Potential Policy for Australian Military Space

Space is a critical vulnerability for Australia and its allies. This thesis seeks to identify a potential space policy for Australia as it attempts to address its space vulnerability. The guiding question answered in this thesis is "how is Australia vulnerable in space and what can be done to mitigate this vulnerability?" This thesis comprises an analysis of contemporary issues affecting the international use of space and identifies a potential space policy for Australia. The author outlines the importance of the current outer space regime and identifies how the regime affects the behaviour of states in space, particularly with regard to the weaponisation of space. It concludes that the current regime can be a critical factor in reducing the vulnerability of space assets. The writer next discusses the history of Australian use of space and concludes that Australia is dependant on space for civilian and military purposes. This dependence has resulted in a number of vulnerabilities that need to be addressed if Australia is to ensure its continued ability to use space. The paper also identifies the vulnerabilities of space assets and highlights the need for Australia to work with allies to reduce those vulnerabilities. One of the most promising methods to reduce space vulnerability is by developing an operationally responsive space capability. The author outlines how this capability can be realised. Another important aspect of reducing vulnerability in space is through developing a space assurance regime. The writer identifies the elements required in a space assurance regime and provides a method for building such a regime. The final chapter identifies how Australia can build up its space capability by working with industry and allies and outlines the basis of a space policy. The most important and immediate step that Australia needs to take is to improve the space knowledge of senior defence personnel.