The more they become dependent on them, the more the importance of space will continue to grow. Lyles pointed out three critical areas that depend heavily on space. We saw the beginning of this during Desert Storm and saw it in spades over Kosovo. The vice chief said that the Air Force will continue to depend on these highly accurate munitions. When we have a mandate to minimize collateral damage, like in Kosovo, the only way to guarantee that is through the use of very, very precise weapon systems.
Communications is another area where warfighters are reaping the benefits of space systems.
All the communication systems we have that are provided and supported by space assets, are indispensable to the warfighter. Communications cover a wide spectrum. In addition to typical voice transmissions, space systems are now allowing for near real-time data transmission. Flex-targeting is the ability to change targets while en route. Space is also playing an ever-expanding role in surveillance.