Think tank games out how to respond to disaster scenarios in space warfare

The workshop presented a series of scenarios to participants. The simulated events at days 0, 45, 60, 90, and 180 included attacks in space and on the ground. Credit: Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies The workshop presented a series of scenarios to participants. The simulated events at days 0, 45, 60, 90, and 180 included attacks in space and on the ground. Credit: Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies US and allied military commanders would have to decide when and how to respond in such scenarios. Governments might prefer a diplomatic response over a military reaction in some situations. If a military response is warranted, should it be in space or in another domain, like land, sea, air, or cyber? All of these domains are inextricably linked, with terrestrial infrastructure enabling space operations and space-based assets supporting military activities on Earth. An attack on one inevitably affects the other. “It was really no surprise, but conflict in space is a complex topic,” Galbreath said. Unraveling these complexities could take time, delaying a US response. “Because there are still few widely accepted definitions for what constitutes conflict in space, decision-making can become slower, less certain, and more reactive,” said retired Air Force Col. Jennifer Reeves, a coauthor on the Mitchell Institute’s report. Boiling the frog It’s also easy to get lulled into a sense of normalcy or complacency. …