Small Satellite Constellations: National Security Implications

Abstract

There are both positive and negative national security implications associated with the deployment of small satellite constellations, particularly those destined to be mega-constellations. This chapter attempts to discuss both sides, benefits, and risks, aimed to enable the reader to decide whether they are optimistic or pessimistic, or indeed cautiously ambivalent about small satellite constellations. In this context, this chapter first provides definitions for national security (taking into account personal and financial security), small satellites, and constellations. Its subsequent two sections deliberate about various potential positive and negative implications for national security of small satellite constellations in more detail. On the positive side, the analytical focus is on the capability enabling functions of small satellites, their antisatellite (ASAT) capability, as well as their ability to upgrade, enhance resilience of and reconstitute space system functionality. On the negative side, the chapter examines such national security-related risks as increased orbital congestion, frequency overcrowding, and the danger to people, property, and environment. The penultimate section deals with the issue of managing the risks, with particular consideration of the concept of responsible use, considering observability, maneuverability, communication and controllability, the ability of small satellites to operate safely, regulation, legality and ethical constraints, as well as liability. The chapter concludes with a brief summary and the authors’ view on how progress might be made in a way that embraces small satellite constellations responsibly, to optimize their benefits, while protecting global security concerns.