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. It is also used by militaries to target and bomb other countries. • 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. 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. Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All, The exploration and use of outer space … shall be for peaceful purposes and shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development. Similar positions have been reiterated since, too. 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. Their successive plans for general and complete disarmament included provisions to ban the orbiting and stationing in outer space of weapons of mass destruction. Proposed arms control agreements or restrictions must not impair the rights of the United States to conduct research, development, testing, and operations or other activities in space for U.S. national interests; Despite its commitment to peaceful use of space as stated in its policy, just a few weeks later, the US was the lone vote against such a resolution at the UN General Assembly (and has voted against such a measure in the past), as mentioned futher above. Weaponization of Outer Space: Transporting potentially destructive satellite devices into the space orbit is generally referred to as Weaponization of Outer Space. the most important incentive to achievement in the space race is the urge to perfect military instruments.2 Although certain distinguished scientists were rather skeptical about the military utilization of space bases, technicians and air force generals showed much more faith in the usefulness of military domination of space. A key objective … is not only to ensure US ability to exploit space for military purposes, but also as required to deny an adversary’s ability to do so, states the QDR. 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. - Keith Hall, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space, Speech to the National Space Club in 1997. Space superiority is our day-to-day mission. Space Weapons. On 16 January 1984, Reagan announced that Nineteen eighty-four is the year of opportunities for peace. Where possible, alternative links are provided to backups or reposted versions here. 06 May. ), (The star wars part of this section on this web site, also linked to from above, discusses more about the possibilities of an arms race and an impact on international relations.). 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 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. Intriguing, right? Through attending various conferences, I have learned that there are different outlooks to the same issue, and there are various solutions if implemented with professionalism and persistence. While the US may possibly be able to afford this, for other nations to get involved into such expenditures will be costly indeed, especially most have other pressing priorities. 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. With backing from the United States the desires of the world community to keep space for peaceful purposes could be realized. 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. 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. One could argue much more rationally that what is needed most urgently is to find ways to prevent computer network intrusion; to ensure redundant capabilities both at the system and subsystem level, including the ability to rapidly replace satellites on orbit; to improve security of ground facilities (perhaps moving to underground facilities); and to harden electronic components on particularly important satellites. During the 1960s and 1970s a number of agreements were adopted to prevent the weapon… ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. War is Peace, as Orwell wrote in his satirical book [called 1984]. There are several drivers behind this goal, including the very real concern about the vulnerability of space assets that are increasingly important to how the US military operates, and the administration’s decision to pursue missile defense. made space stations with cannons that could shoot in space. Weaponization of Outer Space: Transporting potentially destructive satellite devices into the space orbit is generally referred to as Weaponization of Outer Space. These systems have been used mainly for strategic planning, such as information garnered from reconnaissance, surveillance, and telecommunication satellites. 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. . Furthermore, it strictly limits the exploration and use of outer space for “the betterment of mankind and for the benefit of A/56/20 3 space and take immediate action to step up work in formulating legal regulations on the matter. 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. However, as the BBC noted, 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. The US military explicitly says it wants to control space to protect its economic interests and establish superiority over the world. But because space-based weapons have been on the agenda long before September 11, and the War on Terror, the fight against terrorism is not the sole justification, though it may now add to the reasons. Karl Grossman, professor of journalism at the State University of New York/College at Old Westbury, wrote. 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 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. It was adopted by a recorded vote of 163 in favor to none against, with 3 abstentions. 21 Jan. 2007. Space superiority is not our birthright, but it is our destiny…. The events that followed determined the path of the Space Race between the United States and the USSR as, during the Cold War, the purpose of space exploration was, to a great extent, military. Space is in the nation's economic interest. The concept of militarized outer space has been replaced by that of “weaponized” outer space. From the US perspective, the announcement of [US policy against a global treaty banning weapons in space] was clearly a response to a perceived threat from China as well as an attempt to preserve the current US advantage in space. Emerging Bush administration plans and policies are clearly aimed at making the United States the first nation to deploy space-based weapons. The fear is that others will take a similar view (using the rhetoric of protecting its own interest in space) and encourage an arms race. Definition The problem with the approach to defining air space is that it does not address the vertical … The view was expressed that an