Jyoti Bhakta, LLM, International Law and Development, VIT School of Law, Vellore Institute of Technology, VIT Chennai
Dr. E Prema, Assistant Dean and Professor, VIT School of Law, Vellore Institute of Technology, VIT Chennai.
ABSTRACT
This paper provides a history of the usage of outer space in military aspects of warfare; from the Cold War period up to the current and potential future period. Originally used simply for observation and signaling, military space activities are now more diverse and encompass even rather sophisticated tasks, including navigation, warning, and, possibly, weaponization of space. The paper analyzes the current strategic dynamics by analyzing the features of major players, including the United States, Russia, and China in the sphere of anti-satellite weapons, space-based missile defense, and satellite systems. Concerns raised include space debris, cyber threats, and that the current framework of international laws the most popular of which is the 1967 outer space treaty1, do not effectively speak to contemporary military space operations. Technology innovation including artificial intelligence, automated satellites, Space Domain2 Awareness is examined in respects to war and international security. In a balance, the paper emphasizes on how best nation’s security requirements can be administered to optimize on the global cooperation. This respect, the environmental consequences of technological advancements, applicable ethical concerns, and potential abuses of technology are examined. There are new commercial actors and an increasing number of space capabilities around the globe which require rules, norms, and dependable international institutions in order to avoid conflicts3. Finally, the study points to the need to enhance the IGF and cooperation and stability measures for the peaceful use of outer space but taking into account the permissible security concerns. It accentuates on the need to link space activities with sustainable principles and world order management dealing with aspects of militarization and recognizing Space as global commons for the mankind.
Comments