- Weponization of space: Advanced technologies could enable the development and deployment

of space-based weapons, such as directed energy weapons, anti-satellite (ASAT) systems, or

kinetic projectiles. This could lead to an arms race in space, where countries strive to develop
and deploy such capabilities, potentially destabilizing the space environment.
- Space debris: The proliferation of space-based technologies and weapon systems increases the
risk of generating space debris. Collisions between objects in space can create cascading effects,
generating more debris and potentially rendering certain orbits unusable. Space debris poses
risks to operational satellites, crewed missions, and space infrastructure, making it important to
mitigate the creation and proliferation of space debris.
- Arms control and regulation challenges: The emergence of new technologies may pose
challenges to existing arms control and disarmament treaties. Negotiating international
agreements that effectively address space weponization can be complex, as it requires defining
what constitutes a weapon in space, monitoring compliance, and ensuring the security of space
assets.
- Threats to satellite systems: Satellites are crucial for various aspects of modern life, including
communication, navigation, weather monitoring, and national security. Emerging technologies
could provide new means to disrupt or disable satellite systems, leading to significant
disruptions and potentially compromising military, economic, and civilian operations.
- It is a widely known fact that the domain of space is contested,
congested, and competitive. Every year, the international community
relies more and more on space-based technologies for military, civil, and
commercial use. In recent years, the idea of weaponizing space has
become a real possibility, with nations actively exploring outer space. The
pool of emerging and aspiring space power is increasing.

Impact of Space-Based Weapons on Global Security:

In the current world of rapidly emerging space-based technologies, the

militarization and weaponization of space are a growing concern as it has the
potential to destabilize global security.

The threat posed by these two concepts goes beyond just their destructive
capability – they could also be used to deny access to space assets for
reconnaissance and communications purposes, allowing a country to gain a
strategic advantage over its adversaries. This could lead to a cascading effect
that could disrupt global stability and security.

The earliest effort to militarize space was the launch of Sputnik 1 by the USSR
in 1957, which heralded an era of heightened competition and danger in global
geopolitics. The US responded with its own space-based initiatives, such as
Project Apollo and the development of military satellites like NRO L-2. In 1967,
both countries also signed an Outer Space Treaty prohibiting military activity in
Earth’s orbit or beyond. Despite this agreement, many countries are still
actively pursuing military applications in space. The US established the Air Force
Space Command in 1982 and continues to develop new counter-space
technologies like high-powered lasers with dual military and civilian uses.
Meanwhile, China has invested heavily in its Beidou Navigation Satellite System
(BNSS) for improved communication capabilities between satellites. These
developments demonstrate that there is still a great potential for conflict when
it comes to weaponizing and militarizing outer space.

Current State of International Treaties Related to Military Use of Outer

Space: there are five major international treaties that set the legal framework
for peaceful activities in space and restrain the deployment of weapons in outer
space. These include the Outer Space Treaty, The Rescue Agreement, The
Liability Convention, The Registration Convention, and The Moon Agreement.
Secondly, there is a developed body of norms and regulations derived from UN
General Assembly resolutions and other international agreements. This serves
as an informal code of conduct with respect to outer space matters. However,
there are still significant gaps in this existing framework due to various factors
such as a lack of verification mechanisms or an overall lack of binding measures
for states to comply with these norms.

Potential Implications of Increased Weaponization in Outer Space:

Increased weaponization and militarization of space could have far-reaching

political and economic effects, as well as lead to heightened levels of conflict
and even full-fledged war. The USA and China are two major players in this
arena and have made significant advancements in space technology and
exploration.

The cost of maintaining a militarized stance in outer space would be extremely

high and put a burden on the budgets of countries. Moreover, if left unchecked,
increased weaponization could lead to a full-scale war in outer space between
potential space powers which could have devastating and disrupting effects both
in orbit and on Earth.

Space militarization is a complex and controversial issue with far-reaching

implications for global security. Space-weaponization is a serious matter with
considerable consequences which must be addressed before we reach a point
where it becomes difficult, or impossible, to control its effects. Space weapons
such as ICBMs and ground-based lasers can be used to threaten nations, and
the militarization of space could weaken existing treaties and arms control
agreements. Hence, it is essential that the international community takes a
proactive stance in regulating and monitoring space activities to develop
preventive strategies that reduce the risks of the space arms race.

https://stratheia.com/understanding-space-weaponization-its-
implications-on-global-security/

Emerging technologies have a major influence on our way of life and work which
has in recent times become particularly important for the defence and security
sectors. While space has traditionally been an area of research and
technological exploration, concerns about the militarization and weaponization
of space are being raised due to increased dependence on Space Based Assets
for various purposes. A number of emerging technologies are being swiftly
developed and integrated into current military capabilities and structures,
including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technologies,
sensors with continuous global coverage, and hypersonic, highly precise, and
maneuverable weapon systems.

If they become overly reliant on technology, having such trust in it to ensure

their security may become very problematic.

ASATs are dominating space weaponry, and will continue as more countries
support the idea of emerging technologies leading our future security and
military warfare.

ASATs could be used to disable or destroy enemy satellites, which could disrupt
critical communications, navigation, and weather forecasting systems. Space-
based weapons could be used to attack targets on Earth, which could lead to
widespread civilian casualties. And cyber warfare could be used to disrupt
critical infrastructure, which could lead to economic chaos and social unrest.

- National space policy: The UK has developed a national space policy framework that focuses on
promoting the responsible and sustainable use of space. This policy emphasizes international
cooperation, the peaceful use of space, and adherence to international law, including space law
treaties.
- Design for disposal: The UK encourages satellite manufacturers and operators to incorporate
"design for disposal" principles. This involves designing satellites and spacecraft with features
that facilitate their safe removal from orbit or controlled reentry into the Earth's atmosphere at
the end of their operational life. This approach red uces the likelihood of satellites
becoming long-term sources of space debris.
 - the UK aims to prevent technology from contributing to the creation of additional space debris.
The focus is on promoting responsible and sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of
space systems, from design and manufacturing to operation and end-of-life disposal. These
efforts contribute to the overall goal of ensuring the long-term security and sustainability of
space activities while harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies.

The UK focuses on:

International cooperation: collaborating with international partners like UNOOSA, ESA (European
Space Agency) for information sharing and the prevention of the weponization of space

The UK also participates in discussions and negotiations related to arms control, disarmament and
the prevention of an arm race in outer space as well as engages in diplomatic efforts to promote
responsible space behavior.

Regulatory frameworks: The UK, through its regulatory bodies such as the UK Space Agency, has
established regulatory frameworks to govern commercial space activities and ensure compliance with
international obligations. These frameworks include licensing procedures and guidelines that help
prevent the misuse of emerging technologies in space.

Ethical considerations: The UK government and space industry are also conscious of ethical
considerations surrounding the use of emerging technologies in space. They actively engage in
discussions and debates to ensure that technological advancements are used in ways that align with
ethical principles and values, including the prevention of the weaponization of space.