Space-Based Missile Defense: Still Grounded
SMA hosted a speaker session with Theresa Hitchens (Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland [CISSM]) as part of its SMA Contested Space Operations: Space Defense, Deterrence, and Warfighting (Space) Speaker Series. Date: 29 March 2018 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Ms. Theresa Hitchens (Center for International and Security […]
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Int’l Rules / Norms: Constraints on Space Operations
[Q20] What are the current international agreements, treaties, conventions, etc., governing the use of space, and what specific limitations and constraints are placed on space operations? Author: Dr. Belinda Bragg (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response The expert contributors identified 26 separate international agreements, treaties, and resolutions (legal codes) that have implications for space operations (Figure 1). […]
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Commercial Companies’ Perceptions of Security Space
[Q6] How do commercial ventures think about the security of their space assets during peacetime, crisis and conflict? Do industry leaders think about warfare in or through space differently than military leaders? What are their main concerns? How reliant are they on governments for warning or protection of space? What are their threat priorities? Author(s): […]
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Pre-Space Age Approaches to Military Capabilities
[Q15] What insight on current space operations can we gain from understanding the approaches used for surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, communication, timing synchronization, and indications and warnings before the advent of the space age? Author(s): George Popp (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response This report summarizes the input of 13 insightful responses contributed by space experts from National […]
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Principles of Response to Aggression in Space
[Q18] What are the principles (e.g., flexible vs. controlled response; proportionality, etc.) upon which international policy makers should develop response options for aggression in space? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author(s): Dr. John Stevenson (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response Upon considering the question of focus, several expert contributors argue that it is confusing or even […]
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Effectiveness of International Agreements in Space
[Q22] Can international agreements effectively protect high-value space assets in time of crisis and/or conflict? How could such a treaty be sufficiently verified? How would it be enforced? How would dual- use technologies be treated? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author(s): Dr. John Stevenson (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response The expert contributors divided nearly evenly […]
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Commercial Space Actors: Disruptors or Solid Partners
[Q12] Will major commercial space entities likely serve as disruptors or solid partners in terms of state national security interests? In the short-term (5-10 years), mid-term (15-20 years), and long-term (25+ years)? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Authors: Dr. Allison Astorino-Courtois (NSI, Inc.) and Dr. Belinda Bragg (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response There was considerable […]
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Strategic Risk in the Space Domain
[Q16] Which international actors currently have the greatest strategic risk in the space domain? What affordable non-space alternatives are there to mitigate or avoid that strategic risk? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author: George Popp (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response This report summarizes the input of 15 insightful responses contributed by space experts from National […]
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Is US Success Contingent on Dominance in Every Domain
[Q17] As we move into multi-domain conflicts will our success hinge on being successful in every domain or can we lose in one and still be successful in the overall campaign? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author: Dr. Sabrina Polansky (Pagano) (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response Contributors were varied in their responses, with approximately half […]
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National Security Implications of Space-Launch Innovation
[Q13] What are the national security implications of increasingly accessible and affordable commercial launch services? Are these the same for the US and near-peers or states with emergent space capabilities? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Authors: Dr. John Stevenson (NSI, Inc.) and George Popp (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response The experts solicited in this effort […]
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