This will impact the space weaponization debate: "

Remember all the debate in the weeks and months following the release of the new national space policy that the US was opening the door to the weaponization of space—and perhaps imperiling the security of its own space assets—by appearing to go down the road of space weaponization? Now comes work from Aviation Week that China tested, apparently successfully, an anti-satellite weapon earlier this month. The ASAT, fired from a Chinese spaceport, hit and apparently destroyed an aging Chinese polar-orbiting weather satellite on January 11. (ArmsControlWonk also had some discussion about the ASAT test shortly before the Aviation Week article was published Wednesday evening.)

It will be interesting to see how people on both sides of the space weaponization debate spin this. Is it a sign that the Chinese were not sincere in their opposition to space weaponization, and that therefore the US need to step up its defensive and offensive counterspace efforts, or does it reflect a failure of US policy (including claims that there is no 'arms race in space')? Or both?

"

(Via Space Politics.)

This will impact the space weaponization debate

Who benefits from the Chinese ASAT test: "

There's been plenty of discussion of the potential negative effects of the Chinese ASAT test earlier this month, from the debris created by the test imperiling other satellites to the increased threat now faced by US low Earth orbit satellites. But who will benefit? An Aerospace Daily article earlier this week suggests that both missile defense and operationally responsive space (ORS) efforts could win additional support based on the reaction to the test. Jeff Keuter of the Marshall Institute says that space-based missile defenses, which he argues could also be effective against ASATs, could get a, um, 'boost' (his words, not mine) from the test. Defensive counterspace—hardening or otherwise protecting satellites from attack—could also win coverts in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill.

ORS, with its promised ability to quickly launch new or gapfiller spacecraft in the event of a crisis (like an ASAT attack on existing satellites), could also win new support. That may be critical since there had been rumors in previous months that funding for ORS in FY08 and beyond was jeopardy. Rand Simberg makes a similar argument in a TCS Daily essay, although I would quibble that the issue is not Operationally Responsive Spacelift, as he identifies it, but Operationally Responsive Space. Low-cost rapid launch is a key part of the puzzle, but it is not the only one, and maybe not even the most important one, given issues ranging from satellite buses and payloads to integrating those systems into existing systems to provide the maximum benefit to the warfighter.

"

(Via Space Politics.)

Who benefits from the Chinese ASAT test

Space lawyers in Hyderabad: "नमस्ते. Greetings from SLP to all gathered this week in Hyderabad, India for the 58th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2007).

The five-day summit, organized by the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics and of course the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) (and did I leave anyone out?) -- all graciously hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Astronautical Society of India -- brings together delegates and seriously interested folks from all around the home planet to brainstorm about space interests -- business, technology, tourism, exploration and lots more. Which is just the sort of thing that will attract space lawyers galore.

Yes, I see a number of interesting space policy and law sessions in the extensive IAC line-up, just one example of which is this space tourism law panel which I previewed in an earlier post. Wish I were there.

For now, some initial news out of Hyderabad, where the summit is underway under tight security in the wake of last month's terror bombings in the city: Mike Griffin gave a speech outlining NASA's goals, saying in the centenary of the space age (that's 2057, if my math is correct,) 'we should be celebrating 20 years of man on Mars.' And India's Minister of State Prithviraj Chavan said his country is planning to conduct 60 space missions over the next five years.

As I've talked about, one of the main space law events, held in conjunction with IISL's annual space law colloquium at IAC, consists of the semi-finals and world finals of the 16th Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. Future space lawyers who have been researching, pacing the floor and sharpening their oral arguments all year will duke it out in real space-time in the 'Case Concerning International Liability' (Emeralda v Mazonia); the semi-final will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 25th in a 'closed session' at the convention center in Hyderabad. The finals will be held on Thursday Sept. 27th at NALSAR University of Law, and, as I've noted, will be judged by three members of the International Court of Justice. The case may be moot but it is major league.

And yes, for invitees only, the annual dinner of IISL will follow the finals.

