1. ESDP AND SPACE1
(FOOD FOR THOUGHT PAPER)
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Space assets constitute an essential segment of the military capabilities
needed. Information from space minimizes uncertainty and increases the chances for
prudent political decisions. Space-based capabilities are integral to any nation’s
operational doctrines and processes.
2. Capabilities such as reconnaissance, reliable communications and
precision navigation, can provide an invaluable advantage in the field, in terms of
clarity of command intentions and flexibility in the face of operational changes. By
fully integrating space capabilities into military operations, force commanders are
better able to tailor their campaign planning and operations to more effectively
employ available forces and achieve objectives at the least risk and cost.
II. AIM
3. The aim of this paper is to provide a background for the formulation
of an EU Concept in order to be the basis for the integration of Space assets into the
EU operational capability in the ESDP framework.
III. SCOPE
4. This document attempts a survey of the whole range of ESDP space-
related technology needed to the strategic level for early detection of crisis, crisis
prevention and crisis management efforts, in order to plan and prepare military
operations, and to the field commander as well in conducting air, land and sea
operations. This paper addresses the operational requirements of specific domains
related with space assets and the shortfalls that have been identified so far.
Moreover, it presents the current situation in the European Strategy for Space and
explains the necessity of taking into account the developments of ESDP in it.
IV. MAIN AREAS OF APPLICATION
5. Command, Control Communications and Information (C3I).
Effective C3I are essential for all operational and support missions. Satellite systems
are ideally suited for international communications and provide the essential
conduits for information vital to the full range of successful military operations.
This is particularly true for acting in areas, which do not have a well-developed
1
Paper circulated at 15 by the EU Hellenic Presidency, at September 24th, 2002 and presented at the
EUMC on 25/9/02. Author, Dr. Alexander Kolovos (LtCol, HAF), Head of Hellenic National Centre
for Space Applications.
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2. communications infrastructure. Communications satellites provide military forces
with interoperable, high-capacity, real-time voice, data and video communications,
and thereby assure secure access to needed information.
6. Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance
(ISTAR). Earth observation is a key area in military activities, providing an integral
input into Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance
(ISTAR) and Communications and Information Systems (CIS) to collect and
process data into information for timely use by a wide range of users. Space based
sensors on satellites have the advantage of unrestricted access over area of operation
and areas that are otherwise difficult to gain access to for political or military
reasons.
7. Early Warning. Early warning satellites are equipped with infrared
sensors, thus are used for monitoring missile launches to insure treaty compliance,
as well as providing early warning of missile attack.
8. Signal Intelligence. Signals intelligence satellites are designed to
detect transmissions from broadcast communications systems such as radios, as well
as radars and other electronic systems, from which intelligence can be gathered
about the opponent’s intentions. The interception of such transmissions can provide
information on the type and location of even low power transmitters, such as hand-
held radios.
9. Positioning, Navigation, and Timing. The availability of accurate
position determination, precise navigation and timing data from satellite systems has
become increasingly vital for the effective conduct of any type of operation needed
in EU crisis response capability. Precise location and timing information, available
in real-time, is a prerequisite for effective force application in military operation or
in order to reduce the level of force required to achieve an objective with minimum
risk, casualties, and collateral damage.
10. Weather, Oceanography and Mapping. Analysis of weather, terrain
and other environmental factors is a critical step in the preparation and the conduct
of operations. Space assets have been extensively used for mapping, hostile – non
benign terrain assessments and 3D terrain models for training, simulation and
mission planning. The use of laser guided weapons and other sophisticated means of
delivering precision weapons as well as night vision sights has made knowledge of
local and target area weather conditions even more important.
11. Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). Combat Search and Rescue
missions have historically experienced a low success rate. They also have suffered
losses in personnel and equipment due to inaccurate situational awareness. Existing
location survival radios can be rendered ineffective by jamming or deception efforts
and can be easily monitored and located by hostile personnel. Satellite Search and
Rescue capabilities give users a greater confidence in their exact location despite
any hostile forces attempts to spoof them with a false signal.
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3. 12. Space Surveillance. The main mission of space surveillance consists of
the ability to protect one's use of space, and potentially deny it to adversaries. In
Europe, apart from some experiments, there is no operational space surveillance
architecture.
