Keyword Tags

There is a growing need to understand how the space domain is used for defence purposes and the threats being faced. A novel board game addresses a current gap in the market, offering an educational tool for both professionals and the general public to learn how satellites provide defence services, and the consequences of offensive actions against them.

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Background

The space domain is becoming more contested, and this increasing competition is affecting space services and operations. This is creating unintended threats to rise, such as space debris, which can cause costly damage and interference to satellites.

Satellites play an important role in the defence sector and public safety, but many people have limited knowledge about their use and functions from this perspective. Educational tools such as games can  effectively help to bridge this gap, in an engaging, informative, and fun way.

There is currently no game on the market that focuses on space in a realistic defence context.

The solution

A new board game has been developed, tested, and refined to address this gap in the market, designed with expertise from Dstl, within the UK government defence sector. It provides an entry-level understanding to the growing competition in space and how this can affect defence services and operations.

The game, ‘Space Commander’ encourages users to explore different systems available in space, and options to countering them – from posturing to temporary denial, to all-out space war. The game provides users with an understanding of:

  • Earth’s different orbits.
  • Various types of satellites and the military services they provide.
  • The consequences of space warfare, including economic impact and the effect of space debris.
  • The nature and deployment of counter-space weaponry
  • The role of deterrence and tensions in operating satellites and
  • Achieving military dominance in orbit.

The game is won by outmatching your opponents, either economically or militarily.

The game is suitable as a learning tool for new professionals entering the space sector, and has broader applications in the wider civilian market as wargames are becoming increasingly popular.

Key benefits

  • The game is pitched to be accessible, quick, and fun, taking around two hours to complete.
  • It is informed by credible defence expertise and is designed to be an ideal first introduction to the space domain in a military context.
  • There is no direct competitor for a board game with this concept.
  • Wider context, including real system information could be added if used or facilitated in the correct environments.
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Potential applications

Defence applications

The game is designed to be a helpful educational tool to defence organisations and others working in the defence space sector. This is particularly relevant for new professionals in the space domain.

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Public applications

The game is pitched at a level of knowledge where people not directly involved in the game, but rely on space services, can access it. There is also potential for broader commercial interest – this game would be of interest to amateur space, wargaming, and strategy board-game enthusiasts.

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