Space Control: Securing America\u27s Future in Space

The United States has come to rely extensively on the use of space for both military and commercial purposes, and this is a reliance that will only increase in the future as space becomes even more integrated into our national life. As such, space will become an important strategic center of gravity, and the United States will need to secure for itself the ability to operate effectively from space, in both peacetime and conflict. Without that capability, the United States\u27 dependence on space can become a liability rather than an asset should a future adversary attempt to deny the United States freedom of action therefrom. This thesis argues that the United States is currently vulnerable to attacks against its space systems and that proper steps must be taken to reduce that vulnerability. Failure to do so may lead to disastrous outcomes should the United States face a future adversary with the capability to impede the American ability to operate in space