Militarization of Outer Space: Challenges to Global Peace and International Law

Abstract

Militarization of outer space is one of the most complex challenges to global peace, harmony, and security in the 21st century. Initially, recognized as a subject area of scientific exploration and constructive engagement, outer space has progressively become a critical zone for defense competition among major powers. The arrangement of multi-domain satellites, development of anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) and creation of autonomous defense structure by powerful nations like USA, China, Russia and India. These countries have shifted from the peaceful uses to framework conceived in 1967 Outer Space Treaty. This evolving militarization intimidates to rebuild space into a war zone and risk of conflict beyond boundaries. The existing international skeleton secured by the Outer Space Treaty, like the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space 3235(XXIX), was created in a time when space capabilities were limited. These treaties restrain the installation of weapon of mass destruction in orbit but are still silent on the usage of cyber-based weapons in space. This vagueness created an inadequacy that states can justify their military activities as a self-defense or technological advancement. To safeguard outer space as a global collective good, there is an urgent need for recommencing diplomatic engagement, stronger transparency measures and development of a comprehensive international legal authority addressing both military and non-military threats. Preserving space as a peaceful and collective land is crucial for global security as well as collective survival of humankind.