Navigating War: The Shift Back to Analog Methods Amid Satellite Threats

In an era where satellite communications are pivotal to global navigation, communication, and military operations, the potential disruption of these systems by enemy action during a conflict poses significant challenges. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on digital satellite systems, militaries worldwide, including Australia’s, are revisiting traditional navigation methods, such as celestial navigation using sextants, to ensure operational resilience. Prof Dale Stephens, a co-editor of the Woomera Manual, highlights the broader implications of such disruptions, emphasizing a return to analog forms of communication and navigation. The manual, a comprehensive guide on the rule of law in space during peace, tension, and armed conflict, was developed over five years by a global team. It addresses the legal nuances of satellite disruption, considering the varied capabilities and intentions behind anti-satellite technologies. Amidst these concerns, the Australian Defence Force champions celestial navigation training, alongside exploring alternative navigation technologies, underscoring the strategic imperative to maintain capabilities in both digital and analog realms. This approach mirrors international concerns, notably within the US Navy, which reinstated celestial navigation training in 2016. The Woomera Manual also sheds light on the legal complexities surrounding satellite engagement, offering clarity on actions deemed permissible under international law, thus contributing to a framework for responsible military and civilian use of space.