Space Support in Terrestrial Military Operations

Implications for Emerging Thinking on the Future Airpower

Resumo

This essay intends to make an analytical study of space support in two relevant contemporary wars, First Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom, where its role was decisive to the fi nal outcome. Taking in consideration these two case studies, and today´s space theories/doctrine, it will be confi rmed that, despite the relative utility of bringing the space weaponization to the debate arena, all the current schools of thought have serious limitations while establishing a strategic framework for space operations. According to the author’s perspective, military use of space just for terrestrial force enhancement does not really demand a theory of space power. The creation of a truthful space strategy, policy and doctrine that will regulate space operations might result from two main factors: the vital need to protect the ever-growing interests in space and the ability to provide kinetic space-to-ground, space-to-air and/or space-to-space effects. Those factors might also tip the scales in favour of a dedicated and separate space Service.