V. EU SPACE-BASED REQUIREMENTS & SHORTFALLS
13. Use of space-based sensors in general is already mentioned in some key
EU documents. For example in military ISTAR Concept2, it is mentioned that as
satellite-associated technology advances, the extent and quality of information
derived from space-based sensors will increase. The already expressed generic
requirements of specific space systems documents in the Helsinki Headline
Catalogue (wording as it is in ISTAR Capability Rationale),3 are the following:
a. Satellite imagery. The requirement for satellite imagery is to
collect accurate data in a non-intrusive, non-aggressive manner, with a high
readiness state, without risk to human life in order to support strategic risk
assessment. Also to support operations (including force protection and special
operations) during all phases, to be able to maintain maximum effect and provide
accurate targeting data.
b. SIGINT Satellite. ISTAR assets include Satellites providing
Signals intelligence (SIGINT). EU must have the capacity to gather relevant
information throughout the area of interest and / or operation. The requirement for
SIGINT is to collect accurate information in a non-intrusive, covert and timely
manner, in order to provide continuous risk assessment at all levels. Additionally it
can provide information for preventive and early warning purposes by detecting
intentions of parties. SIGINT/COMINT supports operations in all environments
(including force protection and special operations).
c. Warning satellites capability. Required for detecting launch and
tracking of ballistic missile and NBC assessment. Distant detection and early
warning could be critical to the safety of troop concentrations, infrastructure,
civilian population in theatre and political support for the operation.
14. Also generic requirements of the following specific domains related with
space systems, have been expressed but not specifically mentioned (wording as it is in
various documents):
a. Secure Communications. They provide continuous and reliable
communications between the EU Council infrastructure, national authorities and the
military. In case of third party involvement, there is a requirement to exchange
2
MILITARY ISTAR CONCEPT FOR EU CRISIS MANAGEMENT and EU - led CRISIS
MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS, EUMC DOC 09/02, FINAL.
3
Helsinki Headline Catalogue, v.2001, Part II, ISTAR Capability Rationale
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4. secure information with non-EU participating nations at all levels. Satcoms are
mentioned only in the use of civilian communication means, since at the initial
phase of an operation these are primary means of communication. At later phases,
however they will be needed for connection between different HQ's, remote sites or
as back-up. Regarding deployable forces, there is a requirement to exchange secure
information and orders between strategic-operational-tactical levels.4
b. Precision Guidance. The need for precision-guided weapons is
mentioned in various Council decisions.5 Capability is needed for targeting as
directed by higher authorities. Also, precision munitions are essential to avoid the
possibility of collateral damage.
c. Search and Rescue (SAR). The need for SAR and combat search
and rescue (CSAR), has been mentioned in several circumstances as an area, which
needs improvement.6 In the scenario Separation of Parties by Force (SOPF), an
initial SAR/CSAR capability will be required as soon as possible.7
d. Weather Forecasting. It is necessary to have up-to-date
meteorological (air, land, maritime) and oceanographic data of the theatre area to
optimize force, weapon, and surveillance equipment and to provide for rapid
maritime environment assessment. High readiness meteo units may have to be
deployed in theatre as soon as possible in order to support air and maritime
operations. In tactical air reconnaissance, sensor choice is weather dependent. 8
e. Mapping. It is necessary to have access to appropriate geographic
support facilities according to the size of the operation in order to provide map
production and supply, field survey and terrain analysis. 9
15. In the identified shortfalls, three domains of Space assets have been
included.10 These shortfall areas are being dealt with or will be dealt with in
dedicated ECAP panels, looking for possible solutions:
a. Strategic Satellite Imagery (Serial Number 49). Future
contributions of improved space based imagery as the Helios II program) and SAR-
Lupe circa 2004 and 2006, may overcome the shortfall in the pre-decision phase.
b. Signal intelligence (SIGINT Satellite, SN 58). Some Member
States have already assessed the feasibility of this domain by developing
experimental payloads.
4
Helsinki Headline Catalogue, v.2001, Part II.
5
Nice European Council: Presidency Conclusions, Press Release: Brussels (8/12/2000) Nr: 400/1/00.
6
Laaken European Council, Draft Presidency report on European Security and Defence Policy,
15193/0, COSDP 333, Brussels, 11 December 2001 (12.12).
7
HHC, v.2001, Part 3, Scenario: Separation Of Parties By Force
8
Helsinki Headline Catalogue, v.2001, Part II.
9
ibid
10
ibid
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5. c. Early warning (Warning Satellites, SN 50). No assets are
available for this detection and early warning, and there are no projects or initiatives
related to early warning satellites in Europe.
16. A closer study of the Helsinki Headline Goal and the Collective
Capability Goal reveals that some other space related areas (see IV above), are not
covered enough such as satellite communications for command and control,
positioning and navigation, meteorology and satellite aided search and rescue,
identification of geographical position and terrain,11 weather forecast and mapping.
