Weapons in orbit are forcing old space laws into new struggles for power
The U.S. and other major space powers have long developed counter-space capabilities; but why has this sparked a debate now?
On September 14, the U.S. Space Force acknowledged the presence of "space control weapons" in orbit, though specific details about these weapons, their deployment count, launch date, or usage criteria remain undisclosed. The U.S. and other major space powers have long been developing counter-space capabilities, some for satellite protection and others for disrupting, degrading, or destroying adversaries' space systems. However, recent discussions have surfaced due to the implications of such capabilities.
Space control, the ability to protect one's freedom of action while limiting an adversary's in space, implies strategic objectives. Thomas Schelling's 1966 work, "Arms and Influence," suggests that bargaining power is the ability to inflict harm and exploit it, a concept applicable in space. In orbit, possessing space control capabilities can create an expectation of leveraging latent threats to coerce adversaries and influence terrestrial behavior before actual conflict.
Several methods can contribute to space control, including electronic warfare, cybersecurity operations, proximity operations, satellite maneuverability, and space-domain awareness. Some of these capabilities are dual-use, serving both legitimate and potentially harmful functions. As states expand from protecting space assets to controlling the space environment, legal questions arise about the permissibility of such actions.
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits placing nuclear or WMD weapons in orbit, but without the second 'such,' the prohibition might extend to all weapons generally. However, Article III and IX of the Treaty suggest that space activities must comply with international law, including the UN Charter, and consider the interests of other states.
India's growing dependence on space for various services, coupled with its expanding commercial space sector, highlights the need for a balanced approach. The emerging BRICS Space Council offers an avenue for India and other Global South space actors to shape norms around harmful interference and proximity operations, ensuring defensive counter-space measures are recognized as legitimate self-defense.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
