Deterrence in Space: Responding to Challenges to the U.S. in Outer Space

by Dr. Robert Butterworth and Dr. John Sheldon
November 13, 2008

Space systems provide significant benefits to American commerce and national security, but those systems do not operate in an environment free from threats or hostile actions. As more nations gain access to space and the tecnologies needed to impede American use of space, U.S. policy makers and military leaders are grappling with how best to respond.

Facing persistent acquisition problems, declining budgets, and multiplying threats, some Pentagon planners are looking to keep vital US space systems from harm through a policy of deterrence. But what would it take to make that approach effective? Could it really prove less expensive than militarily protective options? And what would happen if it failed?

On November 13, the George C. Marshall Institute hosted a discussion on the questions surrounding the idea of finding space security through deterrence. Speakers included:

• Dr. Robert Butterworth, President of Aries Analytics
• Dr. John Sheldon, visiting professor at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
  

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