Accession Number:

AD1112589

Title:

The Wrath of Khong: Science Fiction, Future Analogies, and Early Military Space Policy

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Master's Thesis]

Corporate Author:

AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL

Personal Author(s):

• Slaughter, Bryony

Report Date:

2020-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

110

Abstract:

This paper investigates the role that science fiction had on the early development of military space policy. It examines three science fiction motifs the concept of space as a frontier, the fear of nuclear apocalypse, and the central theme of human spaceflight. Using Yuen Foong Khongs Analogical Explanation Framework, this paper contends that science fiction of the pulp era assisted policymakers in defining the nature of the situation, providing prescriptions for policy, evaluating moral rightness, and in two of the cases, warning about the dangers of other options. Conversely, this paper assesses that unlike historical analogies, the future analogies or motifs of science fiction did not help to evaluate the stakes or predict the chances of success of a given policy decision. This paper is a timely reminder that when science fiction is used correctly, it is often a helpful tool in investigating and analyzing imaginary future war scenarios. As the next era of space exploration develops, and the US military stands up the Space Force and renews its focus on the protect and defend mission, science fiction provides a pathway for the investigation of new policy alternatives.

Descriptors:

• international relations
• spacecraft
• air force
• fleet ballistic missiles
• national security
• nuclear weapons
• warfare
• artificial satellites
• international law
• nuclear bombs
• space force
• space systems
• second world war
• space environments
• psychology
• spacecraft orbits
• air force facilities
• astronautics
• nuclear energy
• personnel management

Subject Categories:

• Astronautics

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]