By Aqeel Ahmad Gichki
During the early 1900s, space was a fascinating domain for scientific exploration. Nevertheless, in the present day, outer space has evolved into a crucial battleground for maintaining national security and influencing global power dynamics.
The escalation of military presence in space, fueled by technological progress and global power struggles, highlights the critical necessity for strong space security strategies. As countries rely more on assets in space for communication, navigation, and intelligence, safeguarding these assets is now more important than ever.
Historical Context
The phenomenon of militarizing space is not something new. In the Cold War, the US and the USSR competed intensely to showcase their technological and military strengths. The initiation of the space race was signaled by the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, leading to swift progress in satellite technology and the creation of space-based reconnaissance abilities.
Important events during this period include the American Corona spy satellite program and the Soviet Union’s Zenit satellites, which offered crucial information during the Cold War. The strategic significance of space was further underscored by the creation of anti-satellite weapons (ASATs). The United States conducted a successful ASAT test in 1985, when the aging Sol-wind satellite was destroyed at an altitude of 555 km while the Soviet Union had been testing similar technologies since the 1960s.
Current State of Space Security
Currently, the main players in the militarization of space are the United States, China, and Russia, while other nations interested in space exploration are also looking to make their mark. The creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 represents a renewed effort to protect American interests in space. Similarly, China’s growing space program and Russia’s ongoing focus on military space capabilities demonstrate the strategic significance of this area.
Modern military uses in space are extensive. Satellites play a pivotal role in communication, navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. On the other hand, created for military applications, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is now essential for civilian and military needs around the globe. In addition, space-based sensors are crucial for missile defense systems to identify and monitor potential dangers.
International Policies and Treaties
The foremost basis for regulating space activities is the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which highlights the peaceful utilization of outer space and bans the placement of nuclear weapons in space. Nevertheless, this treaty, besides later agreements such as the Rescue Agreement and The Liability Convention, is frequently condemned for being outdated and inadequate in tackling modern space security challenges.
Existing policies have major drawbacks, including the absence of ways to enforce them and uncertainties in determining what qualifies as a space weapon. It is crucial to have updated international regulations. Suggestions for fresh treaties center on preventing a space arms race and encouraging transparency and confidence-building actions among countries with space capabilities.
The Role of the Private Sector
Private companies getting more involved in space activities is changing the dynamics of space security. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other companies are shifting space travel and satellite launches, creating greater accessibility to space. Nevertheless, the potential for dual use in numerous space technologies presents security concerns. One instance is when commercial satellites are used for military purposes, causing a mix between civilian and military functions.
Emerging Threats in Space
With the increasing reliance on assets in space, the risks to these assets also increase. Both kinetic and non-kinetic anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) present a notable risk as advancements continue in their development and testing. China’s ASAT test in 2007 generated space debris, while the Indian 2019 test showcased its ASAT capabilities, showcasing the increasing risk of space warfare.
Space debris is another significant issue. The accumulation of defunct satellites, rocket stages, and other debris poses a significant danger to operational satellites and crewed space missions. The Kessler Syndrome(Kessler Syndrome is a phenomenon in which the amount of junk in orbit around Earth reaches a point where it just creates more and more space debris, causing considerable problems for satellites, astronauts, and mission planners) also highlights the importance of implementing effective methods to reduce space debris as the number of objects in low Earth orbit continues to grow, potentially leading to a chain reaction of collisions.
Moreover, there is an increasing number of cybersecurity threats targeting space assets. Cyber attacks pose a risk to satellites and ground control systems, leading to potential communication disruptions, compromised data integrity, and potential hijacking of space assets. Advanced cybersecurity measures are required to safeguard critical infrastructures in space due to the possible threat of cyber warfare.
The dominion of space has become an arena of strategic importance, with numerous emerging threats that could significantly impact national security and global stability. Various authors and experts have highlighted these threats, providing insights into their nature and implications.
1 – Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASATs)
In his book Security and Stability in the New Space Age: The Orbital Security Dilemma Brad Townsend talks about how foremost countries like the United States, China, and Russia are ramping up the production and trial of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. Townsend points out that the weapons can either cause physical destruction of satellites (kinetic) or they can involve cyber or electronic attacks (non-kinetic). The 2007 Chinese ASAT test, which resulted in thousands of space debris, illustrates the possibility of extensive and enduring harm in space.
