Space Security Index

Space Security 2011
136
Turkey, and Germany have already expressed varying degrees of interest in using COSMO-
SkyMed to complement their own planned or existing observation systems. 291 Likewise,
under a contract awarded in December 2009, e-Geos — an Italian Space Agency-Telespazio
venture — and Lockheed Martin Space Systems will provide the U.S. National Geospatial-
Intelligence Agency with radar data from the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. 292
In June, Astrium Satellites announced that the two French Spirale satellites launched in 2009
had completed their objectives and that their mission would be extended until the end of
2010. 293 Spirale is a demonstrator program for a future space-based infrared early warning
system for detection, tracking, and identication of missiles. 294 e program is consistent
with a 2008 military policy paper that stated France’s interest in developing such a system for
European defence. 295 While other European countries have yet to announce their support for
its development, France is reportedly willing to do it on its own, and is interested in having
an operational system by the end of the decade. 296
2010 Development
Canada prepares to launch first military satellite, continues expanding multiuse capabilities
Canada will soon see the launch of its Sapphire satellite, which will orbit at 800 km to image
space objects in orbit and will become a sensor within the U.S. SSN. e satellite, which
one analyst describes as Canada’s rst “dedicated military satellite,” 297 is set to launch as
early as 2011. 298
In August, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper endorsed the Radarsat Constellation
Mission, Canada’s next-generation radar Earth Observation system, with a commitment
of CDN$397-million over ve years, plus CDN$100-million already secured from the
Canadian Space Agency (CSA). A contract for building the system has not been awarded,
but the rst of the three satellites could be launched in 2014. 299
Canada’s Polar Communications and Weather mission is progressing. In 2010, CSA ocials
approached Russia for advice on the two-satellite system, which will be launched in HEO. 300
e satellites will provide continuous Ka-band and X-band communications services,
and will also carry a spectroradiometer and other instruments for weather monitoring.
Although the Department of National Defence will be a PCW user, the system’s mission is
primarily civilian. It will help to address gaps in coverage in high altitudes by weather and
communications satellites. Phase A, which began in July 2009, continued in 2010, with
requirements and systems review in place. 301 Funding approval and contract awards for the
subsequent B, C, and D phases were planned for February 2011. 302
Space Security Impact
Increased access to space by more actors reduces the asymmetric vulnerability of those
countries that already rely on space assets. However, the proliferation of individual systems
increases problems of congestion and may lead to the proliferation of technology that
threatens space assets and increases the possibility of conict. is situation underscores
the value of cooperating in enhanced space situational awareness as a way to protect
space assets. Budgetary constraints have proven to be a positive motivator for increased
cooperation and interdependence, moving some countries to look for ways to improve
their access to and use of existing systems without necessarily launching their own. In the
case of military systems, however, countries may choose to be less forthcoming about their
capabilities or operations in space, thus increasing the risks of uncertainty or confusion.