Paving a Pathway to Resilient Satellite Operations

摘要

There has been much discussion in Washington and across the Department of Defense about the need for heightened resiliency in space. Specifically, the conversations - which have inspired notable legislation - are framed around the increasing challenges placed upon DoD mission-supporting satellite systems from electromagnetic interference, either intentional or accidental, as well as other increased risks of operating through a contested space environment. These disruptions threaten the performance and safety of DoD military units as they conduct the full spectrum of military and humanitarian operations. Depending on the type and the severity of the interference, their satellites may be jeopardized as well. Therefore, it is very encouraging to see the U.S. government's leadership engage on the following developments: 1. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 included a section that supported "fully-developed, multi-faceted" approaches in deterring and defeating adversary-launched acts of aggression in space. The act directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees in which the Secretary would assess the ability of the DoD to deter and defeat the attacks. The act also stipulated that the Secretary produce a detailed study to propose alternative defense and deterrent strategies in response to these threats.