War in Ukraine: initial international space consequences of a regional conflict
Abstract
On Thursday, February 24, 2022, the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces after several months of diplomatic tensions has brutally shaken international relations. The exceptional extent of Western condemnations and sanctions promises to isolate Russia more durably and harshly than ever. In this context, the space domain is very representative of the global tensions generated by this conflict. The re-creation of the Russian space forces in 2015, the establishment of the US Space Force in 2019, or the French Space Command the same year, had acted the doctrinal integration of Space as a field of confrontation.
About the Author
Amaury Dufay is studies manager in the Space task group of the Institute of Strategy and Defense Studies (IESD). He is a specialist in the technological and capability dynamics of New Space. His expertise is particularly focused on the strategic issues of advanced propulsion systems, weaponization and space tactics.
The war in Ukraine reinforces the dynamics of competition, even contestation and confrontation in Outer Space.
A halt to space cooperation
Scientific space cooperation is not immune to geopolitical dynamics, and the conflict in Ukraine promises to have important technical and capability consequences on launch means and programs. One week after the beginning of the hostilities, this news note offers a first overview, in the measure of the available information and the fast evolution of the situation.
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The missile standoff: ballistic considerations of the war in Ukraine
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