Desert Storm was America's first space war, the first significant
conflict wherein sure and rapid success depended upon steady access to
satellites for all of the armed services. Space operational support
usually did not make front page news, no doubt adding to the public's
lack of appreciation for the importance of military space power.
Nevertheless, U.S. dependence on military capabilities in space is
rising with each passing year. The Persian Gulf war teaches the defense
community that certain advantages accrue to the nation that ensures its
freedom to use Earth's orbits. Conversely, an inability to exploit space
(owing to our own policy and material deficiencies, or to enemy actions)
will place our warriors at a distinct disadvantage that may someday
spell the difference between victory and defeat.

---

Lambakis, Steven. "Space Control in Desert Storm and Beyond." Orbis. Vol. 39, No. 3 (Summer 1995). [ 6 quotes ]