Although they are mentioned as operational domains, which need improvement,12
their space dimension seems to be neglected. The introduction of their space-based
components into the generic capabilities List and the identification of military
operational requirements, will improve the capability necessary for the EU to
respond to the full range of the Petersberg tasks.
V. CONCLUSION
17. Space is an important "force multiplier" for operational and tactical
missions and to this extent is an operational domain that the EU must exploit.
However the major roles that space can play in EU’s CFSP and ESDP have not been
specifically documented in EU official documents. Whilst individual elements of
space-related assets necessary to support early warning, decision-making and real
operations are the subject of ECAP panels, there is no document that describes the
overall use of these elements.
VI. WAY AHEAD: TOWARDS A SPACE POLICY IN THE EDSP
FRAMEWORK
18. As a way ahead there is a need for reshaping the European Union's space
policy in order to take into account all the strategic interests involved in space
activities. Following the same bottom-up approach that was adopted by the
Capability Action Plan, agreed in Laeken, the formulation of a conceptual ESDP
Space Policy is proposed by the Greek Presidency, to be part of the coherent
European Strategy for Space.
19. The current EU Space Strategy13 developed jointly by European
Commission (EC) & European Space Agency (ESA) focuses on the competency
of transport, environment and research.14 An EU space programme is already taking
11
Military ISTAR Concept For Eu Crisis Management And EU - Led Crisis Management Operations,
EUMC Doc 09/02, Final. para. 29
12
Shortcomings of certain C3I resources exist with regard to deployable communications units. Laaken
European Council, Draft Presidency report on European Security and Defence Policy, 15193/0,
COSDP 333, Brussels, 11 December 2001 (12.12), ANNEX I, p. 18.
13
Council Resolution of 16 November 2000 on a European space strategy. Official Journal C 371 ,
23/12/2000 P. 0002 – 0003.
14
The Council in its resolution of 16 November 2000expressed its agreement in a joint Commission –
European Space Agency (ESA) document that proposed that the European Space Strategy should be
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6. place, as is highlighted by the development of GALILEO and GMES EU’s
initiatives, respectively in the field of navigation by satellite and Global Monitoring
for Environment and Security. That Strategy, had not taken into account the
developments regarding the ESDP.
20. Recently, a joint EC-ESA Task Force begun examining the European
space strategy and will produce proposals for its implementation, taking into
account the developments regarding the ESDP.15 Along this context, an initiative
concerning the future of Europe in Space (in the form of a GREEN PAPER on
SPACE)16, is ready to be launched on October 3rd 2002. Its objective is to address
politically sensitive questions such as security, dual use, space needs for the CFSP
and some institutional matters. The initiative is to be prepared jointly by EC with
ESA and in partnership with the EU Council SG/HR, respecting the roles and rules
of each. The final outcome, to be submitted to the EU Council and Parliament, is
expected by October 2003. For defense aspects, the appropriate bodies shall be
consulted.
21. In this context, there is a need for a conceptual framework describing a
ESDP Space Policy, addressing the full range of activities that support CFSP/ESDP
missions, which must be formulated by the appropriate, competent bodies. The
formulation of such a policy for the first time will be a further milestone in
establishing a coherent approach to space in Europe.
22. Therefore, following a bottom-up approach, the first step for the
implementation of this initiative, could be the promulgation of a draft conceptual
document, which will take into account the range of space missions and functions
needed in order to enhance the EU capabilities to carry out crisis-management
operations over the whole range of Petersberg tasks. To this end an ESDP Space
Concept can fill the gap. This Concept can be a living document, which is to be read
in conjunction with the overarching ESDP Space Policy that will be developed at a
later stage.
23. The Hellenic Presidency willing to support and taking into
consideration the above, recommends a two-step approach, which will include the
following:
 Formulation of an EU Space Concept in the ESDP framework.
 Development of an ESDP Space Policy.
developed along the following three components identified: First, strengthening the foundations of
space activities; second enhancing scientific knowledge and third, reaping the benefits for markets and
society. CFSP is embedded in the third component of this Space Strategy under the title "reaping the
benefits for markets and society through a demand-driven exploitation of the technical capabilities of
the space community", and is associated exclusively with the thematic area of global observation.
15
Council Resolution of 16 November 2000 on a European space strategy. Official Journal C 371 ,
23/12/2000 P. 0002 - 0003
16
At a request from the European Parliament inviting the Commission “….to prepare a White Paper on
the future of Europe in Space”.
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