Space strategy for defence and security

National undertakings on various space systems are tools among others that a nation can use to achieve its security policy goals. In the spring of 2005 Swedish Armed Forces gave per request a separate briefing for the government regarding space issues. The briefing included the perceived needs today and tomorrow of international co-operation on space issues. Parts of the recommendations were that Sweden should consider a combination of international co-operation and nationally developed and owned systems. The most probable way for Sweden, if space is prioritised, is a demonstrator of a national photo reconnaissance satellite, in combination with international co-operation on other imaging systems. The need for communication bandwidth is most probably satisfied partly by co operation and partly by commercially available services. In this report a national strategy is suggested that will meet the needs of probable Swedish users of space services, including the armed forces. The strategy consists of three components: a nationally owned system, international co-operation and commercial services.