This important report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The purpose of this study is to take the first steps toward a military space power theory. It begins by answering the question: Why does the US military need space power theory? The United States or any military space-faring nation needs theory because space power is more than simply a force enhancer but is a separate and unique form of military power with the capacity to deter and compel. An analysis of the fundamental attributes of military power—identified here as presence, perspective, response, and destructive capability—demonstrates the unique advantages and disadvantages of space vis-a-vis land, sea, and airpower. A unifying principle of "globalness" links the laws, rules, and precepts of a prototype theory based on space power's unique capabilities. The space power theory provides a common vision that allows a space-faring nation to take full advantage of these unique capabilities.
As Operation Iraqi Freedom clearly demonstrated, space power is growing rapidly in its ability to augment American military forces, transforming them into true twenty-first-century fighting forces. While space power is currently a necessary component for this transformation, it will mature into a full-fledged and stand-alone form of military power only with the advent of space weapons. Eventually, space control weapons will demand an independent space strategy. Hence, the intent of this study is to work out some of the theoretical obstacles before such a strategy is implemented. The goal is theory, both descriptive and predictive, capturing the essence of space power.
Chapter 1 - Introduction * Chapter 2 - National and Military Power * Chapter 3 - Space and Military Power * Chapter 4 - Space Power Theory * Chapter 5 - Conclusions