Space Operations

SPACE NODE
CONTROL LINK
MISSION LINK
AIRBORNE NODE
TERRESTRIAL NODE
Figure 1.1. Elements of Space Systems
Space forces. Space forces are military space assets and personnel utilized by the
joint force, are normally organized as units, and are categorized by their impact on
global or theater requirements. As such, there are global space forces and theater
space forces. Global space forces support multiple theater and/or national
objectives and are controlled by the commander, United States Strategic Command
(CDRUSSTRATCOM). Theater space forces support individual theater
requirements and generally fall under the control of the geographic combatant
commander (GCC). Theater space forces are primarily focused on a single theater,
with little or no direct impact outside the designated area of responsibility (AOR).
Space also enables network centric warfare by providing a global infrastructure that
can be exploited at all levels of operations—strategic, operational, and tactical. For
example, a Predator unmanned aircraft (UA) depends on space for distributed
operations. Space enables networking across vast distances, providing real-time
horizontal and vertical integration for the warfighter. Across the operational
environment, warfighters leverage space to an unprecedented degree, serving as the
foundation for 21st century warfare—space-enabled warfare.
The Air Force categorizes relative advantage in the space domain by space parity,
space superiority, and space supremacy. Space parity describes a roughly equal
degree of power between friendly and adversary use of space capabilities. Next, space
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