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Logsdon, John M. "Just Say Wait to Space Power." Issues in Science and Technology. Vol. 17, No. 3 (Spring 2001). [ 4 quotes ]
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Space is Militarized but not Weaponized -- Existing Space Assets are only Force Enhancers
Some definitions may be useful here. The most general concept--space power--can be defined as using the space medium and assets located in space to enhance and project U.S. military power. Space militarization describes a situation in which the military makes use of space in carrying out its missions. There is no question that space has been militarized; U.S. armed forces would have great difficulty carrying out a military mission today if denied access to its guidance, reconnaissance, and communications satellites. But to date, military systems in space are used exclusively as "force enhancers," making air, sea, and land force projection more effective. The issue now is whether to go beyond these military uses of space to space weaponization: the stationing in space of systems that can attack a target located on Earth, in the air, or in space itself. Arguably, space is already partially weaponized. The use of signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to guide precision weapons to their targets is akin to the role played by a rifle's gunsight. But there are not yet space equivalents of bullets to actually destroy or damage a target. ( More ... )
Logsdon, John M. "Just Say Wait to Space Power." Issues in Science and Technology. Vol. 17, No. 3 (Spring 2001). [ 4 quotes ]
Military and Civillian Infrastructures Heavily Dependent on Space Assets
There is a common theme running through this and other recent space policy studies. In the words of the commission report, "the security and economic well being of the United States and its allies and friends depends on the nation's ability to operate successfully in space." This is clearly a valid conclusion, but one that has seemingly not yet made much of an impression on the public's consciousness. The availability of the many services dependent on space systems appears to be taken for granted by the public. However, if space capabilities were denied to the U.S. military, it would be impossible to carry out a modern military operation, particularly one distant from the United States. ( More ... )
Logsdon, John M. "Just Say Wait to Space Power." Issues in Science and Technology. Vol. 17, No. 3 (Spring 2001). [ 4 quotes ]
Definition of space militarization
Space militarization describes a situation in which the military makes use of space in carrying out its missions. There is no question that space has been militarized; U.S. armed forces would have great difficulty carrying out a military mission today if denied access to its guidance, reconnaissance, and communications satellites. But to date, military systems in space are used exclusively as "force enhancers," making air, sea, and land force projection more effective.
Logsdon, John M. "Just Say Wait to Space Power." Issues in Science and Technology. Vol. 17, No. 3 (Spring 2001). [ 4 quotes ]