Æther Journal of Strategy and Power

Dec. 11, 2023
From the Editor

Short introduction to the special Æther space professional military education issue.
Dec. 11, 2023
Dynamic Space Operations: The New Sustained Space Maneuver Imperative

The paradigm of positional space operations must be replaced by a paradigm of dynamic space operations, where spaceborne combat forces are no longer static and predictable.
Dec. 11, 2023
Space Weaponization: Reexamining the Historical Air Analogy to Space

Airpower’s gradual growth throughout the nineteenth century followed by the air domain’s rapid and intense weaponization in the early twentieth century is analogous to the growth of space from the early 1960s to today’s rapid and intense space weaponization.
Dec. 11, 2023
To the Moon: Strategic Competition in the Cislunar Region

The US must account for China’s cislunar plans and capabilities as the US military builds space strategies and future force designs and must also increase near-term investments for robust space domain awareness.
Dec. 11, 2023
Responsiveness Is Not Operational: Aligning Strategy in the Newest Service

An analysis of the tactically responsive space program reveals that ongoing misalignment between space strategy documents and the doctrinal terms used hinders the mission of the USSF. Five recommendations will mitigate this challenge.
Dec. 11, 2023
The Cost of Space System Classification

Adapting regulations, leveraging commercial ML, and applying minimal financial resources, the USSF can overcome acquisition challenges related to overclassification, barriers to entry, and antiquated classified systems and regulations.
Dec. 11, 2023
Decision Support Systems for Critical Space Infrastructure Assets

Improved tactics, techniques, and procedures are needed to address, mitigate, and counter adversary behaviors. Harnessing AI/ML decision support system statistical models will augment collection capabilities, data repositories, and threat analysis.
Dec. 11, 2023
Deterrent and Defensive Applications of Orbital Antisatellite Weapons

Deterrence-focused US and ally orbital antisatellite capabilities should be acknowledged to signal resolve and the threat of cost imposition. Simultaneously, highly specialized defense-focused systems benefit from continued classification, even though this detracts from deterrent effects.
Dec. 11, 2023
Terrestrial Responses to Space Aggression

Successful deterrence of aggression in space involves identifying terrestrial targets and creating a symbolic relationship between those targets and space aggression, such that all parties have a shared understanding of the association and the terrestrial implications for attacks against space-based
Dec. 11, 2023
US Space Command’s Deterrent Role

An examination of deterrence theory and the US and Soviet experience before, during, and after the 1983 Able Archer exercise provide insights for a successful approach to deterrence in space focused on stratified deterrence, dissuasion deterrence, control of space, and resilience.