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.
They will play an increasingly critical role even in the non-traditional activities that are becoming more important for all countries such as disaster response and peacekeeping. Remote sensing, communications, navigation, and weather satellites, for example, are on the scene as we speak, supporting peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia and the Middle East. Moreover, certain space systems provide dual-use capabilities employed by U.S. as well as international civil and commercial users. Last September, President Clinton issued a new U.S. National Space Policy. The President's policy is the result of the first post-Cold War assessment of America's space goals and activities.