Weaponization of Space: A Strategic Estimate for the Australian Defence Force

Abstract

Recent decades have witnessed the emergence of the space domain as a profoundly influential force permeating every facet of modern life. Its integration has not only changed the behaviour of individuals and states, but also radically restructured modern militaries by incorporating a new network centric doctrine. Now regarded as the new ‘centre of gravity’, the ‘ultimate high-ground’, or ‘critical force-enabler’, space has become a source of economic growth, technological revolution, and power projection for states. Due to this strategic importance of space, space powers are actively seeking to not only dominate this domain, but also protect their assets within it. The biggest threat to space security is the Weaponisation of Space (WOS) by the development of Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapons. Ultimately, threat to a state’s space security by WOS is a threat to that state’s very sovereignty. Being a critical ally of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia not only faces the challenge of identifying threats to its space security from potential adversary space powers, but also what course of action should it take to guarantee it. These courses of action involve the potential development of its own WOS capabilities to act as a deterrent against adversary space powers. In order to determine the ideal course of action, this paper will incorporate the Strategic Estimate – an analytical tool developed by the United States Joint Forces to identify threats and develop the ideal course of action to mitigate them.