"Space has from the start been militarized, but so far not overtly weaponized," Logsdon said. The report opens with the following: US Space Command—dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment. Furthermore, it strictly limits the exploration and use of outer space for “the betterment of mankind and for the benefit of The term ‘space weapons’ encompasses both weapons placed in space and those on Earth capable of targeting space assets, as well as weapons which transit in outer space. Space, after all, is a Yet, this news article appears to ignore the Outer Space Treaty mentioned above, or the Prevention of Outer Space Arms Race resolution, adopted by a recorded vote of 163 in favor to none against, with 3 abstentions (the US being one of those three). That delegation expressed the view that the Committee should address itself to that issue, since military activities in outer space were seriously affecting international cooperation in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. Additionally, the development of weapons in space risks leading to an arms race, as mentioned in the Star Wars section on this site, in discussing the development of missile defenses. Weaponization of Outer Space: Transporting potentially destructive satellite devices into the space orbit is generally referred to as Weaponization of Outer Space. The working paper noted that existing legal instruments were inadequate to deter further militarization of space and recommended the draft treaty on the “Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space” proposed by Russia and China in 2008 as a starting point for a PAROS treaty. Space superiority is not our birthright, but it is our destiny…. It’s politically sensitive, but it’s going to happen. The idea of war in space has moved from the area of science fiction based assumptions to become part of arms control and arms race discussions. Rest of page is still largley unchanged since the last update of April 20, 2002. The concept of militarized outer space has been replaced by that of “weaponized” outer space. War is Peace, as Orwell wrote in his satirical book [called 1984]. Space militarization is often used to depict the reality that space systems are utilized as a means to achieve military objectives. One of the conditions of the treaty states that no one shall place The threat of conventional arms development, mainly targeting the destruction of operational military satellites, is one which may not be prevented simply by diplomatic activity, an approach to which France has been wholeheartedly committed. Unfortunately, the administration has done little thinking—at least publicly—about the potential for far-reaching military, political and economic ramifications of a US move to break the taboo against weaponizing space. It may indeed be that China is sincere in pursuing a global ban, but its lack of transparency has certainly diminished confidence in that idea. The question of militarization of space ... MUN has been an incredible platform that helped me discover the challenging situations faced on a daily basis by millions of people around the world. Furthermore, the evidence of actual space weapons programs by potential adversaries is thin. The threat of conventional arms development, mainly targeting the destruction of operational military satellites, is one which may not be prevented simply by diplomatic activity, an approach to which France has been wholeheartedly committed. But if the current trends continue, that will change—not in the distance future of science fiction, but within the next several decades. 21 Jan. 2007. One was about supporting the peaceful use of space by all nations. Consistent with this policy, the United States will: preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in space; dissuade or deter others from either impeding those rights or developing capabilities intended to do so; take those actions necessary to protect its space capabilities; respond to interference; and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to U.S. national interests; The United States will oppose the development of new legal regimes or other restrictions that seek to prohibit or limit U.S. access to or use of space. The threat of conventional arms development, mainly targeting the destruction of operational military satellites, is one which may not be prevented simply by diplomatic activity, an approach to which France has been wholeheartedly committed. With backing from the United States the desires of the world community to keep space for peaceful purposes could be realized. Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. This lack of openness is certainly a worry and smacks of hypocrisy for wanting a global treaty to ban weapons in space on the one hand and then using a weapon to blow up a satellite in space later. (You can see the details from a U.N. press release, together with a list of countries that voted, were absent and so on.). The militarization and weaponization of space: Towards a European space deterrent, Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France (3AF) Strategy and International Affairs Commission—Writers’ Group. That’s why the US has development programs in directed energy and hit-to-kill mechanisms. When China recently blew up one of its aging satellites with a medium-range ballistic missile, it caused mild panic and concern amongst US, UK and other circles. Examples of uses and benefits include weather