Building “Space” into Multi-Domain Deterrence Strategy
Editor-in-Chief at Angle of Attack
Space cadet, combat knitter, kitty lover.
Nicole Petrucci
Latest posts by Nicole Petrucci (see all)

There’s no such thing as war in space; there’s just war. General John Hyten, USAF[1] Deterrence, as it applies to the space domain, presents some interesting challenges as more countries recognize the benefits of and from space, but they are far from new. History shows us the way. The United States has been here before […]

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Star Wars Strikes Back: Return of Space-Based Missile Defense
Content and Production Editor at Angle of Attack
Bomb dropper, High Desert dweller, baller.
Christopher Buckley
Latest posts by Christopher Buckley (see all)

With North Korean missiles on everyone’s mind, it’s no wonder Americans and their elected representatives are searching for a solution.  While Secretary Mattis has (so far) been successful in convincing a public and a Congress that any military solution to North Korea is messy at best, every time Kim tries something else, we publicly go […]

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Space-Mindedness: The Application of Space Power
Contributing Author at Angle of Attack
Ryan Sanford is an active duty officer in the United States Air Force. He is a Fighter Pilot and an Experimental Test Pilot.A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and USAF Test Pilot School and a published author in the fields of Mathematics, Aeronautical Engineering, Developmental Flight Test, and Tactical Employment, he recently completed a Master of Philosophy thesis analyzing the need for a USAF astronaut corps to support national objectives in space.He is currently performing duties as an Operations Officer.
Ryan Sanford
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The United States Air Force has struggled lately in resourcing its National Command Authority assigned missions.[1]  While the immediate focus tends toward material and equipment, a potentially more troubling problem facing the Air Force may be the ever-increasing gap caused by poor pilot retention across multiple platform specialties.[2]  Under-resourced and losing talent, the Air Force […]

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Reflections on Operation BURNT FROST
Editor-in-Chief at Angle of Attack
Space cadet, combat knitter, kitty lover.
Nicole Petrucci
Latest posts by Nicole Petrucci (see all)

More than nine years since have passed since Operation BURNT FROST. I hadn’t thought about the event in a long time. While it was the highlight of my newly-minted weapons officer career at Cavalier AFS, ND, after it was over there was little more said about the event. However, the strategic implications from BURNT FROST […]

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Cheap Space Launch Optional: The Truth about Cheap Rockets for the USAF
Editor-in-Chief at Angle of Attack
Space cadet, combat knitter, kitty lover.
Nicole Petrucci
Latest posts by Nicole Petrucci (see all)

In a recent article at DoD Buzz, Oriana Pawlyk asked: “Why Doesn’t the Air Force Use Cheap, Re-Usable Rockets?”[1] Air Power Strategy even re-tweeted her article because it is a spectacular question, one that requires more analysis. It is debatable whether cheap access to space is a good thing. After considering the history, budget, policy […]

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Redefining Space Policy – A New Strategic Context
Editor-in-Chief at Angle of Attack
Space cadet, combat knitter, kitty lover.
Nicole Petrucci
Latest posts by Nicole Petrucci (see all)

When President Kennedy declared the US intention to send men to the moon, he single-handedly defined the strategic context of space.  Space was no longer a physics problem; it was now a Cold War problem.  Starting in 1958 and explicitly stated in 1961, “space” became synonymous with national prestige, national security, and to some, national […]

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