Space Operations

Integrate joint space capabilities to achieve theater and global objectives.
Identify and prioritize space objectives and desired effects, and the weight of effort
required to achieve results in support of the theater’s objectives.
Indicate the phasing of space forces in relation to the theater’s campaign plan.
Identify and nominate adversary targets that degrade US space superiority.
PLANNING FACTORS
The following are some critical factors to consider in planning military space
operations. This list is not exhaustive but serves as a starting point for air and space
planners.
Phasing
Phasing provides an orderly schedule of military decisions and indicates preplanned
shifts in priorities and intent. Phasing may be used to modify the prioritization
of limited space capabilities to theater operations. Space operations often occur
simultaneously and can be continuous throughout the campaign, sometimes leading to
a sense that phasing is less relevant to space operations. Phasing remains a useful
tool to communicate the JFC’s concept of operations and the shifting of emphasis
between ongoing space operations. For instance, counterspace operations may be
emphasized early in an operation and be de-emphasized once space superiority is
firmly established. Some level of regional or temporal space superiority is likely to be a
prerequisite to effective pursuit of other objectives.
Space Integration Considerations
Integration of theater space requirements must consider both a global and
a theater perspective. Global integration is the responsibility of CDRUSSTRATCOM.
Theater integration is the responsibility of the geographic combatant commander and
the CFACC. The geographic combatant commander and CDRUSSTRATCOM normally
authorize DIRLAUTH between component commanders and formalize a support
relationship as the situation dictates. The CFACC and CDR JFCC Space ensure space
integration occurs throughout the process. DIRLAUTH is more applicable to planning
than operations and carries with it the requirement to keep the commander granting
DIRLAUTH informed. For discussion on support and DIRLAUTH, see JP 0-2, UNAAF.
During recent warfare, including Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM,
ALLIED FORCE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM, several space-related
considerations have surfaced that directly impact US military success. Planners should
consider the following when developing courses of action:
Theater commanders should state their requirements in terms of desired effects.
Deciding which space forces are required and which tactics are needed is usually
best left to the supporting commander. Using support from the space-based infra-
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