Defense Date

7-15-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science

Degree Name

National Security Affairs and International Relations

First Advisor

Ransford F. Edwards Jr., Ph.D.

Second Advisor

James R. Phelps, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

David Kilroy, Ph.D.

Keywords

Threat Assessment, Space Domain Awareness, Emerging Technologies, Space Warfare, Anti-Satellite Weaponry, Space Security.

Abstract

As an expansion of the geopolitical theatre, the space domain has become fully integrated into the modern world, providing essential services such as communications, navigation, intelligence, and security for both civil and military purposes. With this integration, the fragility of the space domain becomes visibly apparent. Advancements made by U.S. adversaries, specifically China and Russia, in both satellite and counterspace weapons technologies, present a unique challenge that threatens to undermine U.S. dominance in the space domain. These threats may place the United States under severe constraints if conflict were to arise, potentially compromising critical nodes that are central to its security and commercial interests. Thus, stagnating its ability to adequately perform during wartime. With these challenges in mind, this research will aim to identify how the space domain operates, gathering information from both historical and contemporary perspectives to showcase its ambiguity and concerns. Furthermore, given the volatility of the space domain, it is imperative for this research to additionally incorporate the legal, technological, and political frameworks of this multifaceted domain, as it can help shape clarity on the fluidity of great power competition between states. As such, this comprehensive examination will seek to shed light on the flaws and vulnerabilities that may enable foreign adversaries to exploit this domain effectively.

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