12. Militarization and Nuclearization of Space
"Space has become the 4th medium in which the military operates in the protection of our national security interests’’. General Howell J. Estes III (ex Commander in Chief of US Space Command). Recently Mike Pence, the US vice president, has announced plans to create a standalone “Space Force” by 2020, becoming the sixth branch of America's military. And president Donald Trump directed the military officials to complete the project of creating a "Space Force" by 2020. Similarly, “We must establish and maintain space superiority. Modern warfare demands it. Our nation expects it. Simply put, it’s the American way of fighting". General Lance Lord, commander of U.S. Air Force Space Command. And “Space superiority provides freedom to attack as well as freedom from attack.” Counter-space Operations, Air Force Doctrine 2-2.1.
US Space Command’s "Vision 2020" sets out two principles:
⦁Dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment.
⦁Integrating space forces into war-fighting capabilities across the full spectrum of conflict.
To achieve this vision, four steps action plan is
⦁Space is an enabler of military operations. Space based sensors provide information on which forces depend and virtually all other information flows through space.
⦁Commercial space explosion - industry growing at 20% pa, 1000+ satellites to be launched and $500 billion spent world-wide over the next few years.
⦁Space is an emerging area of vital national interest, critical to military and economic instruments of power.
⦁Military must be ready - the nation’s growing dependence on space cannot become a vulnerability - having the ability to deny an enemy’s use of space will grow in importance.
Some programs initiated by US
1. Experimental satellite series
The Experimental Satellite Series (XSS) is an Air Force research project that seeks to use small satellites to conduct “proximity operations”—maneuvers around other satellites in order to inspect, service, or attack. The Air Force launched the first satellite in the series, the 28-kilogram XSS-10 in January 2003.
2. Kinetic Energy Anti-Satellite (KEASAT) System
1989 the Army began to develop a direct-ascent, kinetic energy ASAT weapon (KEASAT), which could be launched by rocket booster to destroy a hostile satellite. It was completed in 2000.
3. Counter-Space systems
Counter-space systems is the principle research and development budget item for systems intended to disrupt enemy satellites. One initiative is the Counter Communications System (CCS), a ground-based, mobile system intended to disrupt satellite-based communications used by an enemy for military purposes. The first CCS system was delivered to the 76th Space Control Squadron this year. It was expected to be deployed in 2007.
4. Space-Based Test Bed
The space-based interceptor test bed is a program to develop and test miniaturized missile defense interceptors based in space. MDA will decide in 2008 whether to build and launch 3-6 satellites for a series of space-based test intercepts, with the first experiments expected in 2010-2011. The defense budget contains $10.6 million to begin this effort.
5.The X-37b
It is a pilot-less space drone resembling the space shuttle without windows or a cockpit, has already flown multiple missions to space and has space watchers and US adversaries wondering if it could be used as a weapon.
Russia's initiative
⦁ Russia has deployed what could be multiple kamikaze satellites such as "Kosmos 2499" -- designed to sidle up to American satellites and then, if ordered, disable or destroy them. Almaz space station was established in 1960’s.
China's Initiative
⦁China has launched the "Shiyan" -- equipped with a grappling arm that could snatch US satellites right out of orbit. China conducted an anti-satellite test in 2007, which generated a huge cloud of space.
Why US wants to deploy weapons in space?
It is because it wants to protect its satellites in the space. These satellites are of immense importance for US as US’ economy and military superiority hinges on them. And missile from earth or space can easily target them. But the threats used by US as a rationale to go ahead with their space defense system are exaggerated. Only Soviet Union had developed and tested such weapons in 1980’s but it had placed a moratorium on its program. This was the reason that US had withdrawn from ABM in 2002. U.S. deployment of a Ground-Based Mid-course Missile Defense system represents an intentional first step toward space weaponization. China experts argue that the interceptors of the system based in Alaska and California could be used to attack satellites.
Treaty that prohibited from such adventures
1. Outer space treaty 1967
It was Opened for signature on 27 January 1967. It entered into force 10 October, 1967. As many as 89 states have ratified it and 105 states have signed it.
The Outer Space Treaty designates outer space as the province of mankind and prohibits states from placing objects with nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction into orbit. States are also prohibited from installing weapons on celestial bodies and on the Moon. Any other form of military development or activities is also banned, such as military bases and fortifications, weapon testing, and military maneuvers. There are no measures for compliance, but states must inform the UN Secretary-General, the public, and the international scientific community of activities covered in the Treaty.
2. PAROS at CD by China
As addressed in a Chinese proposal to hold talks on a proposed agreement to prevent an arms race in outer space (PAROS) at the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in 2002, Beijing argues that “outer space is the common heritage of mankind and plays an ever-increasing role in its future development.” However, this initiative did not get positive response from the United States till day.
How 'Weaponization of Space' may destabilize strategic balance between countries?
