Description
In the 21st century, space has transitioned from a domain dominated by exploration and scientific discovery to one increasingly recognized as a strategic warfighting domain. The growing reliance on satellite-based systems for communication, navigation, intelligence, and missile warning has elevated the importance of securing space assets against adversarial threats. This evolution has led to the establishment and expansion of dedicated military space forces, notably the United States Space Force (USSF), reflecting the urgent need to integrate space into national defence doctrines. With rising global competition and technological advancements, space is now viewed as the ultimate high ground in modern warfare. This paper examines the emergence of space as a warfighting domain, the roles and responsibilities of space forces, and the legal, ethical, and strategic implications of military operations in space. It also explores the necessity for new international norms and cooperative security frameworks to mitigate risks of conflict and ensure sustainable use of outer space.
