Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons^™

Deter War, Not Attacks Against Space Systems, John B. Sheldon

Space and Defense

The “Space Deterrence: The Delicate Balance of Risk” study by the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies has much merit to it. First, to undertake the task at all is praiseworthy given the enormity and importance of the topic. Second, the study contains many sensible points, ranging from the uncertain nature of deterrence to measures needed to physically protect space systems that policy makers and students of strategy would do well to note. But as noteworthy as the Space Deterrence study is, there are two wider points to consider that are not found in its pages. The omission of …

Strengthening Deterrence: Assuring Delivery Of Space Capabilities, Peter L. Hays

Space and Defense

The Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies’ report on “Space Deterrence: The Delicate Balance of Risk” briefly overviews fundamental deterrence concepts and evaluates how deterrence functioned during the Cold War; it masterfully assesses the most relevant and applicable lessons for today’s space deterrence challenges. The report comprehensively and multi-dimensionally addresses space deterrence by discussing key issues, including the vulnerability gap the United Sates faces with respect to space capabilities, the difficulty of defense, problems with credibility of retaliation in an asymmetric environment, and weaknesses in space situational awareness (SSA) and attribution. It also makes key recommendations to develop internal …

A Good Starting Point For Deterrence, Dean Cheng

Space and Defense

A central focus for much of the Cold War was determining what would deter the Soviet Union; this was a topic upon which many of the West’s best and brightest labored to determine. In order to deter the former Soviet Union, a huge intellectual edifice was erected, which helped guide a variety of military programs, including not only the American strategic triad of land-based and sea-based missiles and manned bombers, but tactical nuclear weapons, hardened command and control, and space-based early warning systems. It also incorporated concepts, such as “extended deterrence,” “escalation dominance,” and “mutual assured destruction.”

Space Deterrence: The Delicate Balance Of Risk, Roger G. Harrison, Deron R. Jackson, Collins G. Shackelford

Space and Defense

The United States has created a military structure that is heavily satellite-dependent, without making corresponding improvements in the survivability of its space systems. The result is a classic opportunity for asymmetric, preemptive attack. The central question of this study is how to structure a strategy of deterrence to persuade potentially hostile actors that the costs of attack will nevertheless outweigh the benefits.

Preface For Volume 3 No. 1, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents Volume 2 No. 1, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Front Matter Volume 3 No. 1, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Notes For Contributors, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

A Chinese Perspective On China-United States Cooperation In Space, Dingli Shen

Space and Defense

This article describes the arrival of new space actors from Asia, with particular focus on China. It analyzes the lack of cooperation in civilian space programs between China and the United States (U.S.), and the possible negative consequence of this. The paper suggests that the principles of non-diversion and reciprocity in accession as the foundation for China-U.S. collaboration in the civilian sector of space collaboration. This paper addresses the ongoing defense program with space application by the two countries, suggesting an overall program for China and the U.S. to have dialogue, as well as collaboration in space areas, promoting mutual …

Strategic Communications With China About Space, Joan Johnson-Freese

Space and Defense

In 2006, I published an article entitled “Strategic Communication with China: What Message About Space?”1 The article pointed out that difficulties encountered in trying to convey its message regarding the Global War on Terror to a global audience had convinced the United States, or at least the Defense Science Board, that it needed to use strategic communications more effectively. From there I extrapolated, “If one believes that big problems are best tackled in small bites, ‘space’ perhaps offers an area where the United States can begin to understand and tackle some of the strategic communication issues it faces.”2 Communication mishaps …

United States - China Engagement On Space: A Role For Canada, Wade Huntley

Space and Defense

As advancing technologies expand the scope of human activities in space, the international security implications of these activities have become increasingly contested. For the United Sates, military space capabilities now serve integral roles in a spectrum of terrestrial needs, and sustaining U.S. Security interests in space has become a key concern for many military planners. Meanwhile, the space technologies of many other countries are developing rapidly. Although an outright challenge of the U.S. position is not yet imminent, some countries already possess asymmetric capabilities posing genuine threats to U.S. space operations.