As articulated by China in UN CD in 1995. “Will disrupt strategic balance and stability, undermine international and national security and do harm to the existing arms control instruments, in particular those related to nuclear weapons and missiles, thus triggering new arms races.”
⦁One possible response, for example, would be the development of anti-satellite weapons to target space-based weapon systems.
⦁Eventually, China fears that the U.S. space weaponization plan would lead to an arms race in outer space and turn outer space into a battlefield. As china is planning to build as many as 300 ICBM’s to defeat the current US’ defense system of 100-150 interceptors.
⦁Moreover, space weaponization would seriously disrupt the arms control and disarmament process. The initiation of U.S. space-based missile defenses would likely cause Russia as well as the United States (in response to Russia) to make smaller reductions in their nuclear arsenals. China would likely be forced to build more warheads to maintain its nuclear deterrent, which could in turn encourage India and then Pakistan to follow suit.
⦁As Ambassador Hu Xiaodi warned in 2001, “With lethal weapons flying overhead in orbit and disrupting global strategic stability, why should people eliminate [weapons of mass destruction] or missiles on the ground? This cannot but do harm to global peace, security and stability, hence be detrimental to the fundamental interests of all states.”
⦁Moreover, the programs will embolden states to carry out preemptive strikes against their adversaries. So a precursor to a greater escalation.
⦁Nuclear deterrence of countries like china will be rendered ineffective.
⦁A quest to penetrate the defense systems may lead other countries to build more lethal weapons.
⦁Moreover ever increasing debris in space as a result of 50 years space activities may shrink space for civilian programs in space. Because nuclear testing and deploying would leave space with more rubble.
⦁This is the main reason that Countries like US and China have not ratified CTBT.
⦁Moreover vulnerable space weapons may invite aggression from Russia.
China’s working paper on the issue, introduced in June 2002, emphasizes three basic obligations:
⦁Not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying any kinds of weapons, not to install such weapons on celestial bodies, or not to station such weapons in outer space in any other manner.
⦁Not to resort to the threat or use of force against outer space objects.
⦁Not to assist or encourage other states, groups of states, and international organizations to participate in activities prohibited by this treaty.
In order to advance the CD work on the PAROS issue, in August 2004 China alongside Russia prepared two non-papers on the issues of “verification aspects of PAROS” and “existing international legal instruments and the prevention of the weaponization of outer space” and in June 2005 one more non-paper on the issue of “definition issues regarding legal instruments on the prevention of weaponization of outer space.” It is imperative that other countries reciprocate the Chinese efforts in this regard. There is no other way to save this world from destruction. People must force their leaders to shun 'Weaponization of Space' and work towards a 'Weapon-free Space'.
US Space Command’s "Vision 2020" sets out two principles:
⦁Dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment.
⦁Integrating space forces into war-fighting capabilities across the full spectrum of conflict.
To achieve this vision, four steps action plan is
⦁Space is an enabler of military operations. Space based sensors provide information on which forces depend and virtually all other information flows through space.
⦁Commercial space explosion - industry growing at 20% pa, 1000+ satellites to be launched and $500 billion spent world-wide over the next few years.
⦁Space is an emerging area of vital national interest, critical to military and economic instruments of power.
⦁Military must be ready - the nation’s growing dependence on space cannot become a vulnerability - having the ability to deny an enemy’s use of space will grow in importance.
 |
Some programs initiated by US
1. Experimental satellite series
The Experimental Satellite Series (XSS) is an Air Force research project that seeks to use small satellites to conduct “proximity operations”—maneuvers around other satellites in order to inspect, service, or attack. The Air Force launched the first satellite in the series, the 28-kilogram XSS-10 in January 2003.
2. Kinetic Energy Anti-Satellite (KEASAT) System
1989 the Army began to develop a direct-ascent, kinetic energy ASAT weapon (KEASAT), which could be launched by rocket booster to destroy a hostile satellite. It was completed in 2000.
3. Counter-Space systems
Counter-space systems is the principle research and development budget item for systems intended to disrupt enemy satellites. One initiative is the Counter Communications System (CCS), a ground-based, mobile system intended to disrupt satellite-based communications used by an enemy for military purposes. The first CCS system was delivered to the 76th Space Control Squadron this year. It was expected to be deployed in 2007.
4. Space-Based Test Bed
The space-based interceptor test bed is a program to develop and test miniaturized missile defense interceptors based in space. MDA will decide in 2008 whether to build and launch 3-6 satellites for a series of space-based test intercepts, with the first experiments expected in 2010-2011. The defense budget contains $10.6 million to begin this effort.
5.The X-37b
It is a pilot-less space drone resembling the space shuttle without windows or a cockpit, has already flown multiple missions to space and has space watchers and US adversaries wondering if it could be used as a weapon.
Russia's initiative
⦁ Russia has deployed what could be multiple kamikaze satellites such as "Kosmos 2499" -- designed to sidle up to American satellites and then, if ordered, disable or destroy them. Almaz space station was established in 1960’s.
