Toward Fusion of Air and Space

Accelerated technological change and the growing availability and proliferation of advanced commercial technologies and systems affect today's international security environment and rethinking of military doctrine. What, for instance, is the wider application of these technologies and systems to operational exercises, and how does one address interoperability among coalition partners with differing technological capabilities? These developments assume special significance in the domain of space, and many nations are presently deciding how to proceed in their space activity. They must assess whether to acquire independent aerospace capabilities, whether to depend on other nations for aerospace support, whether potential costs and vulnerabilities are incurred for those relationships, and whether they are willing politically to accept both the benefits and the risks of dependence. A comprehensive understanding of what commercial and technological developments are occurring in the utilization of space-as well as what is involved in integrating commercial and civil aerospace systems and technologies into military operations and organizations-is required. RAND and the Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, in collaboration with the Israeli Air Force and the Israel Space Agency, held an international conference March 19-21, 2001, in Tel Aviv, focusing on the space activities and choices faced by small and medium powers. The papers presented should be of broad interest to government, military, and industry readers who follow international air and space issues and trends affecting global and national security.