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Outer Space

Brochure

Mert Davies: A RAND Pioneer in Earth Reconnaissance and Planetary Mapping from Spacecraft

Merton Edward Davies (1917-2001) was a major contributor to U.S. space efforts from when he first became affiliated with the RAND Corporation in 1947 until his death in 2001, at which time he still maintained his office at RAND.

Dec 31, 2003
Report

How RAND Invented the Postwar World: Satellites, Systems Analysis, Computing, the Internet -- Almost All the Defining Features of the Information Age Were Shaped in Part at the RAND Corporation

Presents a thumbnail history of the RAND Corporation, emphasizing its early accomplishments.

Dec 31, 2003
Research Brief

Distributed Satellite Constellations Offer Advantages Over Monolithic Systems

A new study by RAND Project AIR FORCE confirms that, once the technology becomes available, distributed satellite systems will perform better and cost less to launch and operate than equivalent monolithic satellites.

Dec 31, 2003
Commentary

Atlantic Monthly and RAND View the Future

The Atlantic Monthly Magazine features a compilation of ten short essays written by experts at RAND, collectively titled Headlines Over the Horizon. The RAND authors examined developments in international and military affairs drawing little attention today that are expected to be major issues in the ...

Aug 1, 2003
Report

Mastering the Ultimate High Ground: Next Steps in the Military Uses of Space

Assesses the military space challenges facing the Air Force and the nation in light of the findings and recommendations of the congressionally mandated Space Commission.

Jan 1, 2003
Report

The Dynamics of Growth in Worldwide Satellite Communications Capacity

The dynamics of growth in worldwide satellite communications capacity over the past two decades is closely related to general economic growth.

Jan 1, 2003
Report

Optimal Commercial Satellite Leasing Strategies

A "rule of thumb" is set forth that communications planners can use in making efficient satellite leasing decisions while facing uncertain demand for satellite services.

Jan 1, 2003
Report

Toward Fusion of Air and Space: Surveying Developments and Assessing Choices for Small and Middle Powers

These proceedings address benefits and risks of international air and space activities, including how they affect global and national security and interoperability among coalition partners with differing technological capabilities.

Dec 31, 2002
Report

Totem and Taboo: Depolarizing the Space Weaponization Debate

The debate over space weaponization is typically cast in simplistic, unidimensional terms, while many participants caricature their opponents as naive pacifists or rabid warmongers. This article redraws the subject more realistically.

Dec 31, 2002
Report

Space Weapons Earth Wars

This overview aims to inform the public discussion of space-based weapons by examining their characteristics, potential attributes, limitations, legality, and utility.

Jan 1, 2002
Commentary

Intelligence in the Information Age; Spy Data For Sale

Published commentary by RAND staff.

Apr 8, 2001
Report

U.S. Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite Industry: An Analysis of Risks

American firms have begun to operate their own imaging satellite systems, aiming to become an important part of the U.S. commercial remote sensing industry.

Jan 1, 2001
Report

Commercial Observation Satellites: At the Leading Edge of Global Transparency

Wide access to satellite imagery and related products has expanded rapidly since the end of the Cold War.

Jan 1, 2001
Report

Employing Commercial Satellite Communications: Wideband Investment Options for the Department of Defense

This report assesses military use of commercial wideband satellites by evaluating their effectiveness across several characteristics defined by the United States Space Command.

Jan 1, 2000
Report

Air Power, Space Power and Geography

Air Power, Space Power and Geography

Dec 31, 1999
Report

The Earth Below: Purchasing Science Data and the Role of Public-Private Partnership

The Science Data Purchase Program, commonly known as the Science Data Buy (SDB), has been a success in supplying commercial remote sensing data that serves NASA science requirements, but plans for its continuation are uncertain. Although NASA has said that it will purchase science data when it is cost- ...

Dec 31, 1999
Report

The Changing Role of the U.S. Military in Space

Growth in the technical capabilities of commercial and foreign space systems, potential exploitation of space by adversaries, increasing use of commercial space capabilities by U.S. forces, and continuing budget constraints are all ...

Jan 1, 1999
Report

Merchants and Guardians: Balancing U.S. Interests in Space Commerce

Current challenges for space policy are examined in this study, particularly those derived from the growth of space commerce and resulting conflicts between public and private sector interests.

Dec 31, 1998
Report

The Cosmos on a Shoestring: Small Spacecraft for Space and Earth Science

Small spacecraft have become popular for a number of reasons, most prominently the needs to reduce overall cost, be built more quickly, and spread mission risks. Despite the risks, however, small spacecraft fulfill important roles in earth science, astrophysics, space physics, and planetary science. NASA's current generation of small spacecraft is capable of impressive levels of performance.

Jan 1, 1998
Report

The synergy of air and space

The synergy of air and space

Dec 31, 1997

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