monitoring, help in search and rescue, help in potential natural disaster detection, coordinating efforts on detecting and dealing with issues of space debris and minimizing harmful impacts on Earth, research in sciences, health, etc. Most wars (hot wars, trade wars, cold wars etc) throughout history have had trade and resources at their core. The militarization of space by the USA, even when there has been an international agreement to use space for peaceful purposes, as mentioned above, begs the question why? “The militarization of space” I. Space warfare proponents are making a suspect leap in logic in arguing that space-based weapons are, or will soon be, required to protect the ability of the United States to operate freely in space. Currently, the simplest ways to attack satellites and satellite-based systems involve ground-based operations against ground facilities, and disruption of computerized downlinks. It is also used by militaries to target and bomb other countries. With regard to space dominance, we have it, we like it, and we're going to keep it. Due to these, space is now sometimes referred to as the “fourth frontier of war.” Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Systems, which include long-range ICBMs, are used as an auxiliary system capable of destroying space-based assets. Such an asset would place Europe on an equal footing in dialogues with the USA in the context of a NATO equipped with interoperable space assets. The 1967 Treaty regulates a broad range of issues relevant to the exploration and use of outer space and celestial bodies, including the prohibition of subjecting them to national appropriation by claims of sovereignty and the obligation to render all possible assistance to astronauts, the “envoys of mankind in outer space” (Art. The international law in space only strictly prohibits putting weapons of mass destruction into orbit. On 16 January 1984, Reagan announced that Nineteen eighty-four is the year of opportunities for peace. have space programs that can send humans into space. In addition, despite much of the mainstream media implying China had started an arms race, it could be thought that the US had already started it, and that unfortunately China decide to join in. Historical background The militarization3of space started when Sputnik 1, the first satellite was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union in November 1957. The immediate fear was that China was slowly flexing its muscles and that an arms race was now underway. Peace through strength, peace through domination. In 2013, Estonia became the “41 st nation to have a man-made object in space” 1, by sending the satellite ESTCube-1 into outer space. However, there is As summarized by the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs web site, the treaty includes the following principles: Towards the end of 2000, the United Nations General Assembly had a vote on a resolution called the Prevention of Outer Space Arms Race. 18th MODEL UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOPIC PREPARATION GUIDE PEACEFUL USE OF OUTER SPACE DEFINITION Militarization of Space Treaties on the use of outer space stipulate that space belongs to mankind as a whole and shall be open for exploration to all states. With regard to space dominance, we have it, we like it, and we’re going to keep it. Any deployment of space weapons would face financial, technological, political and diplomatic hurdles, although no treaty or law bans Washington from putting weapons in space, barring weapons of mass destruction, claims the Times. This was called the Almaz program. • Militarization of Outer Space: The militarization of outer space shall henceforth be defined as the placement into an orbit of any device that has intentional destructive capabilities. A century ago, Nations built navies to protect and enhance their commercial interests by ruling the seas, the report notes. It is a necessity for it to be discussed and regulated as Space is a challenged, clogged, and serious area. In order to threaten US space assets, military or commercial, a potential adversary must have both technological capabilities and intent to use them in a hostile manner. The PAROS resolution acknowledges the limitations of existing laws related to outer space and recognizes that the Outer Space Treaty does not guarantee the prevention of an arms race in outer space. Militarization of space is most easily defined as placement of weapons or military equipment into orbit or outer space. On the issue of space weapons, the US certainly risks the charge of hypocrisy, the BBC noted. These systems have been used mainly for strategic planning, such as information garnered from reconnaissance, surveillance, and telecommunication satellites. Militarization of Space Over time, it has become evident that space is an important arena for the military activities and ambitions of the world powers. It shall also be broadened to include any ground based weapon that is Furthermore, together with its pursuit of missile defense, (which goes against the Anti Ballistic Missile treaty, an important part of global arms control mechanisms), the USA risks starting a wasteful expenditure of an arms race in space. There is little hard evidence that any other country or hostile non-state actor possesses either the technology or the intention to seriously threaten US military or commercial operations in space—nor is there much evidence of serious pursuit of space-based