What did the Trump Administration’s third space policy directive change? How does it affect space debris? Will there be a Space Force? Read this assessment to find out all these answers and more!
Author: Todd Harrison
Todd Harrison is the director of the Aerospace Security Project and the director of Defense Budget Analysis at CSIS. As a senior fellow in the International Security Program, he leads the Center’s efforts to provide in-depth, nonpartisan research and analysis of space security, air power, and defense funding issues. @ToddHarrisonDC
Podcast: A Behind the Scenes Look at Space Threats
Go behind the scenes with the authors of “Space Threat Assessment 2018.” They’re joined by the Secure World Foundation’s Victoria Samson and Brian Weeden to discuss what it’s like to study counterspace weapons—an inherently classified topic—in an unclassified environment.
How Might Space Policy Directive 2 Affect Commercial Space?
On Thursday, May 24, 2018, President Trump signed a second space policy directive, which intends to streamline regulations in the commercial use of space. This article explores the nuances of the directive and what U.S. government agencies will be affected.
Video: Could Trump’s ‘Space Force’ become a reality?
“We’re getting very big in space,” says the US president. What would a new branch of the military do?
Space Threat 2018: China Assessment
Arguably the fastest rising power in space, China has made rapid progress in developing both its space and counterspace capabilities. The country has tested direct-ascent ASAT weapons, on-orbit robotics, and remote proximity operations. Reports indicate that China is also developing and testing directed-energy and jamming technologies.
Space Threat 2018: Russia Assessment
Russia’s space and counterspace capabilities suffered after the fall of the Soviet Union, but it has since made significant progress rebuilding both programs.
Space Threat 2018: North Korea Assessment
While North Korea’s space and counterspace capabilities are limited, it has made substantial progress developing its missile, jamming, and cyber capabilities. North Korea’s missile technology clearly aligns with its strive to become a nuclear power; its jamming and cyberattack capabilities tend to be more accessible and lower-tech than some counterspace weapons.
Space Threat 2018: Iran Assessment
Iran’s pursuit of space and counterspace capabilities is a more recent development and is tied in many ways to its ballistic missile programs. However, Iran has previously used advanced jamming against commercial satellites and are reportedly further developing their cyber capabilities, as well.
Space Threat 2018: Other Actors Assessment
Other actors, including allies, adversaries, and non-state, are developing or using counterspace weapons.
Space Threat 2018: Conclusion
Space Threat Assessment 2018 evaluates open-source information on counterspace activities of adversaries, allies, and non-state actors. Counterspace weapon development from some adversaries is of serious concern and require immediate attention from policymakers.