The Soviet/Russian approach to military space

Abstract

This article examines Russia's military space activities since the breakup of the Soviet Union. The development of Soviet Military Space during the Cold War is addressed through the prism of the theories of space power. Although these concepts of space power are mainly the product of the US Air Force's thinking they provide an insight into Soviet thinking on the issue of weaponization of space. The Soviet approach to military space was based on the writings of Sovoloskiy which provides an alternative concept to the realm of space. The extent to which this approach is still relevant today will be examined, along with the Russian Military Space programme and the fate of the military space units in the former Soviet Republics. The conversion of military equipment for so‐called civilian purposes is also addressed. The negotiations with Kazakhstan over the cosmodrome in Baykonur, the only one outside of Russia, is scrutinized. The military utilization of space facilities is analyzed in terms ‘of its contribution to the conventional forces. Lastly, cooperation with the United States is examined with Russia both in terms of the potential for cooperation with the global protection system and in the field of launch technology.