The Space Warfare

Space warfare is combat that takes place in outer space. Technically as a distinct classification, it refers to battles where the targets themselves are in space. Space warfare therefore includes ground-to-space warfare, such as attacking satellites from the Earth, as well as space-tospace warfare, such as satellites attacking satellites. It does not include space-to-ground warfare, where orbital objects attack ground, sea or air targets directly, or the use of satellites for espionage, surveillance, or military communications. Both the Soviets and the United States developed antisatellite weaponry designed to shoot down satellites. While early efforts paralleled other space-to-space warfare concepts, the United States was able in the 1980s to develop ground-to-space laser antisatellite weapons. China tested a ballistic missilelaunched antisatellite weapon in January 2007. So, the US has to evaluate its defensive options in outer space as strategic stakes are higher than ever, as the vulnerability of commercial and military satellites of the US and its allies is now on display after China destroyed an old Chinese weather satellite using an antisatellite weapon.

Keywords: security environment,china,space