Essence of Spacepower: Important Influences on the Evolution of National Spacepower.

摘要

This paper scopes the concept of spacepower, identifies the arenas in which it must be forged, and outlines the factors that strongly influence its evolution. These insights are drawn from the history of land, sea, and air power. Broad parallels in the formation of national power in these mediums suggest that spacepower is composed of three components and will evolve in five separate but interdependent arenas. Within each of these arenas there appear to be several factors that are key to the evolution of national power in any medium. One obvious conclusion of this study is that a number of nations could become spacepowers. Another conclusion is that the United States must come to grips with several shortfalls if it is to remain a preeminent spacepower for the long term. The reader with limited time may wish to focus on Chapter II, the Integration of Arenas section in Chapter IV, and Chapter VI. They comprise a more detailed executive summary.