War in space?

Abstract

Military space capabilities may now be in a state of development similar to that of military aviation at the beginning of World War I, which meant an exponential boost for air combat and the affirmation of the rest of air missions. In space, an open war does not seem foreseeable in the coming decades, since it would most likely involve nuclear powers, which have always avoided direct confrontation due to the risk of mutual destruction. Furthermore, the space debris produced would deny the use of orbital space to all. However, military space capabilities will continue to be developed without pause based on national interests and the strategic space imperative, which pushes States not to be left behind in key technologies and space zones or in the economic benefits of space. Likewise, limited and reversible military operations in space, such as laser or electronic jamming and cyber-attacks, are likely to continue.