Gray Space and the Warfighter

Abstract

Abstract : The emerging commercial satellite industry is posing unique problems to the US warplanner. Gray Space is defined as those satellite systems available to the general populace that could potentially be used against the US and its allies for hostile purposes. This hypertext markup language (HTML) research project explores this issue. The project is divided into four sections: (1) US Space Capabilities, Roles and Systems (2) Use of Space in Desert Storm (3) Gray Space Satellite Systems and (4) Theater Planning. Section one begins by pointing out there is no official US space doctrine published. However, the generally accepted four space roles of Space Control, Force Enhancement, Space Support and Force Application are discussed. The second section looks at the use of space systems during the Gulf War. The issues of what needs to be done to better integrate space into all facets of air operations is discussed. In addition, it highlights how planners must understand how space can help them better observe the battlefield and make more timely operational planning decisions. The third section of the HTML provides background on numerous Gray Space systems, including images and text describing missions, satellite summaries, and basic descriptions of goods and services. The fourth section highlights the challenges Gray Space assets have on theater war planners. In the conclusion the concept of Gray Space is summarized. Gray Space is the predominant threat to continued United States control of space. The conclusion ends with a discussion of how the warfighter could potentially combat the Gray Space threat, although no real easy answers exist.