In Favour of an Independent Royal Space Fleet

This article takes the reader on a journey from the foundation of the world's first independent air service to the contemporary operating environment, as space is recognised as a unique strategic domain. Using the Smuts Report, and a framework of culture, concepts and capabilities, Clifford Fletcher-Jones shows how the conditions that led to the requirement for an independent air force are present today–thus requiring an independent space service. The research grounds the argument for an independent space service in space power theory before articulating a set of recommendations to the British government to enable the UK to achieve its 'Galactic Britain' ambition.◼