weapons by potentially hostile actors. Space Weapons. Once testing [of space weapons] begins, the need for destructive capabilities in orbit induces a mindset opposed to rational restraint. The fear is that by seeking to create a dominant position in space, the US will become more powerful and others may be compelled to join an arms race in space. Currently, as CDI points out, the threat to US space-based interests is not as much as it is made out to be: Vulnerabilities do not necessarily result in threats. For more information, as well as the links above, you could start at the following: Bookmark or share this with others using some popular social bookmarking web sites: Copy/paste the following HTML code to your page: Anup Shah, Militarization and Weaponization of Outer Space, Global Issues, Updated: January 21, 2007. How will the rest of the world take to being dominated from above? For this reason countries do not want to sign. The policy therefore appears to meet the US Air Force’s desire for weapons in space. … [The] prevention of an arms race in outer space would avert a grave danger for international peace and security. On August 31, 2006, President Bush authorized a new national space policy, supersedeing the National Space Policy of September 14, 1996. The major innovations and advances that impact the weaponizations and militarization of space, globally challenge communities. In this context then, space is no longer seen as the resource available for all of humanity, but another ground from which to fight geopolitical and economic battles. The concept of militarized outer space has been replaced by that of “weaponized” outer space. It could be argued that these nations are only pursuing such a course because they fear the more powerful United States getting even more powerful. The above-mentioned CDI report also points out that The Bush administration’s views were directly reflected in the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), released Oct. 1, 2001. The militarization of space isn’t new, and parties on all sides have been pursuing development of both offensive and defensive in-space weapons technologies. Space militarisation involves placing and developing weapons and military technology in outer space. Space must be governed on a multilateral basis in the interest of all States. On the other hand, if China is going down this path for self-interest or self-preservation concerns, then by pressing for a treaty to ban weapons in space, they are doing it in a way that will prevent them from using space for their own military advantage. Consequently, apart from weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, countries can place military assets in space without any sanctions. Militarization Of Space. In history, only two weapons have ever entered orbit. Space Treaty. For many, it may be shocking or disappointing that this might happen, but human history is littered with examples of poweful nations looking to consolidate their position to maintain their dominance which is a major reason for their wealth and success. While it would provide additional important defense mechanisms, many worry about the other benefit it would bring—capabilities for offensive purposes to push America’s national interests even if they are not in the interests of the international community. Some delegations expressed the view that a greater risk of the introduction of weapons into outer space and the adoption of a concept of a use of force in outer space would undermine the basis for and the very logic of developing nonproliferation mechanisms and of the whole system of international security. The US military explicitly says it wants to control space to protect its economic interests and establish superiority over the world. The militarization of space assists armies on the conventional battlefield, whereas via the weaponization of space, outer space itself emerges as the battleground. Countries that may either have their own power ambitions, feel threatened by the US, and/or are genuinely for peace, may all therefore have different reasons to want space used for peaceful purposes. Most space technology has multiple purposes, making it harder to monitor, and complicating the issue of space weaponization and defining weapons under space law. The rise of globalization and ever-increasing global inter-connectivity has led to a dependenc… The idea of militarization of space had not even been thought of, making this a very modern topic. During the 1950s and 1960s the UN discussed how countries can use space peacefully. Yes, you heard that right . space. Introduction. There is reason for concern that doing so could actually undermine, rather than enhance, the national security of the United States, as well as global stability. The concern the US has then is the longer term. Militarization of outer space: Space has been militarized since the earliest communication satellites were launched. One of … These information-gathering technologies contribute to the strategy of states which possess them and provide logistical support to their troops deployed in operational theatres. Yet, It may be that last week’s test is an attempt by China to push back at the US and put pressure on Washington to consider negotiating a treaty to ban weapons in space. For example, October 2006 saw a near-unanimous vote at the General Assembly when 166 nations voted for a resolution to prevent an arms race in outer space. The early