It is now United States policy to maintain military space superiority and to be the world’s leading commercial space power. This will require more than just augmenting America’s commercial, civil and military space programs and protecting them against military attacks. In addition, the U.S. must be prepared to help friends and allies when they think they’ve been targeted with the help of satellite-based services and intelligence. The U.S. does not yet have policies, laws, or mechanisms to lend such assistance. If the U.S. fails to correct this, aggrieved and threatened states will likely take their business elsewhere, jeopardizing America’s military and commercial command of space.  

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

Henry Sokolski is executive director of The Nonproliferation Policy Education Center in Arlington, Virginia, and served as Deputy for Nonproliferation Policy in the Cheney Pentagon.

Caitlyn Collett is the deputy director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center in Arlington, Virginia.