I look forward to hearing from everyone who has promised me news and updates from India. ;) Meanwhile, have fun, all; and good luck, moot court competitors! "

(Via Space Law Probe.)

Space lawyers in Hyderabad

Space lawyers in Hyderabad: "नमस्ते. Greetings from SLP to all gathered this week in Hyderabad, India for the 58th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2007).

The five-day summit, organized by the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics and of course the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) (and did I leave anyone out?) -- all graciously hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Astronautical Society of India -- brings together delegates and seriously interested folks from all around the home planet to brainstorm about space interests -- business, technology, tourism, exploration and lots more. Which is just the sort of thing that will attract space lawyers galore.

Yes, I see a number of interesting space policy and law sessions in the extensive IAC line-up, just one example of which is this space tourism law panel which I previewed in an earlier post. Wish I were there.

For now, some initial news out of Hyderabad, where the summit is underway under tight security in the wake of last month's terror bombings in the city: Mike Griffin gave a speech outlining NASA's goals, saying in the centenary of the space age (that's 2057, if my math is correct,) 'we should be celebrating 20 years of man on Mars.' And India's Minister of State Prithviraj Chavan said his country is planning to conduct 60 space missions over the next five years.

As I've talked about, one of the main space law events, held in conjunction with IISL's annual space law colloquium at IAC, consists of the semi-finals and world finals of the 16th Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. Future space lawyers who have been researching, pacing the floor and sharpening their oral arguments all year will duke it out in real space-time in the 'Case Concerning International Liability' (Emeralda v Mazonia); the semi-final will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 25th in a 'closed session' at the convention center in Hyderabad. The finals will be held on Thursday Sept. 27th at NALSAR University of Law, and, as I've noted, will be judged by three members of the International Court of Justice. The case may be moot but it is major league.

And yes, for invitees only, the annual dinner of IISL will follow the finals.

I look forward to hearing from everyone who has promised me news and updates from India. ;) Meanwhile, have fun, all; and good luck, moot court competitors! "

(Via Space Law Probe.)

Space lawyers in Hyderabad

Lawrence Martin on space-based warfare: "The Globe's Lawrence Martin has a decent piece on the policy context of the recent Chinese anti-satellite missile test.

While offering the Chinese no defence for their provocative action, Martin points out that the current US administration's allergy to multilateralism is also partly to blame for the current dangerous state of affairs:

Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney showed no interest in a space treaty. Their national space policy is essentially hegemony in the heavens. They oppose the development of new legal regimes or other measures that restrict their designs. A UN resolution to prevent an arms race in space was supported by 151 countries with zero opposed. The U.S. abstained. It wants strategic control.

As indeed, the current US administration does.

That said, I can't let Martin's description of Canada's position pass without comment:

In the last election, the Paul Martin government campaigned vigorously against the weaponization of space, pledging to lead a worldwide effort opposing it. To date, the Harper government, while less vocal, is opposed to NMD [National Missile Defence].

True on both counts, but it's worth pointing out that both Liberal and Conservative governments have continued a Canadian policy of ever-increasing militarization of space, even while denouncing weaponization as beyond the pale.

In truth, the 'big red line' between militarization and weaponization Liberal Bill Graham used to talk about when he thought BMD might be a problem is no longer so big and bright as some might like: Canadian satellites are advertised for their ability to gather intelligence on potential military targets, just as the Canadian Forces move to acquire satellite-guided JDAM bombs and Excalibur howitzer rounds.

So just how committed are we Canadians--as we condemn the Chinese--to the purely 'peaceful' use of outer space?

Not as committed as we should be, in my view.

Peace, my friends.

Technorati Tags: ASAT; anti-satellite; Canada; China; Excalibur; JDAM; United States."

(Via No BMD, eh?.)

Lawrence Martin on space-based warfare

Polish democrats challenge BMD: "Here's the latest news from Poland:

WARSAW, Poland: A member of Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski's government called Saturday for Poles to be allowed to decide whether their country should host part of a planned U.S. missile defense system.

