In August 2004, the USAF released a Counterspace Operations doctrine document, the first to clarify the concepts of 'space situation awareness,' 'defensive counterspace,' and 'offensive counterspace.' As well, it was the first to make explicit mention of military operations conceived "to deceive, disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy adversary space capabilities." Although the Counterspace Operations document represents the views of the USAF and not necessarily that of the US Government, it did provide an important indicator of where US policy may be heading. For example, in December 2004, the US issued a Presidential directive calling on the US Department of Defense to develop its ability to deny an adversary the use of satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems during a conflict.

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Cowan-Sharp, Jessy, Robert Lawson et al. Space Security Index 2004. Waterloo, Ontario: Space Security Index, June 2005. [ 13 quotes ] [ page 38 ]