Unmanned aerial systems' near-space operation concept

Space, as an extension to the air medium, is the ultimate high ground of today's militaries. Although space technologies have the potential to influence operations when dealing with different types of conflicts, they are vulnerable against counter operations. The near-space is where the vulnerability takes place and where it can be prevented. This space is located between the normal aircraft operations zone and satellite orbits. We propose a high-level strategy to reduce this vulnerability such that the main space technologies are backed-up with a network of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to fill any space operation gaps as near-space assets. The varying functionalities and capabilities of UAS can provide another layer of sensors for flexible, versatile and persistent air and space operations. The significant UAS capabilities in the near-space include GPS navigation aid in a jamming environment, communication relay and organic C4ISR asset. These capabilities with other air and space technologies can contribute towards network centric warfare (NCW) architecture. The emerging challenge is to identify the role of UAS in operational structure and versatile mission requirements; and possibly provide an integrative solution where space-based sensors and UAS platforms collaborate in achieving any given mission in the future of warfare. The aim of this paper is to address operational aspects of current and future applications and near-space concept of UAS in the context of anticipated future operating environment. The evaluation will focus on the efficiency of UAS in near-space environment and their impact on possible air and space operations. The research is expected to contribute to a more informed structural transformation of the modern militaries incorporating air, near-space and orbit level space technologies.