Weaponization or Non-Weaponization of Space for the US Space Force
Question:
Provide a 300-500 word response (initial post) to your instructor-assigned question. Justify and support your answer using your experience, and source support from the prerequisite readings.
QUESTION A: Various writers and theorists have prescriptively framed the space domain as a sanctuary (to be free of weaponization) or as a warfighting domain (to be leveraged for military advantage). A summary of these perspectives and their proponents is offered by M.V. Smith (“On Spacepower Theories”). Over time, these competing visions of space, along with events in international relations, have shaped the “political landscape” of space, with direct ramifications for the U.S. military. In your view, does weaponization of space or non-weaponization of space present a greater set of challenges for the U.S. Space Force particularly? Why?
Additional Requirements: The instructor requires in-text citations within the answers. Please place in-text citations for the information that is used and for the information that is not common information known to someone. Please use the format below.
*When you place your in-text citation within the answer, please input your page number where you found the information. Example: (Hodges 2003, 176)., Hodges (2003, 176) discussed..., In a 2003 article, Hodges (176) discussed.
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Weaponization of Space Discussion
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Weaponization of Space Discussion
Wagner (2005, 28) argues that any nation that intends to maintain the integrity of its national space must take appropriate steps to protect its interests in space. Hays (2011, 299) argues that the process of developing appropriate space laws is desirable, it is not an easy process, and it is likely to take a long duration before it comes to fruition. In addition, Adam and Mark (2014, 83) argue that having excellent capabilities could confer the United States immense advantages in areas such s military operations and international decision-making. Weaponization and non-weaponization of space attract hate and love in equal measure.
In my view, the weaponization and non-weaponization of space present a greater set of challenges to the US Space Force. There are several reasons why I hold this view. Whereas weaponization of space is seen as a way to protect a country from adversaries, it has several challenges. One of the challenges is spurring of the arms race. When the United States showcases the weaponization of space, most other countries are likely to follow suit. Arms race may lead to deadly space war. The other challenge involves non-adherence to existing treaties. A good example is the Outer Space Treaty which disallows party countries to deploy weapons of mass destruction into space. The da...