Author Description

ISSUES: Do the maritime/naval concepts of "sovereignty" and "free passage" have an analogous "spacetime" equivalent? If so, what is the significance of these concepts on Air Force operations? (note: this will necessarily include a discussion of the lack of a defining boundary between air and space) RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 1) Brief description and history of the naval concepts of sovereignty and free passage. 2) Brief history and current survey of the state of international law as it applies to sovereignty and free passage in space. 3) Brief discussion regarding the lack of a delineating boundary between "air" and "space" in international treaties. ANALYSIS: 1) Identify sovereignty and free passage issues facing the Air Force regarding space operations. 2) Discuss what must be done or is needed (if anything) to enable the Air Force to conduct operations within the parameters of international treaty obligations.