Space wars are a topic that has many options for military action. These options include different strategies as well doctrines and theories. We can then talk about the post-conflict reaction. Space military action is very complex and may be quite different to what we think. This article will explore some of these possibilities.
Theories
Space wars are an option in the future. As such, space power theories are important to understand the political underpinnings of space warfare. These theories can help promote strategic thinking and command judgment. They must be considered separately from air power theories. These theories serve to inform the public of the implications of space-based operation.
Space warfare strategies must be based on a solid understanding of space, the forces involved and military doctrines. They must also know the best ways to fight space. This includes blocking enemy launch facilities and denial of enemy space capabilities. It must be flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and hostiles in space.
Doctrine
Soviet doctrine clouded the debate on military power in space. The Soviets had their own doctrine for fighting in outer space. The United States wanted a defense against the Soviet Union's nuclear attack. To counter this threat, the United States developed offensive space weapons. This prompted a debate about space control in Congress.
The U.S. Space Force has released a new guiding document, "Spacepower." The doctrine, which is based in Joint Publication 3-14 provides a framework for the military's vision regarding its space operations. It was issued just weeks after Defense Space Strategy was published by the Pentagon. The doctrine details the Space Force's key role in space operations. It also describes its mission as "defending and protecting the space domain".
Strategies
Space wars, unlike conflict on Earth require the use highly advanced technological systems. Space weapons are highly risky and could result in the collapse of U.S. space policy. A space war could be devastating for the United States, and the whole world. To prevent such a devastating outcome, military leaders are implementing space warfare military strategies.
There are many space warfighting theories. These concepts encompass all aspects of the nation's operations in a given medium. Space warfare is an extension of this strategy and can be based on military, technological and airpower theories.
Post-conflict reactions
The United States and China have developed space weapons that can cause damage, even though they aren't kinetic. Russia has coorbital weapon systems, while China has direct-ascent weapons. These weapons can be launched into orbit and directed toward their target. They also have non-kinetic space weapons such as lasers and jamming devices that can interfere with satellite communications. While these weapons are not ideal for combat, they can provide an alternative for both the sexes.
But, in the long-term, space forces need to be protected from adversaries that are developing their space weapons capabilities. China's counterspace arsenal, while less dangerous than Russia's satellite fleet, will pose a significant threat to the future. Therefore, commercial space must be protected. If not, future conflicts will be blindly fought.