Leveraging Space for Asymmetrical Advantage

摘要

It seems like only a few years ago that Space was a thing of imagination and science fiction. Clearly, tremendous accomplishments have been achieved since America launched its first satellite in 1958. Over the past four and a half decades, Space has become increasingly important to our national interests. Advanced systems critical to the Nation's security and economic well- being have been launched into orbit. Stock market transactions, credit card purchases and electronic banking are now completed quickly and precisely with the aid of networks and communications facilitated by satellites. Similarly, digital television, wideband Internet access and cellular telephone conversations are made possible through Space-based satellites. Today, Space power represents a decisive, asymmetrical advantage for the United States and, in particular, for military and intelligence activities. Space extends the range and capabilities of communications, improves missile early warning and enhances situational awareness beyond any terrestrial capability. Space systems have also brought better intelligence and synchronized combat operations by enabling the collection of new types of data and information. The bottom line is that we can no more imagine a day without the capabilities provided by Space- based products and services than we can imagine a day without on-demand access to water and electricity.