Operational doctrine evolves for military space sector
Skynet satellite. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Why has the space domain become so important and moved up the defence agenda?
Fundamentally, modern warfare is increasingly reliant on satellite constellations for beyond line-of-sight communications, data links to unmanned systems, intelligence gathering and surveillance activities. Moreover, many national agencies rely on these assets, thereby increasing the complexity of priorities, management, command and control.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Space Solutions Special Report
-
![British Army embraces SlingShot]()
British Army embraces SlingShot
Add-on kit turns UHF/VHF radio into a BLoS solution to support voice and data communications.
-
![DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage]()
DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage
The MOESS programme intends to deploy a sovereign Australian tactical electromagnetic sensor capability, installed on a constellation of CubeSats. DEWC is developing a sensor that can conduct radar electronic support in defence-relevant radio frequency bands used by assets such as ships and aircraft.
-
![MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking]()
MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking
The US is progressing with its HBTSS project, having overcome an important obstacle.
-
![Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?]()
Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?
Plans for Russia to build its own orbital station could enable geospatial intelligence-gathering missions and onboard military experiments away from international observers.
-
![EU plays catch-up on launchers]()
EU plays catch-up on launchers
Europe ceded the initiative on reusable launcher technology in 2014 and only now is it trying to claw back the lost ground.
-
![Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM]()
Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM
Commercial satellite constellations may find favour with the DoD for low Earth orbit solutions.
