M. V. Smith

Ten Propositions Regarding Space Power M. V. Smith

This study rides the coattails of Colonel Philip S. Meininger's book, Ten Propositions Regarding Air Power. As the United States ponders its future regarding space operations, the time has come to frame similar propositions regarding spacepower. Specifically, this study seeks to answer the question, "What is the nature of spacepower?" It also test the aerospace integration school's hypothesis that spacepower is simply a continuation or extension of airpower. Two points come immediately to the forefront of this work. First, spacepower is different from airpower even though both share the vertical dimension of warfare. Second, space operations have matured to a point where valid and unique propositions regarding spacepower are identifiable. The ten propositions presented here do not represent a complete list. The method used to derive these propositions involved literary research that result in a long list. The list evolved over three years during numerous brainstorming with several space experts--most of them space weapons officers with theater and often combat experience--until the list was carefully refined into the ten most salient propositions. There were many ways to present the Ten Propositions Regarding Spacepower, but the author deferred to Meininger's approach of citing each proposition as a thesis statement with supporting material immediately following. The objective of this work is to stimulate discussions and help those who do not yet understand or appreciate the nature of spacepower in modern warfare.