'I am determined that a referendum is needed to determine whether this is to be the nation's will,' Andrzej Lepper, a deputy prime minister and agriculture minister, told a news conference.

Although it is unlikely a referendum on the decision will be held, Lepper's suggestion reflects Polish unease at having such sites in the country.

Polish leaders have said they are willing to talk with Washington about the issue, but that any decision would have to be made by parliament.

It would be a good thing, needless to say, if the Polish people were given a real opportunity to express their views on their government's BMD plans."

(Via No BMD, eh?.)

Polish democrats challenge BMD

AN OPEN LETTER TO PM PAUL MARTIN: "

Right-Hon. Paul Martin , Prime Minister of Canada

November 20, 2004

Dear Mr. Martin:

Canada is at a crossroads – and under heavy pressure from the United
States – with respect to the U.S.’s ‘missile defence’ program. This
program should be seen clearly – and assertively and publicly
acknowledged by Canada – for what it is, nothing less than a
pre-emptive action by the United States to dictate how space is to be
used and controlled to benefit and advance American interests.

As the Iraq war and its aftermath have borne out, pre-emptive action
by one player in the arena of international affairs is not only
immoral, it has wholly unpredictable and tragic consequences.

As noted recently by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, in a 1997 U.S. Space Command planning document entitled 'Vision for 2020',
the military outlined its plan to control and dominate space. 'Control
of space,' the blueprint noted, 'is the ability to assure access to
space, freedom of operations within the space medium, and an ability to
deny others the use of space.' The back cover of the document features
a picture of the planet surrounded by space satellites and space-based
laser weapons with the words 'Space...the war fighters' edge.'

2020 is not some indefinite point in the future. It is just over 15 years from now. Is this the vision that Canada wants?

Further, as the CCPA notes, in August 2, 2004 the U.S. Air Force quietly published a new doctrine called Counterspace Operations.
In the Foreword to the document, General John Jumper, Chief of Staff of
the Air Force, stated: 'The development of offensive counterspace
capabilities provides combatant commanders with new tools for
counterspace operations. These operations may be utilized throughout
the spectrum of conflict and may achieve a variety of effects from
temporary denial to complete destruction of the adversary's space
capability.'

This document shows that the U.S. remains undeterred in its mission,
despite the blindingly unethical foundation for its position.

Canada must show leadership in providing a deterrent. Canada must
not only categorically refuse to be involved in any way in the
weaponization of space, it should provide the same kind of vision it
did in leading the initiative to ban landmines.

A 1,300-page report released
November 18th, 2004 by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines
notes that since the international treaty prohibiting antipersonnel
landmines took effect five years ago, use of the weapon around the
world has fallen dramatically, global funding for mine action programs
has increased more than 80 percent, more than 1,100 square kilometres
of land have been cleared, and the number of new mine victims each year
has decreased markedly.

‘The international norm established by the Mine Ban Treaty is
rapidly taking firm hold around the world, especially in the heavily
mine-contaminated countries where it matters the most,’ said ICBL
Ambassador Jody Williams, who shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize with
the ICBL.

Note use of the term ‘international norm established.’ As success of
the movement worldwide to ban production, purchase, use, trade and
stockpiling of antipersonnel devices is demonstrating, a new way of
thinking based on peace has taken root, and is flourishing.

A new international norm with respect to space as a global commons
to be protected and used for the benefit of all the earth’s peoples
must similarly be established, and Canada must be unwavering in moving
such a positive, inclusive agenda forward.

Canada must enlist the support of other countries to place
weaponization of space squarely on the U.N. agenda. One way to do this
is to request that the U.N. General Assembly have a Space Preservation Treaty
permanently banning all space-based weapons and warfare in space ready
for signature by all U.N. Member Nations by United Nations Day, 2005
(October 24, 2005).

