View What Can 24 Satellites Do for U.S. Missile Defense? By Thomas G. Roberts PublishedOctober 18, 2018 Despite some missile defense advocates’ claims that 24 satellites could form the basis of a boost-phase space-based missile interceptor (SBI) system, many physicists do not agree. A better question is how could a satellite constellation of this size best contribute to U.S. missile defense?
View Unmanned Aerial Systems’ Influences on Conflict Escalation Dynamics By John Schaus, Kaitlyn Johnson PublishedAugust 7, 2018 This CSIS analysis details how escalation and deterrence dynamics change with the increasing use of UAS in conflict areas and examines several cases of how these dynamics might realistically occur.
View Why a Space-Based Missile Interceptor System Is Not Viable By Thomas G. Roberts PublishedJuly 2, 2018 The deployment of a space-based missile intercept layer would require launching hundreds or thousands of weapons into space – an expensive, inefficient, and provocative proposition.
View How Does Space Policy Directive 3 Affect Space Traffic Management? By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson PublishedJune 19, 2018 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!
View How Might Space Policy Directive 2 Affect Commercial Space? By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson PublishedMay 30, 2018 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.
View Space Threat 2018: China Assessment PublishedApril 12, 2018 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.
View Space Threat 2018: Russia Assessment PublishedApril 12, 2018 Russia’s space and counterspace capabilities suffered after the fall of the Soviet Union, but it has since made significant progress rebuilding both programs.
View Space Threat 2018: North Korea Assessment PublishedApril 12, 2018 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.
View Space Threat 2018: Iran Assessment PublishedApril 12, 2018 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.
View Space Threat 2018: Other Actors Assessment PublishedApril 12, 2018 Other actors, including allies, adversaries, and non-state, are developing or using counterspace weapons.
