Enhancing National Security through Technological Capabilities in Space

Introduction

The importance of technological capabilities in space power and national security. In the 21st century space technology has become a critical enabler of military operations and strategic objectives.

The research and development (R&D) initiatives in space technology include reusable launch vehicles, small satellites and constellations, technologies for on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing, exploring new frontiers of space science and exploration and improving technologies for space domain awareness and protection.

Space technology plays a crucial role in military operations in the space domain and two of the key capabilities that enable military forces to operate effectively in space are space-based sensors and space-based communication systems.

The article will also discuss emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, that can improve military operations in space, citing some programs from the USA, China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of innovation in building and maintaining technological capabilities for space power to achieve strategic and economic goals.

The Strategic Significance of Space Power: Controlling the High Ground

Space Power is a crucial aspect of modern warfare and strategic dominance, offering a wide range of advantages and capabilities. In the aviation field, there are strategic concepts that can be paraphrased and translated to a space sector scenario . The following points delineate the significance of Space Power and its implications for military operations and global security.

1. Orbital Control and Access: Whoever controls the key orbits holds a significant advantage in space. The orbits around Earth serve as strategic positions from which to deploy satellites, gather intelligence, and establish communication networks. Controlling these orbits provides access to space and influences the balance of power.
2. Strategic Advantages: Space Power offers inherent strategic advantages in various areas, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), command and control systems, and precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). These capabilities enable enhanced situational awareness, effective command structures, and accurate targeting, giving a significant edge in military operations.
3. Offensive and Defensive Capabilities: Space Power functions both as an offensive and defensive weapon. It can deny adversaries access to space by disrupting their satellite networks and communications. Additionally, it empowers the projection of power through various means, such as satellite-based weaponry and rapid response capabilities.
4. Dominating the High Ground: By dominating the high ground, Space Power produces physical and psychological shock. It allows for swift and precise strikes, enabling forces to swiftly respond to threats and adversaries with unparalleled speed and accuracy.
5. Parallel Operations and Multidomain Support: Space Power enables the execution of parallel operations at all levels of war simultaneously. It supports operations not only in space but also on land, sea, air, and cyberspace, providing critical communication, surveillance, and navigational support to forces across multiple domains.
6. Revolutionizing Mass Understanding: Precision space weapons have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of mass in space. These advanced technologies can manipulate objects with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency, enhancing our ability to navigate, manipulate, and defend assets in orbit.
7. Centrally Controlled by Space Professionals: The unique characteristics of Space Power necessitate centralized control by space professionals. Expertise in orbital mechanics, satellite operations, and space policy is essential to effectively harness the capabilities of space assets while ensuring responsible and coordinated use.
8. Technology’s Role in Space Power: Technology and space power are intertwined, with advancements in technology driving new capabilities and applications in space. Cutting-edge technologies enable the development of more advanced satellites, communication systems, and space-based weaponry, enhancing the overall effectiveness of Space Power.
9. Beyond Military Assets: Space Power extends beyond military applications and includes a growing commercial space sector. The commercial space industry offers new opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and cooperation, leading to advancements in communication, Earth observation, and exploration.
10. Establishing Rules and Norms: The space domain requires the development of new rules, norms, and agreements to ensure responsible behavior and prevent conflicts. International cooperation, dialogue, and the establishment of space treaties are crucial in maintaining peaceful and secure activities in space.

Research and Development in Space Technology

Space technology is a critical enabler of military operations and strategic objectives in the 21st century.

Space technology encompasses a wide range of fields and applications, such as satellite communications, navigation, remote sensing, space exploration, space situational awareness and space weapons. In recent years, several countries have invested heavily in research and development (R&D) of space technology, aiming to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness in the domain. Some of the current R&D initiatives in space technology include:

• Developing reusable launch vehicles and rockets that can reduce the cost and increase the frequency of access to space.
• Designing small satellites and constellations that can provide more resilient and diversified services and functions.
• Advancing technologies for on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing that can extend the lifespan and functionality of spacecraft.
• Exploring new frontiers of space science and exploration, such as the Moon, Mars, asteroids and beyond.
• Improving technologies for space domain awareness and protection that can detect, track, identify and counter potential threats in space.

