Diplomacy at Warped Speed
The space debris problem continues to grow as diplomats move at a snail’s pace to take remedial steps. Every piece of space debris about the size of a marble is a lethal weapon, traveling with the approximate energy of a…
Tag: ASAT
Norm-Setting for Outer Space
Norms are standards of proper or acceptable behavior. They establish expectations and clarify misbehavior, thereby helping to isolate, limit, and sanction bad behavior. Without norms, there are no norm-breakers. They can be codified in treaties and other legal instruments, or…
Avoiding Scrapes with China
Congressmen Randy Forbes of Virginia and Mike Rogers of Alabama convened a hearing on January 28th of their House Armed Services Subcommittees to raise awareness of China’s counter-space capabilities. Members asked thoughtful questions about a genuine strategic dilemma: US satellites…
Will Gravity Lift the Space Code of Conduct?
Space may be the final frontier, but it’s also the cosmic dust that we’re made of. Our lineage traces back to seawater, as well. Is that why we humans stare out into space and the ocean? Two wordless and magnificent…
Inferred vs. Demonstrable Deterrence
The Stimson Center will release an edited volume in September comparing and contrasting deterrence against nuclear and space warfare. Here’s a preview. Nuclear deterrence and space deterrence have common elements as well as distinct differences. No difference is more striking…
Making Messes in Space
The only top-of-the-charts space-age instrumental was silenced by the highest yield US atmospheric test ever conducted. OK, I’m taking literary license. Readers of a certain age will recall Telstar, the satellite and the top-40 single. Telstar enabled the transmission of…
