Escalation of the Space Domain

Abstract

Abstract : This paper seeks to build a conceptual model on how a combatant commander, USSTRATCOM in this case, can escalate space along the various levels of the militarys conflict continuum. Military escalation is represented in height, width, and depth context, which allows for broader applications of space assets, and a broader approach on how to escalate operations within its domain leading to true spacepower. Spacepower is inherent within the space domain when viewed through the lens of sea domain. Lieutenant Commander John Kleins seven dictums of spacepower provide an operational construct of spacepower from which a commander can then begin to determine which space-based assets or capabilities to escalate along the conflict continuum. Gulf War One represents a prudent example of spacepower and how it can escalate along a conflict continuum. However, to continue applying Kleins dictums, the U.S. needs to continue its dominance within the domain, which is predicated on its continued militarization, but not necessarily in its weaponization.