China's Initiative
⦁China has launched the "Shiyan" -- equipped with a grappling arm that could snatch US satellites right out of orbit. China conducted an anti-satellite test in 2007, which generated a huge cloud of space.
Why US wants to deploy weapons in space?
It is because it wants to protect its satellites in the space. These satellites are of immense importance for US as US’ economy and military superiority hinges on them. And missile from earth or space can easily target them. But the threats used by US as a rationale to go ahead with their space defense system are exaggerated. Only Soviet Union had developed and tested such weapons in 1980’s but it had placed a moratorium on its program. This was the reason that US had withdrawn from ABM in 2002. U.S. deployment of a Ground-Based Mid-course Missile Defense system represents an intentional first step toward space weaponization. China experts argue that the interceptors of the system based in Alaska and California could be used to attack satellites.
Treaty that prohibited from such adventures
1. Outer space treaty 1967
It was Opened for signature on 27 January 1967. It entered into force 10 October, 1967. As many as 89 states have ratified it and 105 states have signed it.
The Outer Space Treaty designates outer space as the province of mankind and prohibits states from placing objects with nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction into orbit. States are also prohibited from installing weapons on celestial bodies and on the Moon. Any other form of military development or activities is also banned, such as military bases and fortifications, weapon testing, and military maneuvers. There are no measures for compliance, but states must inform the UN Secretary-General, the public, and the international scientific community of activities covered in the Treaty.
2. PAROS at CD by China
As addressed in a Chinese proposal to hold talks on a proposed agreement to prevent an arms race in outer space (PAROS) at the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in 2002, Beijing argues that “outer space is the common heritage of mankind and plays an ever-increasing role in its future development.” However, this initiative did not get positive response from the United States till day.
How 'Weaponization of Space' may destabilize strategic balance between countries?
As articulated by China in UN CD in 1995. “Will disrupt strategic balance and stability, undermine international and national security and do harm to the existing arms control instruments, in particular those related to nuclear weapons and missiles, thus triggering new arms races.”
⦁One possible response, for example, would be the development of anti-satellite weapons to target space-based weapon systems.
⦁Eventually, China fears that the U.S. space weaponization plan would lead to an arms race in outer space and turn outer space into a battlefield. As china is planning to build as many as 300 ICBM’s to defeat the current US’ defense system of 100-150 interceptors.
⦁Moreover, space weaponization would seriously disrupt the arms control and disarmament process. The initiation of U.S. space-based missile defenses would likely cause Russia as well as the United States (in response to Russia) to make smaller reductions in their nuclear arsenals. China would likely be forced to build more warheads to maintain its nuclear deterrent, which could in turn encourage India and then Pakistan to follow suit.
⦁As Ambassador Hu Xiaodi warned in 2001, “With lethal weapons flying overhead in orbit and disrupting global strategic stability, why should people eliminate [weapons of mass destruction] or missiles on the ground? This cannot but do harm to global peace, security and stability, hence be detrimental to the fundamental interests of all states.”
⦁Moreover, the programs will embolden states to carry out preemptive strikes against their adversaries. So a precursor to a greater escalation.
⦁Nuclear deterrence of countries like china will be rendered ineffective.
⦁A quest to penetrate the defense systems may lead other countries to build more lethal weapons.
⦁Moreover ever increasing debris in space as a result of 50 years space activities may shrink space for civilian programs in space. Because nuclear testing and deploying would leave space with more rubble.
⦁This is the main reason that Countries like US and China have not ratified CTBT.
⦁Moreover vulnerable space weapons may invite aggression from Russia.
Conclusion/ critical analysis:
Given the cheap Counter-measures to space-based defense systems, it is unlikely that US would deploy expensive weapons in space. So if it really wants to reduce space vulnerability it must seek other ways such as political, legal or other technical tools. Therefore, vulnerability cannot be eliminated through force. The most easiest and effective way would be a ban on weaponization of space. China has already embarked upon this campaign in Conference of Disarmament.China’s working paper on the issue, introduced in June 2002, emphasizes three basic obligations:
⦁Not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying any kinds of weapons, not to install such weapons on celestial bodies, or not to station such weapons in outer space in any other manner.
⦁Not to resort to the threat or use of force against outer space objects.
⦁Not to assist or encourage other states, groups of states, and international organizations to participate in activities prohibited by this treaty.
In order to advance the CD work on the PAROS issue, in August 2004 China alongside Russia prepared two non-papers on the issues of “verification aspects of PAROS” and “existing international legal instruments and the prevention of the weaponization of outer space” and in June 2005 one more non-paper on the issue of “definition issues regarding legal instruments on the prevention of weaponization of outer space.” It is imperative that other countries reciprocate the Chinese efforts in this regard. There is no other way to save this world from destruction. People must force their leaders to shun 'Weaponization of Space' and work towards a 'Weapon-free Space'.
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