A number of data points underscore US dependency on space as well as its integration into operations across the entire spectrum of US forces. The GPS precision-guided munitions (PGM) used in both Desert Strom and Iraqi Freedom demonstrates this point. In Desert Strom 8% of munitions were PGM, as compared to 68% in Iraqi freedom. In addition to supporting PGM, GPS also aides in the prevention of fratricide, enhances close air support (CAS) employment, and fosters economy of force through successful blue force tracking (BFT) capabilities, among other benefits. Satellite communications (SATCOM) usage levels also emphasizes the significant US dependence on space operations. US reliance on satellite communications during Desert Strom was paltry: one Mbps per every 5,000 troops deployed. For Iraqi Freedom that number swelled to 51.1 Mbps. The massive SATCOM bandwidth requirement supported such activities as Iraqi target imagery dissemination, Combined and Joint C2, Predator UAV data feeds, and Combatant Commander video-teleconferences.

---

Meteyer, David O. The Art of Peace: Dissuading China from Developing Counter-Space Weapons. USAF Academy, CO: USAF Institute for National Security Studies, August 2005. [ 20 quotes ] [ page 3 ]