Space Superiority

Space Superiority
Safeguarding Our
“Space Approaches”
Capt Michael C. Todd
Space Warfare Center
On 5 November 2004, Navy Admiral Timothy J. Keating
assumed command of US Northern Command from
General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart. In doing so, the hefty
responsibility of defending the United States from those that
wish to harm this nation was transferred to Admiral Keating.
In his acceptance speech, he stated, “Protecting the nation and
its territories would require constant vigilance and more.” 1
This statement may compel one to assume it only applies to
safeguarding our air, land, and sea approaches, but in fact,
it also emphasizes the importance of protecting our “space
approaches.”
When US Northern Command was established, a new Area
of Operations (AOR) was created. This AOR includes the
continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and their
surrounding waters out to approximately 500 nautical miles.
It also includes the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US
Virgin Islands. 2 There was a day when this country did not
have to worry about an adversary attacking our homeland. But
the attacks of 11 September 2001 forever altered this perception.
Similarly, serious challenges to US dominance in space
technology development and application seem far-fetched today.
But just as our terrestrial approaches were compromised
by an innovative and bold new adversary, it is only a matter
of time before our space approaches are challenged. The task
of defending US space dominance is difficult, but extremely
important given our dependence on space services to support
our diplomatic, information, military, and economic instruments
of power.
The Department of Defense is heavily dependent on space
assets to conduct their operations. However, the national dependence
on space extends beyond the Soldier, Airman, or
Sailor on the front lines. Nearly all US government and civilian
computer and communications networks utilize space
systems to some degree. As a result, space technology has
become the ‘Achilles Heel’ of this nation. According to US
Strategic Command, the United States is the nation most
heavily reliant on space technology for its economy, defense,
and way of life. Some examples of our dependency on space
capabilities include:
• Near real-time satellite imagery for weather and intelligence,
combined with instant satellite communications
and the accuracy and timing provided by Global Positioning
System (GPS) satellites, gives US commanders unparalleled
awareness of operations and enable commanders to achieve
military objectives in a relatively short amount of time.
• Global communications are becoming a way of life for
most Americans to include instant access to credit and cash
worldwide, the use of satellite phones and pagers, and satellite-delivered
radio and TV.
• Instant communication between diplomats stationed
abroad and the US State Department keep administration officials
informed and prepared for a rapid response. 3
With a list of dependencies such as this, it is easy to see
why an adversary would want to deny or disrupt our ability to
use space. The effect felt by the warfighter is clear. Eliminating
the GPS signal to a precision guided munition dropped
over a target could create unnecessary collateral damage. If
satellite communications were denied over forward lines, the
US would face a significant problem trying to pass along coordinates
for close air support, resupply, or medevac. Likewise,
a downed aircrew member attempting to communicate
his location and status will have a more difficult time without
GPS or satellite communications. However, none of these
military scenarios are likely to happen within the borders of
the United States. What about the effects of denying or disrupting
the space capabilities used by the everyday American
right here at home?
Many Americans underestimate our reliance on space. Removing
space capabilities can affect the conveniences Americans
have become accustomed to having at their fingertips.
Point-of-sale credit authorization such as gas stations, retail
stores, and restaurants are linked to banking institutions over
satellite networks. National and international television networks
disseminate programming to local broadcast and cable
television providers. Today, many Americans get their news
and entertainment programming directly from satellites. Even
as far back as August 1999, over 12 million homes received
television programs directly from satellites. 4 Denying access
to this technology removes a major entertainment medium but
also eliminates a news source. For example, it removes America’s
ability to obtain weather reports of approaching severe
weather. Imagine the impact of Florida not having weather
imagery during hurricanes Charley, Frances, Georges, Ivan
and Jeanne during 2004. Many more lives would have been
lost as a result.
Denial of America’s space capabilities impact how we operate
on a daily basis. This nation has put many of its eggs in
one basket by relying on space for everyday needs. Removing
one or more of the technologies that Americans depend
on will have serious consequences. What measures should
we use to defend or limit the effectiveness of enemy attacks?
High Frontier Winter 2005 29