Multilateral Deterrence Formation and Future U.S. Space Security Challenges

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Multilateral Deterrence Formation and Future U.S. Space Security Challenges

S. P. I. Bourdow

An increase in the number of satellites from commercial and military actors in the future will cause space to become more congested and contested. The increase in actors raises the question of how the United States could conduct space deterrence with proliferated space operations. The significance behind this is that the proliferation of satellites will impact the stability and security of space, creating more orbital debris and opportunities for adversary activities. Stability and security are characteristics that the United States deems critical for the future, as outlined in the 2020 National Defense Space Strategy. The United States' new challenge in space raises the importance of a flexible deterrence strategy. Options the United States could exercise include space weapons, allied cooperation, or legal methods, such as norms, codes of conduct, or treaties. Electronic warfare techniques such as jamming would be the best approach for flexible deterrence with space weapons to minimize orbital debris and conflict escalation. Multinational space networks would provide flexible approaches to deterrence in offensive or defensive constellations, while strengthening relationships between partners. An increase in the awareness and transparency surrounding space behavior could result in better monitoring of inappropriate behavior and facilitate the new norms, codes of conduct, or treaties on responsible behavior, leading to a more secure and more stable space domain.