These R&D initiatives are driven by various factors, such as national security, economic competitiveness, scientific curiosity and international cooperation. They also pose significant challenges and opportunities for the future of space technology and its implications for global stability and security.

Technological Capabilities for Military Forces in the Space Domain

Technological capabilities in space are not just about winning wars, but about securing peace. One of the most famous Latin sayings is Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum, usually quoted as 'Si vis pacem, para bellum' , which means “If you want peace, prepare for war”.

This motto can be adapted to the importance of technological capabilities in space for not only winning wars, but also securing peace. In this section, we exemplify two key capabilities that enable military forces to operate effectively in the space domain and how they support strategic objectives and national security.

• Space-based sensors are devices that collect and transmit data from space using electromagnetic waves. They can be used for various purposes, such as Earth observation, navigation, weather forecasting and surveillance. For military forces, space-based sensors provide situational awareness of the space environment, as well as the activities and intentions of potential adversaries. For example, space-based sensors can detect and track ballistic missiles, monitor nuclear tests and identify and characterize space objects .
• Space-based communication systems are networks that enable data exchange between spacecraft and ground stations, or between spacecraft themselves. They can use radio frequency (RF) or free space optical (FSO) technologies, depending on the distance and bandwidth requirements. RF systems use electromagnetic waves in the radio spectrum to modulate and demodulate data signals. FSO systems use laser beams to encode and decode data signals. FSO systems offer higher data rates and lower interference than RF systems, but they are more susceptible to atmospheric conditions . For military forces, space-based communication systems provide reliable and secure transmission of voice, video and data for command and control, intelligence and operations. For example, space-based communication systems can relay data from satellites to ground stations, or from orbiters to rovers on other planets.

Innovation in Space Technology

The importance of innovation in building and maintaining technological capabilities for space power is a key factor for achieving strategic and economic goals in the 21st century.

The development and deployment of emerging technologies in space can enhance the capabilities of space actors and create new opportunities and obstacles for cooperation and competition. This section describes three emerging technologies that can enhance military operations in the space domain, citing programmes from the United States, China, and Russia.

Small satellites are increasingly becoming common in recent years, making it one of the top SpaceTech trends in 2023. CubeSats and NanoSats, are cheaper, faster and easier to launch than traditional satellites and can perform various functions such as remote sensing, communication, navigation and scientific research. Small satellites can also form large constellations or swarms that can provide global coverage and resilience.

• USA’s Starlink project aims to provide broadband internet access using thousands of small satellites.
• China’s Hongyun project has a similar goal, but also intends to use small satellites for military communication and surveillance.
• Russia’s Sphere project plans to launch more than 600 small satellites for various applications, including missile warning and navigation.

Advanced communications using satellites incorporate advancements in hardware such as antennae, transmitters and receivers, as well as software such as encryption, modulation and compression. They enable faster and more secure data transmission between space assets and ground stations, as well as between different space assets. Advanced communications also enable new applications such as quantum communication, which uses quantum entanglement to achieve ultra-secure and long-distance communication.

• USA’s Blackjack program aims to demonstrate a global high-speed network using low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
• China’s QUESS program has successfully launched the world’s first quantum communication satellite.
• Russia’s Blagovest program is developing high-throughput communication satellites for military use.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning, decision making and problem solving. They can enhance the performance and efficiency of space systems by enabling autonomous operation, data analysis, anomaly detection, fault correction and optimization. AI and machine learning can also support human operators by providing situational awareness, recommendations and assistance.

• USA's xAI program aims to develop explainable AI systems that can provide transparent and understandable reasoning for their actions.
• China's Tianwen-1 mission uses AI to autonomously navigate and land on Mars.
• Russia's ERA program is developing a humanoid robot that can perform tasks on the International Space Station (ISS) using AI.

Maintaining Technological Capabilities in the Space Domain

The pursuit of technological capabilities in the space domain requires a long-term vision and commitment.

