The Air Force, as part of its vision for the 21st century, has declared Space Dominance and Space Control as new military objectives. It is not clear if the Air Force understands the difficulties associated with dominating the space environment, but several issues have yet to be resolved. Doctrine provides our basis for employing forces and waging war. Without strong space doctrine, space control will likely meet with less than successful results.
Technology is the linchpin which allows space operations to be achievable and effective.
Without the required technology, space control is impossible. Politics is the last and most critical requirement in achieving space control. Neither doctrine nor technology can compensate for the lack of political resolve. Without it, all other efforts are futile. This paper discusses the doctrinal, technical and political difficulties of achieving space control as well as other issues which complicate the space control mission.