The high relevance of technology for security policy and the role of modern armed forces is undisputed. New technologies make it possible to increase the quality and combat effectiveness of weapon systems and open up new types of options for action for politics and the armed forces. It is to be expected that the use of improved and expanded technological options will continue to have a decisive impact on the role and options for action of the armed forces, the stability of the state system and ultimately on warfare in the coming years. This also and especially applies to the scientific and technical developments in the field of military use of space.
On the initiative of the Subcommittee on Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment commissioned TAB to prepare a status report on the topic of "Military Use of Outer Space and Possibilities for Arms Control in Outer Space". Using the example of space armament, the TAB report deals with the interplay between technological dynamics and political and military goals and models. From the point of view of arms control policy, it analyses the possibilities of stopping or limiting such developments, which could develop into a danger to the security and stability of the international system of states.
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For a long time now, space has been a place of operation for military systems. About 170 purely military satellites orbit the earth and fulfil functions such as reconnaissance, early warning, communication and control for the armed forces. Now there are signs of a threshold being crossed in the military use of space: In the future, weapons systems could be developed to operational maturity, the stationing of which on Earth or in space could initiate a spiral of the arms race.
Dynamics of technology, challenge of arms control
Not least because of new technical possibilities, space is increasingly being ascribed a key function from the point of view of military planners, but also from the security policy of the militarily leading nations. Worldwide, spending on military research and development in concepts, technologies and systems is growing. In strategies, doctrines and planning, the use of space for security purposes is becoming a central element. The USA is the most important driver of this development. Space is increasingly seen there as a key civil and military resource with the highest priority. Its military use opens up numerous options for gaining and securing information sovereignty, for prevention, for deterrence and for warfare that are attractive in the perception of the military and politics.
Threats and capabilities: the doctrine of "space control
As early as 2001, a high-level commission headed by current Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld had placed US national security interests in space among the "top national priorities" and recommended that the US develop the means to deter or defend against hostile attacks in and from space ("space control"). These means included weapons stationed in space. Plans and statements of the Bush administration tie in with this and indicate an increased interest in the military use of outer space. Achieving "space superiority" is considered both a goal and a key aspect in the transformation of the US armed forces.
Military space technology and weapon systems
From a political and military perspective, new technologies play the key role in achieving the desired goals and capabilities of the armed forces. In particular, "space control capabilities" and increasingly "space force application capabilities" are based on the premise of advanced technologies and systems. For numerous military operational areas, this basis is therefore actually being created through increased research, development and demonstration activities.
A look at the military R&D planning of the United States provides a picture of the promotion and targeting of enabling technologies. In space transport, efforts are being made to improve propulsion technology. A long-term goal is a "space plane" whose operation can be similarly functional and adapted to the situation as that of an aircraft. In satellite operations, the development of small satellites is a conspicuous trend. Highly manoeuvrable microsatellites or service robots open up new military deployment options in the fight against foreign satellites.
From a political and military perspective, new technologies play the key role in achieving the desired goals and capabilities of the armed forces. In particular, "space control capabilities" and increasingly "space force application capabilities" are based on the premise of advanced technologies and systems. For numerous military operational areas, this basis is therefore actually being created through increased research, development and demonstration activities.
A look at the military R&D planning of the United States provides a picture of the promotion and targeting of enabling technologies. In space transport, efforts are being made to improve propulsion technology. A long-term goal is a "space plane" whose operation can be similarly functional and adapted to the situation as that of an aircraft. In satellite operations, the development of small satellites is a conspicuous trend. Highly manoeuvrable microsatellites or service robots open up new military deployment options in the fight against foreign satellites.
Of utmost importance are efforts in research and development for the deployment of operational weapon systems. Currently, there are no known deployed space-based weapon systems. However, there are a number of systems in the research and development stage: for use in space, such as "killer satellites", which could be a first step towards achieving the desired goal of comprehensive "space control"; from space, such as space-based laser weapons or kinetic energy weapons to engage targets on Earth; and for use into space, such as ground- or air-based laser weapons or ground-based "kill vehicles" to engage satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Arms control for space - a "mission impossible"?
From the point of view of arms control policy, the tendencies described above give cause for concern, as it becomes clear that the existing instruments of space law and the existing arms control agreements are not suitable for slowing down, let alone preventing, a further militarisation of outer space.
In view of the hardened fronts between the USA and the other actors, it may seem utopian to discuss arms control policy action perspectives for outer space in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, we know from experience that political framework conditions are constantly changing both nationally and internationally. Efforts to make initially small advances, such as confidence- and security-building measures, should therefore be continued. To this end, TAB has developed options and put them up for discussion.