exploration of space in the mid-20th century had, in part, a military motivation, as the United States and the Soviet Union used it as an opportunity to demonstrate ballistic-missile technology and other technologies having the potential for military application. The weaponizations of space have increasingly become an issue of concern. further push by the US Air Force for weapons in space, Air Force Seeks Bush’s Approval for Space Weapons Programs, China’s actions may have been in response to Bush’s earlier declaration that they will seek to dominate space militarily and prevent a global treaty to ban weapons in space, US build-up in the region, fermenting alliances (e.g. It came into effect in October 1967. India), purportedly due to the War on Terror also serves to check China in a new Cold War as Maryann Keady notes. (It is also somewhat questionable that even the US can afford this in the long term, but the influential US military industrial complex supports this and so tax payers money will help large military contractors, as also discussed in more detail on the Star Wars page on this site. The US labels other nations that do not want to be part of the international system as rogue, yet one can’t help wonder how the US should be labeled on this issue, then. They also helped create the “Outer Space Treaty”. - Keith Hall, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space, Speech to the National Space Club in 1997. Several documents reveal the plans. In June 2004, The United Nations reiterated concerns about the militarization of space and not being used for peaceful purposes in a U.N. General Assembly session: The view was expressed that the [U.N.] Committee [on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space] had not been fulfilling the mandate given to it by the General Assembly in recommending ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes. A/56/20 3 space and take immediate action to step up work in formulating legal regulations on the matter. Space is in the nation’s economic interest. The initial space exploration in the mid-20th century had, partly, a military motive, as the US and the USSR used it as an opportunity to demonstrate missile technology and other technologies having military application potential. Space Law: Resolutions. He condemned attempts by the United States to force other States to base their space programmes on United States law. The Washington D.C.-based Center for Defence Information (CDI) provides a detailed report suggesting that this should not be a rushed decision: Unlike in Star Trek, the final frontier has yet to become a battlefield. Militarization of Space for Economic Superiority. On 16 January 1984, Reagan announced that Nineteen eighty-four is the year of opportunities for peace. (See the Military Expansion part of this web site for more on that perspective.) The militarisation of space involves the placement and development of weaponry and military technology in outer space. One doesn’t have to be particularly unfriendly to the US to feel uncomfortable. This view may take hold in nations such as the US that do not look at the Chinese regime favourably (though much criticism is definitely warranted.) The mindset becomes unassailable if testing is completed, for then the system must be deployed since, if we have developed the capability, others will want to follow suit and rapidly will do so. UN chief pledges to keep ‘memories alive’ of those who died in service during 2020, Myanmar: Attacks on healthcare jeopardizing COVID-19 response, UN team says, Refugee Children Explain How Education Helped Put Their Trauma Behind Them, https://www.globalissues.org/article/69/militarization-and-weaponization-of-outer-space, https://www.globalissues.org/print/article/69, Prevention of an arms race in outer space, World Agrees: Space for peaceful purposes, Militarization of Space for Economic Superiority, summarized by the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs web site, see the details from a U.N. press release, Report of the Committee of the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, US wishes to expand its military capabilities and have weapons in space. Space law revisited : The militarization of outer space Outer space is becoming an arena for technological shows of force — whether by deployment of spy satellites or testing of weapons. Thus it behooves the administration, as well as Congress, to undertake an in-depth and public policy review of the pros and cons of weaponizing space. F. Symposium 18. We’re going to fight from space and we’re going to fight into space. The NMD, as this history of the SDI shows us, is a political weapon to further US ends rather than enhance global security. We will engage terrestrial targets someday—ships, airplanes, land targets—from space. Intriguing, right? Space technologies are inherently dual use, for example, any launch vehicles (rockets) can be used either as ballistic missiles or scientific rockets launching satellites into orbit. military activities in space, the creation of military space forces, nor the weaponization of the universe. The policy was based on 8 principles. However, in that process, it will likely gain a lot more capability, so people are watching with caution. India), purportedly due to the, Space—After Tito’s fun it might be Rumsfeld’s nightmare, Weapons in Space: Silver Bullet or Russian Roulette? However, long before September 11, the concerns of the US’ motives for pursuing such policies have been questioned. Therefore, “peaceful uses” of outer space include military uses, even those which are not at all peaceful—such as using satellites … Resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and documents produced by Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space have been a constant driver for the development of space law and international cooperation of Member States in their space activities. India, for its part has been only too happy for such assistance, even at the risk of neighboring tensions. