Military Operations in the Space Domain

Abstract

The Space Race between the two superpowers during the Cold War led to extensive research, innovation, and exploration in outer space—an endeavor that has consistently challenged human capability throughout history. This competition drove technological advancement and generated diverse benefits, including those related to national security. The international community has learned to exploit the space domain for military operations, as evidenced by its increasingly significant role in past wars and conflicts, such as the First and Second Gulf Wars, as well as the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.

The growing military importance of the space domain is further affirmed by contemporary operational concepts, which now incorporate the space and cyber domains alongside the traditional domains of land, sea, and air. Given the expanding significance of space to military operations, activities within this domain are now regarded as a major challenge for armed forces worldwide. Militaries have been compelled to accelerate the development of policies, personnel, technologies, and weapon systems in order to harness the advantages offered by the space domain. Such capabilities are essential for achieving operational effectiveness and addressing threats to national security.