The Battle to Militarize Space Has Begun
Currently, all space-based military infrastructure supports terrestrial operations. But as the ability to capture the riches of the solar system becomes more viable, military competition will ensue.
November 12, 2015
Forecast
As existing technologies proliferate and new developments provide greater access to space, Cold War frameworks for the peaceful sharing of Earth's near orbit will erode.
The reliance on space-based systems, such as satellites, and the deterioration of existing regulations make the militarization of space inevitable.
The U.S. reliance on electronic networking for military and intelligence operations is a key vulnerability that countries such as China could exploit.
Competition for resources in the solar system will inevitably lead to conflict and military posturing.
Analysis
For most strategic planners, space represents the ultimate high ground. In the same way that control of the skies added a new dimension to combat in the great wars of the 20th century, the military exploitation of space will be a defining characteristic of the 21st century. German rocket technology propelled the first unmanned systems into space during the latter stages of World War II. These sy…
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