Space Operations

Describing electromagnetic effects includes determining the effect of an energized
atmosphere or scintillated ionosphere on space communications, determining the
susceptibility of a given signal, satellite, line of communication, or ground asset to
the effects of the electromagnetic environment (such as interference).
Evaluating the Adversary: This includes evaluating the adversary force composition
and order of battle; satellite capabilities; offensive or defensive counterspace
capabilities, tactics, and doctrine; ability to sustain or reconstitute space capabilities;
the friendly assets the adversary is likely to target; and the adversary’s willingness to
engage in various combat operations. Additional analysis is performed on enemy
space centers of gravity and critical nodes and assets that are critical to the success
of the enemy’s operations. Furthermore, US forces must evaluate adversary access
to commercial space products and services by analyzing their impact on the battle
space. US forces must also attempt to understand enemy space crew force training
status, use of space communications and ISR capabilities, and C2 capabilities.
Determining Adversary COA: Intelligence analysts fuse knowledge of adversary
capabilities and the environment, as well as assessments of enemy objectives and
desired end state to determine potential enemy courses of action. This includes
determination of most likely and most dangerous COAs. It also includes evaluation
of the branches and sequels of these COAs.
Thorough and detailed IPOE is a necessary prerequisite to effective conduct of
space operations. Well-accomplished IPOE provides commanders at all levels with
intelligence decision aids necessary to accomplish operational objectives.
Space intelligence preparation of the operational environment is a key component of
predictive operational environment awareness, thus supporting the commander’s
multidimensional understanding of the operational environment
in time, space, and effect, regardless of the
adversary, location, weather, or time of day. PBA is
continuous and achieved by the commander through
possession of relevant, comprehensive, knowledge,
including an accurate forecast of pertinent influences in
the operational environment. This knowledge of the
operational environment, in concert with C2, permits
commanders to anticipate future conditions, assess
changing conditions, establish priorities, exploit emerging
opportunities, and act with a degree of speed and
certainty not matched by our adversaries.
SPACELIFT
Planners should be aware of the limitations of the
current US spacelift infrastructure. Today, launching a
satellite requires extensive pre-launch preparation and
checkout followed by extensive on-orbit checkout prior to
Evolved Expendable
Launch Vehicle –
First Atlas V launch
from Cape Canaveral
AFS, FL in August
2002
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