U.S. Counterspace Capabilities (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Sept. 11, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IN12420 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Jennifer DiMascio |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Counterspace operations can be either offensive or defensive. Offensive counterspace operations aim to
deceive an adversary, disrupt the use of a space system (such as a satellite), temporarily deny the use of a
space system, degrade or impair an adversary’s space system, or permanently eliminate a space system.
Defensive counterspace operations protect space assets from attack, interference, or other hazards. The
military uses counterspace operations to gain space superiority, which is the ability to use space for U.S.
military purposes or deny an adversary’s use of space, the area beyond 100 km above sea level.
The United States government and private entities have long operated military and civilian spacecraft,
including the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the NASA-led International Space Station, largely
without the threat of disruption or attack by other nations. As adversary space capabilities have improved,
U.S. policymakers have discussed how best to protect U.S. interests in space and from space-based
threats, including hostile action as well as hazards such as debris from testing or using counterspace
weapons. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, foreign governments, primarily China and
Russia, have developed counterspace weapons that may challenge U.S. capabilities in space. The FY2020
NDAA established the Space Force and the current iteration of Space Command (SPACECOM) in 2019.
The Space Force is developing counterspace capabilities to defend against and deter potential adversary
attacks. (See CRS In Focus IF12610, Defense Primer: The United States Space Force, by Jennifer
DiMascio.)
