To assure US space superiority over the global battlespace, all elements of the enemy's space infrastructure and system of systems must be put at risk. Counterspace operations can be offensive or defensive and future commanders will require a variety of counterspace tools to engage various threat scenarios. Offensive counterspace operations seek to neutralize enemy space capabilities before they can be employed against friendly forces. Offensive counterspace missions will target enemy space capabilities on the ground (such as ground control stations or space launch complexes), assets already in space, and satellite communication links.⁶⁶ To protect our vast array of high leveraged satellite systems, defensive counterspace will neutralize hostile threats. Defensive counterspace systems will protect both military and civilian space assets and deny any enemy the ability to degrade the effectiveness of US space systems. Both offensive and defensive space missions are required to fully achieve space superiority.

Offensive Counterspace Operations

Within our offensive counterspace architecture, several previously discussed concepts will provide the means to deny, degrade, disrupt, and, if necessary, destroy enemy space capabilities. To identify and monitor space up and down link communications, the Space Interdiction Net concept will provide instantaneous monitoring and accurate identification of any space communication to or from the ground via space­based systems. Unique links may be targeted for denial, disruption, degradation, or destruction while preserving friendly signal integrity. The Space Interdiction Net provides commanders complete space situational awareness as well as a number of discreet options to target enemy links. This is very important considering multinational use of identical space systems when only one nation may be the offensive counterspace target. The Space Interdiction Net concept provides this valuable service, with or without knowledge of the space system's owning country or corporation. Blended with space targeting and detecting systems (laser designators, Anti-ASAT subsystems, and gravity gradiometers), offensive space systems will target the entire spectrum of enemy space capabilities. Soft kill systems such as robo-bugs and EMP/HPM pills will selectively jam or interrupt a satellite's signals without destroying it. Jamming the data transmission from the sensor to the ground user will not be sufficient in 2025. Once the sensor has collected the data (in the case of surveillance and reconnaissance), the data can be dumped to suitcase size receivers any where on the globe. Instead of targeting the data stream, it may be necessary to halt the collect of the information. EMP/HPM pills, robo bugs, and other soft-kill or temporary blinding weapons will prevent collection over the area or interest which stops the mission at the input stage. This capability greatly increases flexible response options available to space battlefield commanders.

At the more resolved end of the counterspace spectrum lies physical destruction of enemy space capabilities. Force-on-force engagements may be necessary to destroy enemy capabilities or resupply efforts. Directed energy weapons (ground- or space-based lasers, Strikestar TAV) provide commanders instantaneous destruction options for global and theater control. Kinetic energy weapon systems (surface, air, or space based), because of range and time limitation may best provide kill capabilities in the area of responsibility however, they can also engage globally from prepositioned locations. With a variety of offensive counterspace weapons to provide flexible engagements options to decision makers, we must also possess responsive and capable defensive counterspace systems.

Defensive Counterspace Operations

Defensive counterspace operations consist of active and passive measures designed to reduce the effectiveness of enemy space systems targeted against friendly interests. Active defense measures detect, identify, intercept, and disrupt or destroy threatening space systems. Passive defense involves protecting friendly space assets by satellite design and maneuver, warning commanders of enemy space threats, and minimizing these threats though camouflage, emission control, deception, and decoys, thus denying the enemy space data.⁶⁷ The Space Interdiction Net provides a valuable defensive capability by monitoring, and if necessary, targeting enemy communication links. In addition, capabilities such as cloaking and satellite bodyguards will be integrated to protect friendly space assets. Successfully employing coordinated offensive and defensive counterspace operations leads to space superiority. The High Energy Laser Attack Station (HELAS) and Ground Based Laser (GBL) offer immediate defensive kill capability. These flexible defensive systems can provide near instantaneous response to detected and identified threats to our space system.

As more and more nations expand commercially and militarily into space, space superiority will make the difference between victory and defeat in future wars. Many nations learned a great deal from the Persian Gulf War. They noted not only the significance of precision-guided munitions but also the importance of space-based force enhancement.⁶⁸ Space is the ultimate high ground-a center of gravity in any future conflict. Whoever commands that high ground in all forms will dominate future warfare.

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