This book explores the impact of human activities in outer space on international security, focusing on the evolving role of space applications for U.S. security. It is not a military doctrine or technology handbook but employs international relations paradigms to highlight the political dimensions of this technical issue. The text is structured into five chapters. The first analyzes theoretical and legal aspects of the relationship between outer space activities and security. Chapter two discusses the science and technology of space applications, emphasizing security issues without becoming a technical manual. Chapter three provides a historical overview of military space applications, focusing on political and strategic dimensions rather than detailed technical knowledge. Chapter four is crucial, detailing the U.S. space security policy within the broader context of its international strategy. The final chapter addresses specific issues related to space security. Key findings include that the U.S. international strategy relies heavily on the unimpeded use of space applications, yet these capabilities face increasing challenges from international competitors. These rivals not only threaten U.S. space capabilities but also develop their own, diminishing the U.S. technological advantage. This situation is likely to continue, pressuring the U.S. to attempt to reclaim its space hegemony.
