Chapter Summaries

Abstract

Much of the world now depends upon space technology economically, politically, and militarily. Without satellites, many of our factories and distribution systems would break down and our "just in time" inventory systems would at least temporarily stall,interrupting the flow of food, medicines, and commodities to our stores and markets. Without spy satellites, our military would be operating blind, thereby increasing the likelihood of conflict through fear and opportunism by our potential adversaries. We have become dependent upon space - and we are mostly ignorant of that fact.