Global positioning technology orbits the earth. Space-based laser weapons are being tested, U.S. military operations and global ecommerce activity rely on satellite transmissions. How close are we to a time when space becomes a full-fledged theater of military operations - both as a launching point and as a target? To answer that question, Space Warfare and Defense: A Historical Encyclopedia and Research Guide provides comprehensive coverage of the development of space as an arena for warfare." "At a time when space is becoming an increasingly important place of military competition and potential conflict, Space Warfare and Defense dispels the myths and examines the realities of what may become humanity's ultimate battlefield. For researchers, policymakers, and the public at large. It's the go-to resource for becoming better informed on space issues that are a growing part of the dialogue on national security.

Part 1. Development of U.S. Military space policy -- U.S. Military space programs -- Space weaponry development -- Other countries' space weapons programs -- Selected U.S. laws and international agreements on military uses of space -- Part 2. U.S. Defense Department resources -- Non-Defense Department U.S. government resources: Congress, independent agencies, and commissions -- U.S. research institutions -- Foreign and international government organizations and research centers -- Research assistance: periodical indexes, scholarly and trade journals, scholarly books, documentary collections, and Library of Congress subject headings.