international agreement should be concluded to prohibit the deployment of weapons in outer 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. This new ultimate high ground would provide further superior military capabilities. ⚜️Delegare MUN 2.0, just like its first edition is an absolutely free conference!! From the Washington, D.C. based Center for Defense Information (CDI): 'Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies', United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, October 27, 2001, Their new and updated web site doesn’t seem to have the same exact text, but this is the closest matching page, The original link is also available in four parts. The policy therefore appears to meet the US Air Force’s desire for weapons in space. The major innovations and advances that impact the weaponizations and militarization of space, globally challenge communities. Issue: Measures to Promote Sustainable Militarization of Space Student Officers: Shakira Mungai and Zohaib Mahmood Position: Deputy Chairs The militarization of space is the development of weaponry and military technology in outer space. Peace through strength, peace through … However, as the Monterey Institute for Internaional Studies in California notes, China has consistently opposed the weaponization of outer space in its official statements, and, along with Russia, has led the initiative to create an international treaty banning all weapons in space through negotiations within an ad hoc committee of the Conference on Disarmament. US build-up in the region, fermenting alliances (e.g. In addition, a link for more information was added. The report opens with the following: US Space Command—dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment. Space militarisation involves placing and developing weapons and military technology in outer space. Militarization Of Space. 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. The immediate fear was that China was slowly flexing its muscles and that an arms race was now underway. 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. (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 militarisation of space involves the placement and development of weaponry and military technology in outer space. greater efforts to prevent further militarization of outer. 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. The international law in space only strictly prohibits putting weapons of mass destruction into orbit. Weapons in Space: Silver Bullet or Russian Roulette? It was one of the first such acts since the 1980s when the Soviet Union and the US did such things. It is already recognized that China will be spending a lot more on military in coming years, but more to modernize rather than build up. The concept of militarized outer space has been replaced by that of “weaponized” outer space. The passive militarization of space results in the putting into orbit of satellites for reconnaissance, secure telecommunications, space surveillance and eavesdropping. Militarization of space is most easily defined as placement of weapons or military equipment into orbit or outer space. The United Nations believes that space should be used for peace. 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. During the 1950s and 1960s the UN discussed how countries can use space peacefully. While various militaries around the world have used Space for years, it has largely been for surveillance satellites etc. Although not agreed 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 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. 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. "Space has from the start been militarized, but so far not overtly weaponized," Logsdon said. Several documents reveal the plans. 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. 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. In this context, a “European space … The NMD, as this history of the SDI shows us, is a political weapon to further US ends rather than enhance global security. 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. “The militarization of space” I. Introduction. 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.) Take Vision for 2020, a 1996 report of the US Space Command, which coordinates the use of Army, Navy, and Air Force space forces and was set up in 1985 to help institutionalize the use of space. Militarization of outer space: Space has been militarized since the earliest communication satellites were launched. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2008.02.001. Between 1959 and 1962 the Western powers made a series of proposals to bar the use of outer space for military purposes. While the answer from US authorities is usually along the lines of defensive purposes (as with the related issues of missile defense and star wars, as also discussed on this web site, in this section), many see the domination of space as the ability to maintain, expand and enforce those policies that will serve that national interest. 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). Furthermore, the evidence of actual space weapons programs by potential adversaries is thin. 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. However, long before September 11, the concerns of the US’ motives for pursuing such policies have been questioned. More naturally hostile or suspicious countries could well feel they have been given no choice but to develop their own antisatellite weapons in an attempt to blind US satellites, even though, since the US will far outspend them, the effort would become an ever receding goal. We’re going to fight from space and we’re going to fight into space. "There is maybe not a bright bold red line, but a somewhat fuzzy line that has not yet been crossed." By continuing you agree to the use of cookies. However, there is It came into effect in October 1967. The Militarization of Space GPS is great for finding your way when you are lost. The militarization of space assists armies on the conventional battlefield, whereas via the weaponization of space, outer space itself emerges as the battleground. Finally, orderly regulation of space weaponization can help avoid a costly and potentially dev-astating arms race. 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. ü It says if a country takes resources out of space it needs to be shared with all nations. 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. This link is part 1. 