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. The three that abstained were the Federated States of Micronesia, Israel and the United States of America. If technically there are no bans on weapons, then certainly such weaponization would go against the spirit of those treaties. The weaponization of space issue first appeared on the UN General Assembly agenda in 1981 when the Conference on Disarmament was given the task of negotiating a treaty to regulate the military use of space in the resolution, Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS). This would seem to secure a space which, used for the social and economic development of France and Europe, will become increasingly important in the next few decades. Space supremacy is our vision for the future. The militarization of space by the USA, even when there has been an international agreement to use space for peaceful purposes, as mentioned above, begs the question why? War is Peace, as Orwell wrote in his satirical book [called 1984]. The United Nations believes that space should be used for peace. Two other key principles noted the use of force, if needed to defend US interests: The United States considers space capabilities—including the ground and space segments and supporting links—vital to its national interests. Weaponization of Outer Space: Transporting potentially destructive satellite devices into the space orbit is generally referred to as Weaponization of Outer Space. Such a review would look seriously at the threat, both short-term and long-term, as well as measures to prevent, deter or counter any future threat using all the tools in the US policy toolbox: diplomatic, including arms control treaties; economic; and military, including defensive measures short of offensive weapons. the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies, signed parties are not to use outer space resources, including the space itself, to conduct military actions. Where possible, alternative links are provided to backups or reposted versions here. The passive militarization of space results in the putting into orbit of satellites for reconnaissance, secure telecommunications, space surveillance and eavesdropping. Emerging Bush administration plans and policies are clearly aimed at making the United States the first nation to deploy space-based weapons. 06 May. During the 1960s and 1970s a number of agreements were adopted to prevent the weapon… The military superiority of past and present nations has been to defend or expand such national interests. They made the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Committee. Finally, orderly regulation of space weaponization can help avoid a costly and potentially dev-astating arms race. In 1959, the UN General Assembly established the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Resolution 1472 (XIV). Furthermore, any talk of an immediate threat from China, or one that is not too far off, would seem irrational, as clearly the US arsenal far outweighs any Chinese capability for the short-term future. Web. The Policy Implications of US Pursuit of Space-Based Weapons, China has consistently opposed the weaponization of outer space, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Presentation to Members of the British Parliament, Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, Space: Battleground or Frontier of the 21st Century, Issue 2: International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, Militarization and Weaponization of Outer Space, http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/SpaceLaw/outerspt.htm, http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/SpaceLaw/treaties.html, http://www.cdi.org/issues/bmd/21stcent.html, http://www.cdi.org/weekly/1999/issue45.html#2, http://www.cdi.org/weekly/1999/issue46.html#1, http://www.cdi.org/weekly/1999/issue47.html#2, http://www.cdi.org/weekly/1999/issue48.html#1, Note about China blowing up a satelite in space using a ballistic missile and the fear this could trigger an arms race, Update United Nations raising concern about the militarization of space and on China consistently opposing weaponization space. Preventing the militarization of outer space During the nuclear weapons race of the Cold War, space exploration accomplishments became an integral part of superpowers’ policies to obtain military supremacy. This link is part 1. Peace through strength, peace through … . Now it is time to rule space. “Bad ideas flourish because they are in the interest of powerful groups.” — Paul Krugman. the Outer Space treaty, a milestone for international peace and security only contains a prohibition of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in outer space, this rule has to be extended to possibly all kind of arms. of militarization of space is a very deep and important area for discussion to ensure the safety and security of all the nations around the globe.