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Militarizing Space

Space Shuttle Discovery at the NASA Launch Pad, courtesy of Stijn Vogels/flickr
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Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B following its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building

The increasing securitization if not overt militarization of space continues unabated. Over the next two weeks we’ll first look at the broader implications of this trend, both conceptually and in practice. Then, we’ll examine the space-centered strategies of some of the key actors in this domain.

Space Laser

International Relations Theory and Spacepower

06 May 2013 / Special Feature

Just as geography has historically framed and even defined the conceptualization of international relations, space is increasingly bounding 21st century IR discourse. To help us grasp this trend better, Robert Pfaltzgraff explores the growing interrelationship between space power and international relations theory. More on «International Relations Theory and Spacepower»

Chang'e 1 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center

Security and Space Power

07 May 2013 / Special Feature

Space power is set to play an increasingly important role in statecraft and conflict prevention in the future. M.V. Smith looks at how Space power could be employed to deter adversaries without necessarily using or threatening to use force. More on «Security and Space Power»

The Chinese Long March 3A rocket before launch.

Finding Space in Deterrence

08 May 2013 / Special Feature

Is maintaining deterrence in space just one part of preserving nuclear stability? James Finch and Shawn Steen don't think so. Today, they explore the limited ability of nuclear deterrence literature to help us understand the relationship between space and strategic stability. More on «Finding Space in Deterrence»

Space shuttle Endeavour at Kennedy Space Center

Transparency and Confidence Building in Outer Space: Inching Toward Action

09 May 2013 / Special Feature

The bad news is that multilateral progress on how to deal with potential conflict in space has been 'glacially slow', observes Theresa Hitchens. The good news is . . . well, a consensus now exists that it will take this level of cooperation to deal with the problem. More on «Transparency and Confidence Building in Outer Space: Inching Toward Action»

Two astronauts participating in extravehicular activity above New Zealand, courtesy of NASA

Deliberating the Space Code of Conduct

29 Jan 2012 / Publication

The draft International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities aims to ensure the security, safety and sustainability of Outer Space. Ajey Lele doubts that this draft can meet these objectives -- it lacks a suitable accountability mechanism. More on «Deliberating the Space Code of Conduct»

Antares Rocket

US Strategy in Space

13 May 2013 / Special Feature

What are the general and security-centered strategies guiding the US’s conduct in outer space? Today, General Robert Kehler and Ambassador Gregory Schulte describe them and discuss Washington’s attempts to make them a reality. More on «US Strategy in Space»

Soyuz

Russian Perspectives on Spacepower

14 May 2013 / Special Feature

While Russia remains an established spacepower, it needs to keep its ambitions in check, or so argues Alexei Arbatov. Not only is Moscow reliant upon international support for its space programs, it also lacks the financial muscle to build up new and existing spacepower capabilities. More on «Russian Perspectives on Spacepower»

Chang'e 1 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center

China's White Papers on Space: An Analysis

20 Jan 2012 / Publication

Ajey Lele and Gunjan Singh believe that China's space program is more about boosting Beijing’s soft power credentials than demonstrating its growing military and technological prowess. They also argue that it is attempting to demonstrate ‘visionary leadership’ through projects such as putting a man on the moon. More on «China's White Papers on Space: An Analysis»

The EU emblem super-imposed on an outer-space image with satellites

A European Approach to the New Strategic Space Environment

Mar 2012 / Publication

Europe knows it needs space capabilities to ensure its security, but it is still slow to recognize space as a threat-laden environment. That’s the view of our partners at ESPI, who also believe European states need to develop a collective strategy that binds the various elements of their spacepower together. More on «A European Approach to the New Strategic Space Environment»

President Lee Myung-bak gives New Year's address, courtesy KOREA.NET - Official page of the Republic of Korea/flickr

The KSLV I Launch and South Korea's Space Strategy

17 May 2013 / Special Feature

South Korea is a relative newcomer to the global ‘space race’. Today, our partners at the Council on Foreign Relations provide us with an update on Seoul’s space program – its strategy, its capabilities and its past successes and failures. More on «The KSLV I Launch and South Korea's Space Strategy»

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