Commercial Satellites in LEO: The New DOD Frontier

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1209270 | Open PDF

Abstract:

As near-peer adversaries have gained and demonstrated technologically advanced anti-satellite capability, the US's once dominant position in space is currently being held at risk. Any future conflict involving Russia or the People's Republic of China will likely start in cyberspace and space. The US Military has been, and continues to be, heavily reliant on satellite-based communications, precision, navigation, and timing via the Global Position System constellation and on-orbit remote sensing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. The government-owned and operated space assets are highly capable yet extremely expensive and not easily replaced. The growth of commercial space in the 21st century offers the US Department of Defense a unique opportunity for the warfighter to increase capability at significant cost savings. DoD leasing of large commercial satellite constellations in low earth orbit (LEO) will augment limited national security resources and provide the resiliency necessary for DoDs space architecture in a contested domain.

Author(s):
Schmitter, Jacob
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL WAR COLLEGE NEWPORT RI
Funding Organization(s):
NAVAL WAR COLLEGE NEWPORT RI, NEWPORT , RI
Document Type:
Technical Report/Research Paper
Publication Date:
2023 Jan 30
Pagination:
20

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
low earth orbits, department of defense, earth orbits, national security, satellite constellations, artificial satellites, contested environments, cost reductions, remote sensing, governments, orbits, constellations, reconnaissance, security, surveillance
Keyword(s):
commercial satellites, leo(low earth orbits), space architecture, space resilience, isr(INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE)
Subject Categories:
Space Technology
Creation Date:
2023 Sep 05
Update Date:
2023 Oct 11