The All Seeing Eye: Space-Based Persistent Surveillance in 2030, (Paperback)

This research paper investigates the space environment in the 2030 timeframe with respect to the important space-based earth surveillance mission. It attempts to answer the question: "Can the U.S. field a persistent space-based surveillance capability in an operational domain that is increasingly challenged by adversary threats?" To answer this question, the paper looks at the nature of existing threats and the likely capability developments in the next 20 years. To counter the threats, the paper investigates a geosynchronous orbit based surveillance system. Such a system would be beyond the reach of current anti-satellite weapons. However, significant technical hurdles remain to make such a system a reality.