Space wars can be fought using many military options. There are many options, including different doctrines, strategies, and theories. We can then talk about the post-conflict reaction. Space military action is complex and could even be more complicated than we imagine. This article will discuss some of the possibilities.
Theories
Space wars are a possibility in the future. It is therefore important to study space power theories in order understand the political underpinnings and implications of space warfare. These theories can help promote strategic thinking and command judgment. However, they must be developed 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 decide the best tactics to use in space combat. This includes the denial of space capabilities of the enemy, blocking of enemy launch sites, and intercepting ballistic missiles. The theory must be robust enough to adapt to the new technologies and adversaries in space.
Doctrine
In the 1980s, the debate over military space power was clouded by Soviet doctrine. The Soviets used their own doctrine to fight in outer space. The United States wanted to defend its strategic nuclear threat against an attack from the Soviet Union. To meet the threat, the United States created offensive space weapons. This sparked a Congress-wide debate about space control.
A new guiding document has been released by the U.S. Space Force: "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 released just weeks after the Pentagon released its Defense Space Strategy. 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 are more complex than any conflict on Earth. They require sophisticated technology systems. Space weapons are highly risky and could result in the collapse of U.S. space policy. The United States and other countries would be devastated if it lost a war in space. Military leaders have developed space warfare military strategies to prevent such a catastrophic outcome.
Space warfighting theories can be based on a number of different approaches. These methods incorporate all aspects relevant to a nation's operation and interests in a medium. Space warfare is an extension to this strategy. This strategy can be based in military, technological, or airpower theories.
Post-conflict reactions
China and the United States have been working together to develop space weapons that are non-kinetic but still can cause damage. Russia has co-orbital and China has direct ascend weapons. They are launched into orbit, then directed at their target. They also have non-kinetic weapons such as lasers or jamming gadgets that can block satellite communications. Although they are not ideal weapons of combat, they are viable alternatives for both sides.
However, space forces must be protected against future adversaries who are expanding their space weaponry capabilities. While Russia's fleet is a small threat today, China's counterspace arsenal could prove to be much more dangerous. Protecting commercial space is essential. If not, future wars will be fought blindly.