Ten propositions regarding space power: the dawn of a space force

Air & Space Power Journal, Summer, 2006 by Mark E. Harter

Editorial Abstract: Through an exhaustive historical review of space, multiple interviews with field professionals, and thorough examination of pertinent sources, Colonel Harter develops a list of fundamental propositions and keys to space power. From this discussion, he advocates that the logical consequence of these propositions for realizing the full potential of military space power is a separate and distinct space force, replete with its own doctrine, leadership, organization, and resources.

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No one can predict with certainty what the ultimate meaning will be of mastery of space.

--Pres. John F. Kennedy, 1961

ON 4 OCTOBER 1957, the Soviet Union stunned the world by successfully launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, into low Earth orbit (LEO). By repeating this feat within a month (Sputnik II ), the Soviets made a bold statement of profound technological, political, and military significance that ushered in mankind's race for space--"the final frontier." As the Cold War escalated, the United States quickly realized the global implications and military potential of space assets in the "high ground" and responded by developing its own space capability, culminating a decade later in the achievement of President Kennedy's vision and national goal of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Apollo moon missions. Since then, space development has proliferated, as dozens of nations now pursue economic and military benefits from using space systems.

Based on the current demand for both military and commercial space operations, it is prudent to contemplate (and act upon) the essential elements that define the nature and potential of robust space power. What are the fundamental characteristics of a nation's potential strategic military space power? Are there propositions regarding space that can provide guidance on the questions and issues that shape a nation's military space-power capability? The answer is yes.

This article provides a concise, fresh perspective on the nature and potential of national space power. (1) Through a historical examination of military and commercial space activity, personal interviews with nearly 100 space professionals, and a review of space-power literature from more than 50 sources, this research assesses the strategic potential of robust space power and the fundamental propositions that define it. (2) The results point to a "top 10" list of individual propositions and keys to space power, ultimately concluding that a nation's true strategic space power cannot reach its full potential without a separate, independent space force. In effect, this work parallels (in a limited respect, based on time and resources) the thought-provoking research of Col Phillip S. Meilinger, USAF, who published 10 Propositions Regarding Air Power at the School of Advanced Airpower Studies (SAAS) in 1995, as well as several corollaries produced by other space professionals since then. (3)

Space Power: Historical Background

Space Power will be as decisive in future combat as airpower is today.

--Hon. E. C. Aldridge Jr. USAF Space Policy, 1988

There is a familiar correlation between early twenty-first-century space power and airpower's infancy in the post-World War I era. The parallels in the development of airpower and space power are interesting if not predictable--the space community is currently wrestling with many of the same issues that plagued early airpower. Similar to post-World War I airpower, there is no question that today's space forces provide a wealth of force enhancement to joint war fighters. Additionally, from a national perspective, space systems provide essential economic, commercial, and scientific capabilities resulting in potential centers of gravity (COG). (4) Just as nations protect their land, sea, and air assets for economic, commercial, and military purposes, the protection of space capabilities is becoming increasingly important (space control). Like the early airpower advocates wrestling with how to achieve effective airpower, today's space community wrestles with very similar doctrinal, organizational, and operational issues:

Airpower: After World War I

Proven force enhancement (intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR])
from World War I.

Demonstrated support to ground/naval forces.

Can airpower be both offensive and defensive?

How to develop strategic/tactical airpower?

Best way to integrate airpower into joint operations?

Acquire adequate budget for airpower systems?

Optimized airpower C2?

Develop airpower doctrine, policy, and training.

Does airpower warrant its own separate service?

Space Power: Early Twenty-first Century

Proven force enhancement (ISR, navigation, weather,
communications) from Operations Desert Storm,
Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom.

Demonstrated support to ground, naval, and air forces.

Can space power be both offensive and defensive?

How to develop strategic/tactical space power?

Best way to integrate space power into joint operations?

Acquire adequate budget for space-power systems?

What is the most effective space-power C2 construct?

Develop space-power doctrine, policy, and training.

Does space power warrant its own separate service?