue further development of space power as the Army Air Corps was to further the development of early airpower?
Author(s): Scott E. Gilson; Theresa R. Clark (Faculty Advisor)
DTIC Keywords: AEROSPACE SYSTEMS, AIR FORCE BUDGETS, AIR TO SPACE, BUDGET ESTIMATES, LEADERSHIP, MILITARY BUDGETS, MILITARY DOCTRINE, MILITARY HISTORY, PERSIAN GULF WAR, PLANNING PROGRAMMING BUDGETING, SPACE BASED, SPACE COMMUNICATIONS, SPACE DEFENSE, SPACE MISSIONS, SPACE NAVIGATION, SPACE SURVEILLANCE, SPACE SYSTEMS, SPACE TECHNOLOGY, SPACE TO SPACE, SPACE TO SURFACE, SPACE WARFARE, SPACE WEAPONS, SPACECRAFT DEFENSE SYSTEMS, SURFACE TO SPACE, THEORY
Abstract: Space applications for military operations began in earnest in the late 1950's, but it wasn't until the Gulf War of 1991 that space power came to the forefront of the military mindset. Is the Air Force as committed to the development and continued growth of space power as the Army Air Corps was to the development and advancement of early airpower? This study examines similarities and differences between development of early airpower in the Army Air Corps, and the development of space power within the Air Force, as America becomes increasingly reliant on space assets and capabilities. In order to determine if the Air Force is poised to continue the growth and development of space power, this paper will review military applications, theory, doctrine, and resource committments devoted to the development of early airpower and today's space power. While early airpower needed theory and doctrine to acquire further resources, space power has received consistent resources while void of separate space power theory or doctrine. But as space advocates push for the continued growth of space power is money, without theory or doctrine, enough to solidify institutional USAF commitment for space?