During the early stages of the space race, the Soviet Union (USSR) was the dominant space power, achieving several significant milestones, such as launching the first satellite (Sputnik) and sending the first human (Yuri Gagarin) into space. However, the United States made significant strides in developing its space capabilities, ultimately surpassing the Soviet Union and becoming the dominant space power.

• Today the United States is the dominant space power, with a large and diverse portfolio of military and civilian space assets. The US relies on its space capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, communication, missile defense and global strike. The US views space as a vital domain for its national security and global leadership and seeks to deter and defeat any threats to its space systems. The US also promotes international cooperation and norms of behavior in space, while maintaining its freedom of action and access.
• China is an emerging space power, with ambitious plans to expand its presence and influence in space. China has developed a range of anti-satellite weapons, including kinetic-kill vehicles, lasers, jammers and cyberattacks. China views space as a key domain for its economic development and national rejuvenation and seeks to challenge the US dominance and hegemony in space. China also pursues international cooperation and dialogue in space, while advancing its own interests and agenda.
• Russia is a legacy space power, with a rich history of achievements and innovations in space. Russia has maintained a robust military and civilian space program, despite economic and political challenges. Russia has also developed various anti-satellite capabilities, such as co-orbital satellites, electronic warfare and cyberattacks. Russia views space as a domain for its national prestige and security and seeks to protect its strategic assets and interests in space. Russia also supports international cooperation and regulation in space, while opposing any attempts to militarize or weaponize space.

The potential threats posed by these three actors to each other are complex and dynamic. They depend on the strategic objectives, capabilities, intentions, perceptions and actions of each actor in the context of the evolving geopolitical environment. The pursuit of technological capabilities in the space domain requires a long-term vision and commitment from each actor to invest in research and development of new technologies and systems that can enhance their own security and competitiveness in space. It also requires a balance between cooperation and competition, between deterrence and dialogue, between norms and freedom in the use of outer space.

Partnerships for Building Technological Capabilities in the Space Domain

Building and maintaining technological capabilities for space power is a shared responsibility that requires partnerships between military forces, research institutions and private industry. Space exploration and innovation are essential drivers for advancing scientific and technical knowledge, addressing global challenges and inspiring young generations.

However, achieving these goals requires significant investments, expertise and coordination among various actors. Therefore, partnerships between government agencies, military forces, research institutions and private industry are crucial for building and maintaining technological capabilities for space power.

Different countries have different approaches and interests in developing such partnerships.

• The United States relies on its vast network of allies and partners to leverage their comparative advantages and share the costs and benefits of space activities, also supporting the growth of the commercial space sector, which is leading in capability development and innovation. The US cooperates with its allies and partners on various initiatives, such as the Artemis Accords, the Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 and collaborative exercises and wargames.
• China has a more centralized and state-led approach to space development, with government agencies, military forces, research institutions and state-owned enterprises working closely together to pursue national strategic objectives in space. The PRC also seeks to expand its international influence and cooperation in space through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor, the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization and the China Space Station.
• Russia has a long history and tradition of space exploration and innovation, but faces challenges in sustaining its technological capabilities due to economic constraints and geopolitical tensions. Russian Federation’s government agencies, military forces, research institutions and private industry collaborate to preserve its status as a major space power. Russia also engages in international cooperation with various countries, such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa, as well as with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the International Space Station.

Conclusion

Building and maintaining technological capabilities for space power requires a holistic approach that includes research and development, innovation and collaboration between military forces, research institutions and private industry.

Research and development initiatives in space technology, such as reusable launch vehicles, small satellites, on-orbit servicing, and space situational awareness, are driving innovation and presenting both challenges and opportunities for the future.

Military forces rely on space-based sensors and communication systems to operate effectively in the space domain and achieve strategic objectives. The emergence of new technologies, such as small satellites, advanced communications, and AI and machine learning, is opening up new possibilities for space power and cooperation, but also posing new risks and threats.

To enhance national security through technological capabilities in space, it is crucial to invest in research and development, foster innovation and collaboration, and promote responsible and peaceful uses of space technology.