Theater Space Warfare

Theater space warfare is emerging from two streams of evolution in military space: the role of space in military operations and the role of the theater in space operations. Indispensable at the strategic level throughout the Cold War, space is now proving indispensable at the operational and tactical level. As the incorporation of space into warfare accelerates over the next decade, the concept of space-enabled warfare puts a premium on access to space and effective integration into joint operations. The role of the theater in space operations is also evolving, from passive consumer to that of an active consumer and producer of space effects. Microsatellites, near-space assets, and adversary satellite jammers all necessitate active theater participation in space operations. Unfortunately, today's joint doctrine has missed this on-going evolution, leaving the US military ill prepared to optimize space across joint operations.