UK Space Power: Contextualising the Need for Space Control

Abstract

The modernity of space enterprise brings great innovation and benefits globally, but with it comes additional congestion and competition in the Space domain. Dependency on space for economies as well as national security has driven development of Space Control capabilities to not only protect a Nation’s own assets but also to deceive, disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy a potential adversary’s space systems. Thus, there is a need for a shift in both attitude and mindset toward Space and its importance to give it the attention and credence in the face of the evolving threat. This article will contextualise the need for space control by providing a potted history of UK Space Power as well as an overview of the development in global counter-space weapons and the threat today.