Last Update: Jan 2025 (Weaponization of Space)
Weaponization of Space
This article deals with ‘Weaponization of Space‘. This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology, which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.
Introduction
Weaponization of Space includes
- Placing weapons in outer space or heavenly bodies
- Creating weapons that will travel from Earth to attack or destroy targets in space.
Background
- The weaponization of Space started in the 1960s with the Soviet HUNTER KILLER low-orbit satellite system designed for space combat.
- In 1967, the Outer Space Treaty barred the placement of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in outer space. However, the treaty was silent on the deployment of non-WMD weapons such as space-based laser systems.
- In 1983, the USA launched STAR WARS (or Strategic Defence Initiative) aimed to create Space-based missile defence system aimed at intercepting and destroying nuclear missiles.
Chinese Space Weaponization
- In 2007, China successfully tested its first ASAT (Anti-satellite) missile.
Indian Developments
- Mission Shakti: Mission Shakti is an Anti-Satellite Missile made by DRDO.
NATO’s Collective Security
- In a 2021 summit statement, NATO leaders have expanded the use of their all-for-one, one-for-all mutual defence clause to include a collective response to attacks in space.
Outer Space Treaty, 1967
- It was signed in 1967.
- India is also a member of the Outer Space Treaty.
Main Provisions
- Exploration & use of outer space shall be done for the benefit of all countries.
- Outer space shall be the province of all mankind.
- Outer space is not subject to the claim of sovereignty.
- States shall not place weapons of mass destruction in outer space.
- Astronauts are to be regarded as the envoys of humankind.
- States shall be responsible for space activities, whether carried out by government or non-government entities.
Limitations of Treaty
- The vague definition of terms like Weapons of mass destruction makes it liable for misuse.
- It is a 20th-century treaty in a 21st-century digital age with cyber-digital weapons. For example, what if, through any radio wave attack, all the digital infrastructure of any state is paralysed?
- Lack of a ‘Space Police’ makes it toothless to enforce the provisions.
Factors behind Weaponization of Space
- Protecting Space Assets: Countries are weaponizing their space to safeguard their satellites in space against other countries’ Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missiles or space-based weapons.
- Enhanced Combat Capabilities: Space-based systems provide tactical advantages like precise targeting of enemy assets.
- 4th Dimension of Warfare: Space is now considered the 4th dimension of warfare after land, air and water. Many countries, like China, Russia, the USA, etc, are focusing on dominating the 4th dimension of warfare, leading to increased weaponization of space.
- Insufficient Existing Treaties: While the Outer Space Treaty (OST) explicitly prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space, it does not address non-WMD weapons.
Impacts of Space Weaponization
- Disturbance in Global Balance of Power: The Weaponization of space opens up a new front in space and disturbs the balance of power, triggering geopolitical tensions.
- Arms Race in Space: Space Weaponization by any country results in an arms race in outer space.
- Creation of Space Debris: Tests like China’s 2007 ASAT or India’s Mission Shakti in 2019 generate large amounts of space debris.
- Peaceful exploration of outer space will be impacted: Placing weapons in outer space increases the risk of turning space into a battlefield, impacting exploration of outer space and research activities.
Way forward
- reat Space as a Global Common: Like Antarctica, outer space should be considered a global common under international law.
- Strengthen International Treaties: Update the Outer Space Treaty (1967) to include provisions prohibiting all forms of weaponization, including non-WMDs.