Space

Testimony

Space Security

Author: Bruce W. MacDonald

Bruce W. MacDonald, author of the Council Special Report China, Space Weapons, and U.S. Security testifies before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and focuses on three questions: 1) Does U.S. overall space policy advance space security? 2) Does the United States invest resources so as to best protect and defend space assets? 3) What role can diplomacy play in advancing space security?

See more in China, Weaponization of Space, Space, Technology and Foreign Policy

Op-Ed

Taking Friendly Fire to New Heights

Authors: Charles D. Ferguson and Bruce W. MacDonald
Los Angeles Times

Charles D. Ferguson and Bruce W. MacDonald argue that by demonstrating its anti-satellite capability, the U.S. “was stepping briefly across a dangerous threshold, undercutting American and international criticism of China and threatening an arms race in space.”

See more in United States, China, Weaponization of Space, Space

Backgrounder

China’s Anti-Satellite Test

Author: Carin Zissis

China's anti-satellite test in January drew international condemnation but also piqued interest in some quarters about instituting a space weapons ban.

See more in China, Space

Other Report

Space, Commerce, and National Security (A CFR Paper)

Author: Frank G. Klotz

Throughout the past decade, space has become increasingly important to all aspects of American life. The information revolution now transforming both private activity and global commerce depends to a very large extent on communication, remote sensing, and navigation satellites. Likewise, space has become vitally important to the American military. During the 1991 Gulf War, the victorious coalition forces relied heavily upon the “high ground” of space to support land, sea, and air operations. We can expect the same to continue in future conflicts.

In this monograph, Military Fellow Colonel Frank Klotz provides a timely and thorough analysis of the emerging debate. With an eye to recent developments and potential future competition regarding the Earth’s orbit, Klotz provides a compelling argument for sustaining U.S. pre-eminence in space in order to promote and protect growing American interests there.

See more in Economics, Space, National Security and Defense