RAND Research Topic: Outer Space 2012-05-24T14:35:40Z Copyright (c) 2012, The RAND Corporation RAND Corporation http://www.rand.org/topics/outer-space.html Actualizing Flexible National Security Space Systems http://www.rand.org/pubs/rgs_dissertations/RGSD291.html Nov 15, 2011 Nov 15, 2011 Three essays that address some of the challenges associated with improving the flexibility of National Security Space capabilities. Gays in the Military: Eventually, New Facts Conquer Old Taboos http://www.rand.org/pubs/corporate_pubs/CP22-2011-04.html Apr 29, 2011 Apr 29, 2011 This <em>RAND Review</em> cover story describes RAND's research and analysis of sexual orientation and U.S. military personnel policy relating to the likely repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Update to The Sigma Scan http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP201100130.html Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2010 This external publication is an online database of short Horizon Scanning Centre think-pieces. RAND Europe updated 25% of the papers on this database, to incorporate more recent policy issues, evidence, and developments. Orbital Debris Poses a Growing Threat to Satellites in Space http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1042.html Nov 18, 2010 Nov 18, 2010 Orbital debris represents a threat to the operation of man-made objects in space, such as satellite television and weather satellites. Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of objects greater than one centimeter in diameter in Earth's orbit. Space: The Final Junkyard? http://www.rand.org/commentary/2009/04/02/CNN.html Apr 1, 2009 Apr 1, 2009 <p>Celestial real estate is increasingly popular. All in all more than 900 satellites, along with tens of thousands of bits of man-made space detritus, jockey for elbow room overhead. The result: a growing threat our atmosphere will soon become so crowded with floating junk as to become almost unusable, write Caroline Reilly and Peter D. Zimmerman.</p> Improving the Cost Estimation of Space Systems http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG690.html Aug 25, 2008 Aug 25, 2008 <p>Why have the costs of acquiring space systems been so high? What are the sources of the problems? To answer these questions, RAND researchers examined the sources of cost growth of Air Force space systems and undertook an extensive study of two space systems. </p> Guidelines and Metrics for Assessing Space System Cost Estimates http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR418.html Jan 12, 2008 Jan 12, 2008 <p>This handbook, designed to help analysts assess cost estimates of space systems, covers planning an estimate and identifying the key data needed. It also provides typical cost ranges for components of relevant historical space programs. It supplements the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency&rsquo;s spacecraft training course by focusing on the cost analysis implications of the systems and processes covered in the course.</p> Opportunities Created by GPS for U.S. Defense, Commercial, and Foreign Policy Interests http://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR614.html Dec 7, 2007 Dec 7, 2007 Since the Global Positioning System (GPS) was originally deployed to aid U.S. armed forces in navigation and position location, it has evolved into a resource supporting civil, scientific, and commercial functions&mdash;from air traffic control to the Internet&mdash;with precision location and timing information. Planets for Man http://www.rand.org/pubs/commercial_books/CB183-1.html Oct 9, 2007 Oct 9, 2007 <p>Endeavors to determine &mdash; on the basis of then-current biological and cosmological knowledge &mdash; whether there are other worlds where man can survive or where human life may even now be flourishing.</p> Habitable Planets for Man http://www.rand.org/pubs/commercial_books/CB179-1.html Oct 8, 2007 Oct 8, 2007 <p><em>Habitable Planets for Man</em> examines and estimates the probabilities of finding planets habitable to human beings, where they might be found, and the number there may be in our own galaxy.</p> Space Handbook: Astronautics and Its Applications http://www.rand.org/pubs/commercial_books/CB136-1.html Oct 8, 2007 Oct 8, 2007 <p>Seminal guide from 1958 on the uses and characteristics of space systems, including astronautics and its applications, technology, rocket vehicles, propulsion systems, propellants, internal power sources, guidance, communication, and more.</p> Space Command Sustainment Review: Improving the Balance Between Current and Future Capabilities http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG518.html Jun 17, 2007 Jun 17, 2007 <p>Space assets are vital to the economic, social, and military interests of the United States, but these interests can conflict with one another, especially when it comes to space system sustainment. The authors worked with Air Force Space Command to develop a sustainment philosophy based on separation of demand, supply, and integrator processes and clear definition of responsibilities, using specific systems and units for illustration.</p> New Metrics Show How Investments Affect Space System Performance http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG525.html May 15, 2007 May 15, 2007 <p>As space systems age, the U.S. Air Force Space Command needs to understand how budgeting for the maintenance and sustainment of ground segments affects the performance of their associated space systems. New metrics and models can help this process.</p> Evolutionary Acquisition: Implementation Challenges for Defense Space Programs http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG431.html Aug 16, 2006 Aug 16, 2006 <p>This monograph presents findings of a RAND Project AIR FORCE research project documenting lessons learned by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and other Department of Defense (DoD) cost analysis and acquisition community members from the implementation of evolutionary acquisition (EA) strategies for major Air Force defense space acquisition programs. In May 2003, DoD mandated EA strategies relying on spiral development as the preferred approach to satisfying operational needs.</p> New Family of Space-Launch Vehicles Likely to Meet National Security Needs Through 2020, But No Commercial Cost-Sharing Is Likely http://www.rand.org/news/press/2006/08/16.html Aug 16, 2006 Aug 16, 2006 August 16, 2006 News Release: New Family of Space-Launch Vehicles Likely to Meet National Security Needs Through 2020, But No Commercial Cost-Sharing Is Likely. Space-Launch Vehicles Likely to Meet National Security Needs Through 2020 http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG503.html Aug 16, 2006 Aug 16, 2006 <p>With no breakthroughs likely in space propulsion or rocket design in the near future, a new family of space-launch vehicles developed for military payloads should satisfy all projected national security needs through 2020.</p> Supporting Air and Space Expeditionary Forces: Capabilities and Sustainability of Air and Space Expeditionary Forces http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG303.html Feb 17, 2006 Feb 17, 2006 <p>The Department of Defense in recent years has shifted from threat-based planning to structuring its forces to provide a range of capabilities. As such, the need has arisen for new methods to assess the Air Force&rsquo;s manpower and materiel deployment capabilities. The authors outline a method for assessing Air and Space Expeditionary Force capabilities given certain policies and resource levels, and they illustrate how this method can contribute to the capabilities-based planning environment.</p> Let's Avoid Another Trans-Atlantic Feud http://www.rand.org/commentary/2006/01/13/IHT.html Jan 13, 2006 Jan 13, 2006 Published commentary by RAND staff: Let's Avoid Another Trans-Atlantic Feud, in International Herald Tribune. Japan's Space Program at a Crossroads http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR184.html Jul 19, 2005 Jul 19, 2005 <p>Japan's space program has seen a succession of satellite and launcher failures over the past decade, as well as decreases in funding and public support. Recent reorganization of the program will determine its future focus&mdash;civil or military.</p> A Future for U.S.-China Space Cooperation? http://www.rand.org/commentary/2004/12/13/SN.html Dec 13, 2004 Dec 13, 2004 Published commentary by RAND staff