![]() ![]() Since gravity dictates the motion of a satellite, deviating from the prescribed orbit requires the use of an engine to maneuver. While satellites move quickly along their orbit, purposeful maneuvers to a different orbit are relatively slow. The nature of conflict often requires two competing weapon systems to get close to each other, in this case “on-orbit.” Therefore, timing is everything. By comparison, satellites are always moving in a circular or elliptical path due to the gravitational pull of Earth. Within the confines of the Earth’s atmosphere, airplanes, tanks, and ships can move in multiple directions. Even if satellites and spacecraft are designed to have more energy for maneuverability, distances in space are so big that extensive maneuvering will remain painstakingly slow. That is 190 times bigger than the volume of Earth. The volume of space between low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit is about 50 trillion cubic miles (200 trillion cubic kilometers). This makes their path predictable - and deviating from an orbit is costly and slow - which means that engagements, whether peaceful or aggressive, can be planned long ahead of time regardless of the speed at which satellites are traveling. ![]() ![]() Gravity dictates that satellites at lower altitudes always move more quickly than those at higher altitudes. Due to orbital dynamics, satellites exhibit a strict relationship between altitude, speed, and orbit shape. To an Earth-bound observer, satellite speeds might suggest that science fiction is the right way to imagine space war, but speed is not actually the biggest driver of fighting in space. In comparison, an average bullet only travels about 1,700 miles per hour (0.75 kilometers per second). Those in commonly used circular orbits move at speeds of 6,700 to 18,000 miles per hour (three to eight kilometers per second), depending on their altitude. As they develop their ideas about spacepower, strategists should internalize five major points and use them to attain advantages, rather than working against physical realities. Spacecraft and space weapons cannot defy physics. Major limitations such as these mean that starcruisers like the Millennium Falcon or Galactica will never exist. Space is big and satellites maneuver slowly while following predictable trajectories. As we explain in a recent research paper and accompanying video, in any space war physical limitations will constrain both the movement of assets and overall strategy. Policymakers and defense planners need to have a realistic understanding of what is physically possible and practical. ![]()
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