The New Dimensions of Critical Dependence on Space Systems

Space systems are a key enabler for a wide variety of applications and capabilities. They have become very important for the functioning of critical infrastructure systems and for national security processes. This article lays out the arguments in favor of characterizing the dependence on space systems as being critical, describes the recent and important changes in the security environment, and lays out key trends in space security governance which will affect the domain in the future.