Summary: The increasing use of military and commercial satellites for national security and business purposes will have significant implications for the United States in the 21st century. The Defense Department (DOD) has traditionally used satellite systems in passive roles to support military operations--for example, to collect intelligence data, warn of ballistic missile launches, and to transmit voice and data communications. Today, plans are being developed to expand the use of military satellite systems and develop technologies, such as lasers and electronic jammers, that could be used to actively conduct warfare in space. With advances in information technology, the commercial use of satellites is also expanding, particularly in telecommunications. This report reviews DOD's approach to implementing the U.S. Space Command's 1998 long-range plan for expanding military space systems. GAO evaluates the extent to which (1) plans for expanding military space systems conform to national and defense space policies, (2) funding projections support planned military space programs and desired capabilities, and (3) steps are being taken to educate military personnel to support future military space operations.