If the United Nations General Assembly fails to approve a Space
Preservation Treaty by October 24, 2005, then Canada should petition
the General Assembly to convene a Space Preservation Treaty Conference
to ban all space-based weapons and warfare in space, as with the 1997
Ottawa Land Mines Treaty Conference. Such a conference could be held in
Victoria-Vancouver, B.C. in June 2006, as part of the World Peace Forum 2006.

In the meantime, and beginning now, as Canada distances itself from
the American military agenda, our government must also move proactively
on trade and economic initiatives directed toward lessening Canada’s
dependence on the U.S. Canada’s companies, peoples and way of life must
not be beholden to the United States in any way. We must always remain
the true North, strong and free.

Sincerely,

Avery Ascher, Manitoba, Canada

cc. Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Bev Desjarlais, MP Churchill

Manitoba Campaign to Ban Landmines

Institute for Cooperation in Space

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Click here to Sign Our U.N. Petition to ban Space-based weapons and warfare in space.

"

(Via Campaign for Cooperation in Space.)

AN OPEN LETTER TO PM PAUL MARTIN

Why A Space Preservation Treaty-Signing is Vital: "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Space Preservation Treaty Signing-Signing
is the most reliable,timely, and effective method available that will
bring world leaders together to permanently ban all space-based weapons
in an enforceable verifiable manner that will lead to a 'cap' on the
war industry while it evolves into becoming a space industry.

An International Treaty Signing for the Space
Preservation Treaty can be convened at any time by any willing U.N.
Member State(s) under the authority of Article 102 of the United
Nations Charter.

Time is of the essence to get the Space Preservation Treaty signed into law.

The signing of the Space Preservation Treaty will help to put needed pressure on the U.S. congress and administration.

Key to preserving peace in space so we can achieve peace on earth:
When the first five (5) countries sign on to the Space Preservation
Treaty, an international outer space peacekeeping agency will be
established
and equipped to monitor outer space and enforce (conflict resolution
style) this ban. This equipment, of course, can also be used to finally
verify arms agreements including the reduction and
inevitably elimination of nuclear weapons and other dangerous and polluting technologies on our planet.

Solution: A 'Fast Track' signing of the Space Preservation Treaty
must funded in order to be set the Treaty signing process into
immediate motion. An international Treaty Signing Conference on the
Space Preservation Treaty must be convened as soon as possible to
facilitate the UN Member Nation leaders coming together for the signing
and to bring into force an immediate and permanent ban on all
space-based weapons. We must stop the arms race at the only moment in
time, in all of history, when it can be stopped, before it begins in
space (that is, before space-based weapons are deployed and/or before a
momentum of funding and vested interests makes the weaponization of
space impossible to stop).

Since 1948, over 40,000 multi-lateral agreements or Treaties have
been signed, ratified and deposited with the U.N. Secretary General by
Member States under Article 102 of the U.N. Charter. Under Article 102
of the United Nations Charter, 'every treaty and every international
agreement entered into by any Member of the United Nations after the
present Charter comes into force shall as soon as possible be
registered with the Secretariat and published by it.'

An informal group of NGOs assists the convening Member States by
mobilizing public opinion, preparing briefing documents for the Member
States, and preparing educational materials in support of the Treaty
Conference, as was done in 1997 at the Ottawa, Canada, Land Mines
Treaty Conference.

Because there is intention of the current U.S. administration to
deploy a world-wide U.S. missile defense system, inexorably linked to
deploying space-based weapons under the guise of calling the deployment
'merely tests' of this system, the Space Preservation Treaty Signing
Conference must be produced quickly. Canada is identified as the best
location, and Congressman Dennis Kucinich as well as former MP Svend
Robinson (New Democratic Party) in the Canadian House of Commons have
called on Canadian leaders to convene this Space Preservation Treaty
Signing Conference.

