Space is now a warfighting domain, with growing threats to and increasing operational demands on U.S. space capabilities. New systems and operational concepts that increase the resilience and effectiveness of the U.S. military space architecture are needed. Approaches that increase the flexibility and maneuverability of space capabilities can satisfy both objectives.
Space operations must move away from a construct optimized for static mission sets and energy-saving
orbits and embrace dynamic space operations (DSO) in which satellite operators can frequently and rapidly change parameters to achieve mission effects. While “dynamic space operations” typically refers to repositioning satellites without regret for the fuel each maneuver expends, true dynamic space operations will require changes and practices associated with all segments of the U.S. space architecture. This encompasses orbital, terrestrial, link, and launch segments and will require new logistics infrastructure and concepts of operations as a foundation for future DSO. This broader application of DSO will increase the overall flexibility of the U.S. space architecture, thereby accelerating a greater application of long-standing principles of warfare, such as maneuver and surprise, which will in turn increase resilience and mission effectiveness. Furthermore, it will facilitate the employment of new missions and novel approaches to help U.S. forces maintain the initiative and create compounding problems for potential adversaries—ultimately strengthening the deterrent posture of the United States.
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