Space Security Conference Proceedings April 19, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: space security; ASATs; anti-satellite; space debris; code of conduct;
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China’s ASAT & Missile Defense Programs – A Review of Programs, Plans, and Motivations February 23, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: anti-satellite, ASAT, China, Dean Cheng, K. Scott McMahon, Mark Stokes, missile defense
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China’s ASAT & Missile Defense Programs – A Review of Programs, Plans, and Motivations
Video of this event is now available.
In 2007, China destroyed one of its own satellites, prompting a critical reexamination of the threats to the security of outer space. In 2010, China conducted a ballistic missile defense test, with subsequent assessments suggesting the two systems were intertwined. In recent weeks, reports suggested another ASAT test was imminent. Whether or not that test occurs, a broader understanding of the motivations driving these investments and plans for the development and use of those capabilities would improve U.S. thinking about how best to respond to China’s actions.
On February 19, 2013, the TechAmerica Space Enterprise Council and the George Marshall Institute presented for a forum discussing China’s plans, programs, and intentions for its ASAT and missile defense programs.
Featuring:
- Dean Cheng, Research Fellow at the Asian Studies Center, Heritage Foundation,
- Mark Stokes, Executive Director, Project 2049 Institute,
- K. Scott McMahon, Senior Defense Research Analyst, RAND Corp.
Video of Disaggregation Event February 6, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.add a comment
If you were not able to attend our event on Disaggregation or would like to review what we discussed, the video of the proceedings is complete and posted to http://www.marshall.org/article.php?id=1169.
Iran’s Space Program Sets New Goal February 5, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: astronaut, Iran, space launch
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Fresh off their recent launch, Iran now seeks to send an astronaut into space by 2015 (see http://www.mehrnews.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=1809648).
Disaggregation in the Era of Austerity: A Path Forward January 14, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: Air Force, Marshall Institute, satellite, Space Enterprise Council, space security
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The Techamerica Space Enterprise Council and the George C. Marshall Institute present a forum on
Disaggregation in the Era of Austerity: A Path Forward
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
TechAmerica 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 600 North Building (Indiana Ave. entrance)
Washington, D.C.
The TechAmerica Space Enterprise Council and the George C. Marshall Institute are hosting a forum focusing on the pros and cons of DISAGGREGATION of military satellite constellations. The U.S. Air Force expects to decide in 2015 whether to redesign some of its key space missions by dispersing payload sets currently flown aboard large satellite platforms to larger numbers of smaller craft. The disaggregation concept is being considered for two key space missions in particular: secure communications, including nuclear command and control; and weather forecasting.
Featured speakers include:
- Marc Berkowitz, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Lockheed Martin
- Peter Marquez, former Director, Space Policy, National Security Council
- Josh Hartman, CEO, Horizons Strategy Group
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William P. (Bill) Reiner, Director, Missions & Programs, Commercial Satellite Services, The Boeing Company
Is China Preparing for an ASAT Test? January 14, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: anti-satellite, ASAT, China, missile defense, space security, space weapons, United States
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Several articles in recent weeks suggest China may be preparing to conduct another anti-satellite (ASAT) or missile defense test. That they should do so should surprise no one. Chinese strategists have been writing for years about the vulnerabilities of U.S. space systems and the importance of those systems to U.S. military power. These tests, however sophisticated, signal strongly intentions and capabilities to hold those systems at risk, and thereby complicate matters for the United States.
Background and details at:
North Korea’s Adventures in Space January 14, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: ballistic missile, John Sheldon, North Korea, rocket, satellite, space, Unha
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The launch of the Unha-3 space launch vehicle on December 12, 2012 is without doubt another iteration of North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile program, as numerous commentators have pointed out in recent days.
While a great deal of attention is understandably devoted to North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programs, what is often left out of the analysis of Pyongyang’s activities and intentions is its longstanding space program – a program that can be traced back to the 1980s, predating many Western concerns surrounding the nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
In this short essay, Dr. John Sheldon, examines North Korea’s space program and what little is known about it, its regional implications, and argues that it must be taken much more seriously than has previously been the case.
A Day Without Space – What Would a Major Space Weather Event Mean to the U.S. January 14, 2013
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: electric grid, satellites, solar storm, space weather
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http://www.viddler.com/v/a400d69b?secret=29665836
Ever more frequently, we hear of a news story about a communications satellite which has been partially or completely disabled as a result of a solar flare from the sun. What would it mean to our communications satellites if we had a solar event equivalent to the 1989 solar storm, which plunged millions of people in Quebec into total darkness? Now that our economic and national security is increasingly tied to our space-based assets, what would a major solar event meant to our economic and national security?
On December 4, the TechAmerica Space Enterprise Council and the George Marshall Institute presented a forum “A Day Without Space- What Would a Major Space Weather Event Mean to America’s Economic and National Security?”
Featuring:
Michael Bonadonna, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, NOAA
Tom Mahony, Senior Advanced Systems Manager, Ball Aerospace
Dr. Kevin Forbes, Associate Professor of Economics, The Catholic University of America
What Would a Major Space Weather Event Mean to America? December 5, 2012
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.Tags: CME, electric grid, satellites, solar storms, space weather
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On December 4, the Marshall Institute and the Space Enterprise Council hosted “What Would a Major Space Weather Event Mean to America?” under our ongoing Day Without Space series.
Ever more frequently, we hear of a news story about a communications satellite which has been partially or completely disabled as a result of a solar flare from the sun. What would it mean to our communications satellites if we had a solar event equivalent to the 1989 solar storm, which plunged millions of people in Quebec into total darkness? Now that our economic and national security is increasingly tied to our space-based assets, what would a major solar event meant to our economic and national security?
The event featured presentations from:
- Michael Bonadonna, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, NOAA
- Tom Mahony, Senior Advanced Systems Manager, Ball Aerospace
- Dr. Kevin Forbes, Associate Professor of Economics, The Catholic University of America
Video and the presenters’ slides will be posted shortly.
Updates on China’s ASAT Efforts October 16, 2012
Posted by George C. Marshall Institute in Uncategorized.add a comment
Bill Gertz offers a thought provoking update on China’s efforts to hold U.S. space assets at risk (see http://freebeacon.com/china-to-shoot-at-high-frontier/).
China has long recognized the importance of space to the U.S., both for economic and security purposes. Their continued development of a range of direct and indirect means to disrupt or deny use of U.S. space assets and the information flowing from them is not surprising. U.S. policy makers must take steps necessary to ensure the protection of those satellites of critical national importance and strengthen the overall space architecture through diversification, expansion of surge capabilities, investment in non-space assets, and improved space protection and counterspace capabilities.
