Page 33 - Intro to Space Sciences Spacecraft Applications

20 Introduction to Space Sciences and Spacecraft Applications

Figure 1-14. Gorizont. Commercial channels have been made available on
this Russian geosynchronous communications satellite.

Military Satellites. The early experiments using captured V-2 rockets
were conducted under the auspices of the military and led to the develop-
ment of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). As other uses of
space became apparent, the military conducted their own experimental
programs and developed systems to take advantage of the new “high
ground” of space.
Today, the military routinely conducts force enhancement missions
such as communications, navigation, and remote environmental sensing
using dedicated systems in space. Surveillance and monitoring missions
are also routinely conducted, though the systems used are often classified.
However, the worth of these systems became generally apparent during
the war with Iraq, where coalition forces scored a decisive victory using
these capabilities heavily.

International Use of Space

Although the foregoing pages emphasize U.S. accomplishments and
activities in space, Russia, Japan, France, and China all have fully devel-
oped programs capable of providing spacecraft manufacture, launch ser-
vices, and operation of payloads. The scientific, environmental sensing,
and commercial communications use of space systems is an international
arena. The United States and Russia no longer dominate the field, with
France, China, and others vying for commercial customers for space sys-