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.
Space systems perform global monitoring.
For example, they monitor compliance with international arms control, non-proliferation, and confidence building and security agreements. They are often the first to spot impending conflicts and thereby allow diplomatic actions to avert war. Space systems can contribute unique capabilities for international security. Indeed, space systems are capable of performing missions which place a premium on interoperability and the capacity to operate with other nations' forces. Space systems enable military forces to operate jointly in a more efficient and effective manner.