Space Weapons: Issues Concerning Definitions, Categories, and Space Arms Race

Abstract

The objective of this research article is to define and classify space weapons, as well as to explore approaches for reducing the arms race in outer space. This issue arises due to significant loopholes in the five United Nations space treaties, which have become obstacles to global space activities. The primary problem stems from the lack of a definition for the term “space weapon” and the absence of a classification for such weapons. As a result, space-faring nations have leveraged these legal loopholes to argue that the existing UN space treaties are insufficient for the protection of their interests in outer space. Consequently, these nations have used this justification to develop anti-satellite weapons under the pretext of safeguarding their national security, thereby exacerbating the “arms race in outer space,” which poses a threat to global society. The results of this research reveal that, at present, there is still no universally accepted definition or classification of space weapons within the international community. Moreover, the issue of the arms race in outer space remains unresolved in a concrete manner, as global space-faring nations have become divided into two opposing blocs. This division makes it exceedingly difficult to establish regulatory measures that can effectively mitigate the arms race and be universally applied. However, this article proposes a definition and classification of space weapons that could be adopted by the global community. Additionally, it presents feasible measures to reduce the arms race in outer space by incorporating regional legal frameworks, which currently offer greater flexibility and effectiveness compared to the international level of legal mechanisms.