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. The New York Times reported (May 18, 2005) that there is a further push by the US Air Force for weapons in space. They also helped create the “Outer Space Treaty”. The multicolored cover of Vision for 2020 shows a weapon shooting a laser beam from space and zapping a target below. 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. space. India), purportedly due to the, Space—After Tito’s fun it might be Rumsfeld’s nightmare, Weapons in Space: Silver Bullet or Russian Roulette? Today, militaries all over the world rely on satellites for command and control, communication, monitoring, early warning, and navigation with the Global Positioning System. 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. With regard to space dominance, we have it, we like it, and we’re going to keep it. The various technical monitoring facilities that would need to be in place to ensure compliance would likely mean any nation with desires to deceptively pursure a space militarization program could be thwarted. A century ago, Nations built navies to protect and enhance their commercial interests by ruling the seas, the report notes. How will the rest of the world take to being dominated from above? 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. 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. If technically there are no bans on weapons, then certainly such weaponization would go against the spirit of those treaties. 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. Space Treaty. 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. We will engage terrestrial targets someday—ships, airplanes, land targets—from space. This treaty says no country can put … 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. It is a necessity for it to be discussed and regulated as Space is a challenged, clogged, and serious area. On the issue of space weapons, the US certainly risks the charge of hypocrisy, the BBC noted. Expected to be acted on under cluster 3, which concerns outer space disarmament aspects, is a draft on the prevention of an arms race in outer space. Space militarization is often used to depict the reality that space systems are utilized as a means to achieve military objectives. Now it is time to rule space. Whether the Committee can be effective, as the General Assembly desire, depends largely some some of the most powerful nations in the world. These systems have been used mainly for strategic planning, such as information garnered from reconnaissance, surveillance, and telecommunication satellites. (See the Military Expansion part of this web site for more on that perspective.) China and Russia would seem two of the most likely adversaries that might engage in such a space-based arms race. IV). His E-mail address is [email protected].. In 1959, the UN General Assembly established the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Resolution 1472 (XIV). This will in turn make the US want to increase its expenditure even more, and so on, leading to an arms race, which risks leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy to justify continued expenditures. 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. (You can see the details from a U.N. press release, together with a list of countries that voted, were absent and so on.). Thus, any intention China has would result in self-annihilation. One was about supporting the peaceful use of space by all nations. “Bad ideas flourish because they are in the interest of powerful groups.” — Paul Krugman. The weaponizations of space have increasingly become an issue of concern. Once testing [of space weapons] begins, the need for destructive capabilities in orbit induces a mindset opposed to rational restraint. 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. “Militarization and Weaponization of Outer Space.” Global Issues. These information-gathering technologies contribute to the strategy of states which possess them and provide logistical support to their troops deployed in operational theatres. Sometimes links to other sites may break beyond my control. Defensive in its first decades, the use of space for military purposes has now become offensive. 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. In this context, a “European space deterrent” could be based on the expression of a strong European foreign policy and on the development of independent means for orbital surveillance of ballistic and space launches, and indeed on retaliation if attacked, including a rapid response capacity and small dedicated launchers. 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. Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. 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. 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? Historical background The militarization3of space started when Sputnik 1, the first satellite was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union in November 1957. Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. 2021. He condemned attempts by the United States to force other States to base their space programmes on United States law. This was called the Almaz program. The three that abstained were the Federated States of Micronesia, Israel and the United States of America. Most wars (hot wars, trade wars, cold wars etc) throughout history have had trade and resources at their core. The international law in space only strictly prohibits putting weapons of mass destruction into orbit. But if the current trends continue, that will change—not in the distance future of science fiction, but within the next several decades. In history, only two weapons have ever entered orbit. It shall also be broadened to include any ground based weapon that is 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. There is nothing to be gained, and potentially much to be lost, by rushing such a momentous change in US space policy. Therefore, “peaceful uses” of outer space include military uses, even those which are not at all peaceful—such as using satellites … 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? Only one country abstrained, Israel, while only one voted against such a resolution, the United States of America. Philippe Henry is the Corresponding Author. … [The] prevention of an arms race in outer space would avert a grave danger for international peace and security. Consequently, apart from weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, countries can place military assets in space without any sanctions. However, in that process, it will likely gain a lot more capability, so people are watching with caution.