The current U.S. administration plan is to 'seize the high ground'
to 'dominate and control space,' and many say that he who controls and
dominates space also controls and dominates all on earth. The momentum
of funding, vested interests and technology being put into place could
make it impossible to stop the weaponization of space if a ban is not
turned into law in time. Space-based weapons could be deployed under
the guise of calling them 'merely research' or 'merely tests,' or they
could be deployed without even the conducting of tests.

Many experts say this is an emergency situation, as there is only
one chance to ban space-based weapons. Many agree that time is of the
essence to get the Space Preservation Treaty signed into law quickly.
Experts also say that the signing of the Space Preservation Treaty will
put necessary pressure

The Space Preservation Treaty Conference Signing Ceremony will include a global media broadcast and Internet webcast.

CLICK HERE
for more information about the World Space Preservation Treaty Signing
Conference, and to read a copy of the Space Preservation Treaty for
yourself:

http://peaceinspace.blogs.com/space_preservation_treaty/

Please volunteer to help this endeavor. We need to build a world
movement to send packages of educational information to all world
leaders, to media, to the people about the Space Preservation Treaty
and to help organize the Space Preservation Treaty Conference.

...............................................

ICIS needs your help

There are many ways you can get involved to help preserve Peace in Space.

Volunteers and funders are needed to:

help produce the World Space Preservation Treaty Conference
help educate about the Space Preservation Treaty and Act
Introduce the Space Preservation Resolution in your City
help with day to day operations at ICIS
help reach out to women, NGOs, peace groups, organizations, activists, and communities.
help coordinate volunteers

If you have time, skills, contacts, or financial resources, please
fill out our comments form or contact us at:

For any comments, volunteers or questions, please contact us at
info@peaceinspace.com

Volunteers, organizers, experts, visionaries, and contributors are needed to:

1) Produce a Space Preservation Treaty Conference Process to
facilitate the gathering of world leaders to sign the Space
Preservation Treaty.

3) Produce a world and national movement to educate decision makers
and people about the urgency, feasibility, and benefits of banning
space-based weapons and continuing world cooperation in space.

4) Organize meetings in the military industrial lab university
intelligence NASA and other international organizations government(s)
complex and with decision makers, NGO's, and individuals to identify
what IS in space and what CAN BE in space of a non-weapons nature and
how that can provide solutions to human and environmental problems,
stimulate the economy (jobs and training programs) with a new
marketplace based on the R&D of clean and safe technology, products
and services that can enhance worldwide communication and information
sharing to bring the world together in a new cooperative world security
system.

CONTACT/CONTACTO

Institute for Cooperation in Space (ICIS) – South America
PO Box 288
Loja, ECUADOR
Email: rosin@west.net
http://www.peaceinspace.com
http://www.madretierra1.com
Tel: 011 593 7 2 580687

Email Dr. Carol Rosin - rosin@west.net

Email Eleanor LeCain - EMLECAIN@aol.com

Email Norrie Huddle - nhuddle@frontiernet.net

Institute for Cooperation in Space (ICIS) – North America
3339 West 41 Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6N3E5 CANADA
Tel: 604-733-8134
Fax: 604-733-8135
Email: info@peaceinspace.com
Campaign: http://www.peaceinspace.org
Exopolitics: http://www.exopolitics.com
ICIS: http://www.peaceinspace.com
STARDREAMS: http://www.peaceinspace.net

Email Alfred Lambremont Webre, JD, MEd - alw@peaceinspace.net

COURTESY OF:

L. Farhouni <freedom.respect@gmail.com>

Werkgroep Eurobom
PENN Netherlands
Obrechtstraat 43
3572 EC Utrecht
Netherlands
phone: +31 30 2714376 or +31 30 2722594
mobile phone: + 31 06 13223359
fax : +31 30 2714759
email: k.koster@inter.nl.net
http://www.antenna.nl/~amok/eurobom/

SIGN A U.N. PETITION for the Space Preservation Treaty Conference:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/832338563

"

(Via Campaign for Cooperation in Space.)

Why A Space Preservation Treaty-Signing is Vital