Space And Sino-American Security Relations, Peter L. Hays

Space and Defense

China’s emphasis on space exploration and its development and use of space capabilities are prominent and tangible expressions of its emergence as a great power and make space an increasingly important dimension of Sino-American relations. In October 2003 China independently launched and recovered its first taikonaut, becoming just the third member of an elite spacefaring club with Russia and the United States. Then in January 2007 China first successfully tested a kinetic energy anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon and again joined Russia and the United States as one of only three states known to have demonstrated this capability. China’s growing power and …

Reflections On Sino-Us Space Cooperation, Dean Cheng

Space and Defense

Since 2006, the US Air Force Academy’s Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies has sponsored an annual workshop examining the strategic impact and implications of China’s space program. This workshop series has blossomed into a Track-II process, with participants from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and unofficial US government presence.

A key focus of many of the discussions during these workshops has been the prospects for Sino-US cooperation in space. This issue has gained prominence since the 2007 PRC ASAT test, and the US subsequent 2008 American destruction of a malfunctioning satellite. Sino-US space cooperation is seen as …

Table Of Contents Volume 2 No. 3, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Front Matter Volume 2 No. 3, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Speech For The 2008 National Space Forum, Jane Harman

Space and Defense

As many of you probably know, my Congressional district in Southern California is home to the Space and Missile Command – the arm of the Air Force tasked with developing and procuring the space assets that give America its eyes and ears in space.

Speech For The 2008 National Space Forum, Terry Everett

Space and Defense

I would like to thank the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies and the Center for Strategic and International Studies for the invitation to speak today. I would also like to thank Dr. Hamre , Ambassador Harrison, and Peter Teets for their leadership. Peter Teets is a good friend and great space leader and I am honored to be among such individuals who I hold in high regard.

Speech For The 2008 National Space Forum, Wayne Allard

Space and Defense

Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here with all of you today at the National Space Forum, and it is an honor to be here with so many industry experts and leaders. I thank our sponsors, the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy and also the Center for Strategic and International Studies, for hosting this important event and for giving me an opportunity to speak to you today. In the Senate I have long supported the Center for Space and Defense Studies, and I am pleased to see the Center executing …

Introduction The Eisenhower Legacy

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents Volume 2 No. 2, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Front Matter Volume 2 No. 2, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Notes For Contributors, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space Deterrence Or Dominance?, Dwayne Liller

Space and Defense

A strategy to safeguard United States’ space assets is needed. Deterrence strategies, like Cold War nuclear deterrence, are often recommended. Nuclear deterrence history reveals that deterrence through dominance is what early strategists employed. Both Cold War adversaries attempted repeatedly to gain the lead in nuclear weapons. Seeking short term advantages activated the security dilemma and both sides responded in kind, guaranteeing an arms race. The faulty logic of the security dilemma was that the next advantage would bring security. This did not happen and illustrated how mutual vulnerability resulted from long term and determined opposition. That condition exists to this …

Operationally Responsive Space: Past, Present And Future, Stuart Eves

Space and Defense

Where did the idea of Operationally Responsive Space originate? You might imagine that the idea was born during the First Gulf War, (sometimes called the First Space War), where use was made of strategic space systems to support operations. It was apparent, though, that strategic systems with very small fields of view and long revisit times were not well suited to operational reconnaissance. Other limitations of these strategic systems included a tasking system not suited for tactical timelines; significant data downlink requirements, making it difficult to deliver data into the theatre; a large in-theatre “footprint” for intelligence analysts; and lack …

The 2010 National Space Policy: Down To Earth?, Joan Johnson-Freese

Space and Defense

The 2010 National Space Policy, intended “to express the President’s direction for the Nation’s space activities,” was released by the Obama Administration on June 28. Responses were for the most part swift and predictable. While drawing heavily from past consistent principles, all analysts agreed that the tone and emphasis differed significantly from the 2006 Bush Administration policy, which itself was a departure from past policies in terms of a greater military focus and nationalistic orientation. Views on which tone and emphasis is best has ranged along the ideological spectrum. A sampling of opinions is indicative. Baker Spring, from the conservative …

Coalitions In Space: Where Networks Are Power, James Clay Moltz

Space and Defense

This study begins with the widely recognized problem of 21st century space vulnerabilities. To address this challenge, it proposes the new concept of an “allied space network” as a possible means of both reducing risks and enhancing space power. Such a concept would move beyond realist, Cold War “balancing” in space, and instead would require new forms of technical and political cooperation in the military sector among participating states. In thinking about future space security this study argues that trans-national networks and alliances offer considerable untapped potential, with possibly significant benefits particularly for the United States, which—unlike China and Russia— …

Introduction, Roger G. Harrison

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents Volume 5 No. 1, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Front Matter Volume 5 No. 1, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Notes For Contributors, Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.