Preserving America's Strength in Satellite Technology

The United States can no longer take its preeminence in space for granted. A global market in commercial satellite services and the appearance of new competitors in satellites and space create an increasingly challenging environment. This study proposes new policies to better manage commercial space for national security. Among the conclusions and recommendations offered by the CSIS Satellite Commission:

1. Adjust U.S policies and plans to recognize the progress other countries have made in the commercial satellite market, both as satellite builders and as satellite service consumers;
2. Streamline irrelevant technology transfer restrictions (most restrictions now applied to commercial satellites fall into this category);
3. Develop measures that will prepare U.S. forces for conflict with opponents who take advantage of commercial satellite services, but recognize that denial of satellite services is potentially a double-edged sword and may pose knotty problems for military planners;
4. Develop new ways to reinforce the commercial space sector, including supportive regulatory structures and the further "outsourcing" of communications and remote sensing requirements to U.S. companies;
5. Create a coherent organization for government involvement in space activities.