Since the beginning of the space age, space systems have been an important element of international security. The military use of space has evolved from an initial focus on providing peacetime support for national decision-makers and strategic nuclear deterrence operations to a broader application in support of the entire range of military activities. Global coverage, readiness, presence, responsiveness, flexibility, and other attributes of space systems enable them to provide support for military operations in peace, crisis, and across the spectrum of conflict. This includes support for military operations other than war such as peacekeeping and peace enforcement, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and non-combatant evacuation. It also includes providing support to address dangers such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism, and drug trafficking.
Space systems are an integral part of the overall deterrent posture of armed forces.
Any nation or subnational group contemplating an action inimical to international security interests must be concerned about space capabilities. Space systems help to provide unprecedented situational awareness to identify and respond to threats anywhere in the world. They help to ensure that hostile actions will be discovered and may introduce an element of uncertainty into the minds of potential aggressors. More specifically, space systems provide unique capabilities for collecting and disseminating information to determine other nations' and subnational groups' capabilities and intentions. This includes information for indications, warning, and responding to the threat or use of force.