Orbital Militarisation
The militarisation of space has escalated as major powers like the US, China, and Russia integrate military strategies with their space capabilities. According to US military assessments, Beijing is developing a range of space and counter-space capabilities as part of its military modernisation efforts. Meanwhile, Moscow regards space as a potential battlefield, believing that control over it could be pivotal in future military engagements.
Historically, the roots of space militarisation extend back to the space race initiated by the launch of Sputnik in 1957. This event catalyzed both superpowers to explore methods for not only launching but also destroying satellites.
Although the 1967 Outer Space Treaty laid out constraints against the stationing of nuclear weapons and mass destruction arms in orbit, significant powers have continued to push the envelope. The treaty’s framework has not stopped the development of counter-space capabilities, which target vital satellites used for communication, surveillance, and military navigation.
This ongoing arms race in space poses challenges for global security and emphasizes the need for renewed discussions on space governance and treaties.
