"Space weapons confirmation forces rethink of space law and norms"
Outer Space Treaty (OST)
Foundational 1967 treaty governing activities in outer space.
Space control
Capability to protect one's space assets and limit adversaries' space operations.
The militarisation of space began with early satellite reconnaissance and soon moved to active counter-space capabilities. The principal legal framework is the Outer Space Treaty (1967). The Treaty explicitly forbids placing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in orbit or on celestial bodies but does not categorically ban conventional weapons in space. The text and its entry into force preserved a narrower reading that focuses on WMDs rather than all weapons. The OST also sets behavioural obligations: Article IX requires that states conduct space activities with "due regard" for other states and avoid harmful interference. Attempts to create a binding prohibition on all offensive space weapons, notably the PPWT proposals and wider PAROS efforts at the UN Conference on Disarmament, failed largely over verification and differing threat perceptions among major powers.
The contemporary concept of space control combines defensive measures (protecting one’s satellites) with offensive or coercive capabilities that can limit an adversary’s use of space. Space-control tools include kinetic options (anti-satellite strikes that physically destroy or damage a satellite), and non-kinetic options (jamming, cyber operations, or directed-energy systems). Some capabilities are inherently dual-use: the same proximity manoeuvre might be framed as on-orbit servicing or as prelude to disabling a satellite. Historical concepts such as the Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) show how orbital mechanics themselves can be weaponised: placing a warhead into orbit and deorbiting over a target alters detection and deterrence dynamics. …
Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the "Fractional Orbital Bombardment System" often talked about in media?
If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1.GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2.Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3.Power grids could be damaged.
4.Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5.Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6.Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7.Shortwave radio communication of aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the following countries have demonstrably conducted anti-satellite (ASAT) tests or operations?
A.United States
B.China
C.India
D.Russia
Which of the following statements about the Outer Space Treaty (OST) are correct?
1.The OST prohibits placement of weapons of mass destruction in outer space.
2.The OST explicitly bans all conventional weapons from being placed in orbit.
3.The OST obliges states to avoid harmful interference with other states' space activities.
4.The OST permits any military activity in space so long as it is not destructive.
Match the space capability (Column I) with its primary effect (Column II).
Column I
A.ASAT
B.Proximity operations
C.Electronic jamming
D.Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS)
Column II
1.Temporarily degrade satellite signals
2.Physically destroy or disable a satellite
3.Place a payload into orbit then deorbit onto a terrestrial target
4.Close approach to another satellite for inspection or interference
Consider the following statements about obligations under Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty:
1.States must consult with the UN Security Council before any proximity operations.
2.States must avoid harmful interference with the space activities of other states.
3.A state's peaceful intention alone exempts its activities from being judged as harmful interference.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following are likely consequences of the deployment of on-orbit space-control weapons?
1.Increased collision risk and long-lived orbital debris
2.Reduced need for verification mechanisms
3.Greater incentive for states to pursue transparency and confidence-building measures
4.Total elimination of dual-use ambiguity in space activities
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A.1 and 3 only
B.2 and 4 only
C.1, 2 and 3 only
D.All of the above
Want the full note, Prelims Facts & MCQ answers?
Create a free account — takes less than a minute.
Create free account