2 – Debris in space
Authors like Bohumil Dobos extensively discuss space debris in the book The Geopolitics of Space Colonization: Future Power Relations in the Inner Solar System. Dobos describes the threat posed to operational satellites and manned missions by space debris created by defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and collisions causing fragmentation. The Kessler Syndrome is a significant concern, caused by a rise in the number of objects in low Earth orbit, leading to collisions.
3 – Threats to cybersecurity
Sarah Lieberman and Harald Kopping Athanasopoulos stress the increasing danger of cyber attacks targeting space assets in their book The Commercialization of Space: Politics, Economics, and Ethics. They argue that these attacks have the potential to interrupt communication, undermine data reliability, and gain unauthorized control of satellites. Advanced cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard critical infrastructures from potential cyber warfare in space.
4 – Competition Between Powerful Nations and Technological Rivalries.
In his book Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space John J. Klein analyzes the strategic rivalry between major powers in outer space. Klein talks about the advancement of space capabilities by the United States, China, and Russia to achieve strategic benefits. This contest involves using sophisticated satellites and space-based defense systems against missiles and developing new technologies for space combat.
5 – Technologies with both civilian and military applications
Thomas Hoerber and Iraklis Oikonomou explore the security challenges posed by the dual-use capabilities of numerous space technologies in their book Space Power and Politics. They discussed how civilian technologies, such as satellite imaging and communication systems, can be adapted for military use. Efforts to regulate space activities and prevent conflicts are complicated due to the blending of civilian and military purposes in this field.
6 – Geopolitical Implications
In his book The Future of Geography Tim Marshall highlights that space is now becoming a new battleground for geopolitical rivalry, akin to the Arctic and other valuable regions on the planet. Marshall asserts that exerting control and exploring outer space will determine future power structures, with the countries that lead in space likely to have a substantial impact on worldwide matters. His observations emphasize the significance of protecting space within the framework of countless geopolitical plans and national interests.
Strategic Considerations and Recommendations
Ensuring the execution of past treaties is essential while creating new and enhanced agreements is necessary to address current space security issues. Likewise, International collaboration is vital for improving space security. Establishing confidence-building measures (CBMs) and participating in cooperative space missions can help build trust among countries involved in space activities. These initiatives may prevent miscommunications and lower the possibility of space conflicts.
Another crucial tactic is to invest in space situational awareness (SSA). SSA entails observing and supervising objects in space to avoid collisions and identify possible dangers. Enhancements in technology in SSA, like better sensors and data analysis, can improve our capability to control space traffic and reduce risks.
It is vital to develop space systems that are both resilient and secure. Increasing the strength of satellites against attacks, incorporating backup systems into space structures, and creating quick reaction plans can improve the durability of assets in space. These actions can guarantee that valuable space infrastructure continues to work, even when facing attacks or disruptions.
Future Outlook
In the coming years, space security will be influenced by working together and competing. The chance of space becoming a new battleground is genuine, but there is also the opportunity to create a peaceful and collaborative arrangement for space exploration and utilization. Advances in satellite technology and the creation of new defense mechanisms will still play a significant role in shaping the strategic landscape of space security.
To guarantee the peaceful and secure utilization of space, countries must collaborate to create comprehensive and binding global agreements. These agreements need to consider the changing landscape of space-related dangers and encourage appropriate conduct in space. As we delve deeper into the final frontier, the significance of space security cannot be emphasized enough. It is a vital element in maintaining global security and stability, warranting the focus and cooperation of the international community.
Conclusion
The utilization of space for military purposes poses both significant challenges and opportunities. With the growing dependence of countries on assets in space for national security and economic well-being, safeguarding these assets is of the utmost importance. By improving global collaboration, funding space surveillance, and creating robust space systems, we can tackle the increasing significance of space security and maintain space as a realm for peaceful activities and exploration.
Author: Aqeel Ahmad Gichki – Master’s degree in International Relations. He focuses on geopolitics and security studies.
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).