ID | 128976 |
Title Proper | Debates over the military value of outer space in the past, present and the future |
Other Title Information | drawing on space power theory in the U.S. |
Language | ENG |
Author | Fukushima, Yasuhito |
Publication | 2013. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | Throughout the Cold War era, U.S. debate over the military value of outer space focused on how space systems were able to contribute to nuclear deterrence and strategic stability between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Sanctuary school was the first prevailing view of the debate, and it recognized the value of outer space in the observation of regions within the boundaries of other sovereign nations. However, the views of this school were relativized following the inauguration of the Reagan Administration. As an alternative to the sanctuary school, there was another argument that made headway, which was that outer space should be positioned as the ultimate high ground and that ballistic missiles should be intercepted from outer space. Furthermore, following an increase in the military value of outer space, the idea that space control would become a prerequisite for the utilization of outer space began to draw interest. In the post-Cold War era, in contrast, the main point of contention has been about how space systems can contribute to wartime military engagements. The Gulf War saw a rise in the military value of space systems in terms of C4ISR, and since then the U.S. has maintained its policy of pursuing the C4ISR value of space systems in military operations. At the same time, as the perceived value of space systems increased, the view that space control should be established gained traction. However, when considering the future path of the debate, space control has a number of issues in terms of feasibility. Additionally, in the long term, the utilization of outer space as the high ground may become the point of contention. Nonetheless, technical challenges and other issues must be overcome before space-based BMD systems and other alternatives can be deployed. |
`In' analytical Note | NIDS Journal of Defense and Security Vol.14; Dec 2013: p.35-48 |
Journal Source | NIDS Journal of Defense and Security Vol.14; Dec 2013: p.35-48 |
Key Words | Cold War ; Outer Space ; Nuclear Deterrence ; United States ; Soviet Union ; Reagan Administration ; Military Value ; C4ISR ; Military Operations ; BMD Systems |