Air Force Doctrine Document 3-14: Space Operations - Global and Theater Space Forces, Spacelift, Types of Orbits, Operational Advantages, Integrating Civil, Commercial, Foreign Space Assets

Our space forces perform functions that are critical for the joint force— intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; command and control; positioning, navigation, and timing; weather services; counterspace; communications; and spacelift. As our reliance on space increases, so too, must our ability to integrate space capabilities throughout joint operations. To retain the US military's asymmetric advantage based on space superiority, our Air Force must fully exploit and defend the space domain. Topics covered include global and theater space forces, spacelift, various types of orbits (low earth, polar, medium earth, highly elliptical, geosynchronous), integrating civil, commercial, and foreign space assets, and the operational advantages of space.

Contents: Chapter One - Space Operations Fundamentals * Chapter Two - Command And Control Of Space Operations * Chapter Three - Planning For Space Operations * Chapter Four - Executing Space Operations * Chapter Five - Development Of Space Professionals.

To that end, our space warfighters are Airmen trained in the operation and employment of space operational concepts and forces. These Airmen integrate air and space power with joint forces on a daily basis, proving their worth in military operations.

This space operations doctrine describes our shared beliefs about the integration of space power across the range of military operations. Specifically, it recommends a command and control construct for space operations we found extremely effective in recent operations. As a keystone doctrine document, it emphasizes the force-multiplying and enabling nature of space operations. It is our job as Airmen to operate and organize space forces based on the premises articulated in this doctrine.