BLUF
Recent conflicts show that space capabilities are now central to communications, navigation, intelligence and resilience. Satellite navigation enables precision weapons and unmanned systems while commercial imagery makes military activity increasingly observable. Stronger combined planning needed.Learning Outcomes
Strategic Awareness — Develops understanding of how conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are changing the strategic importance of space for Australia and its Indo-Pacific partners. The article highlights the growing dependence on space services and the need to prepare for contested access.
Technological Literacy — Explains how commercial satellite communications, satellite navigation, imagery, electronic warfare and other space capabilities are changing the way forces operate. It also considers the strengths and vulnerabilities created by these technologies.
Critical Thinking — Encourages readers to consider both the benefits and vulnerabilities of space-enabled capabilities, including the need for resilience, alternatives to global positioning system access, commercial partnerships and non-destructive ways to counter hostile space capabilities.
