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Space Weapons

Space Weapons. Is Space Weaponized ?. Yes—already used for military purposes, is transversed by weapons systems (ICBMs) No—militarization is distinct from weaponization. Is Weaponization Inevitable?. Basic question: can we control our base nature? Capabilities Current research trajectories

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Space Weapons

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  1. Space Weapons

  2. Is Space Weaponized? • Yes—already used for military purposes, is transversed by weapons systems (ICBMs) • No—militarization is distinct from weaponization

  3. Is Weaponization Inevitable? • Basic question: can we control our base nature? • Capabilities • Current research trajectories • Historical evidence • Human nature • Military advantages • Vulnerability and temptation

  4. Is There a “Space Threat”? Yes • China • EMP strikes • Russia • “Space Pearl Harbor” • Terrorists

  5. Is There a “Space Threat”? No • Alternatives work better (decoys, hardening, redundancy, etc.) • Latent capabilities foster deterrence • Other areas are more vulnerable • Tech barriers

  6. Is Weaponization Key to Leadership? Yes • Asset protection • Benign hegemony (Dolman) • Casualty aversion/modern warfare • Intelligence • Power projection/Ultimate High Ground • Terrestrial force enhancement

  7. Is Weaponization Key to Leadership? No. • Balancing—symetric and assymetric • Erodes current space advantages • New center of gravity/vulnerability • Resentment/coalitions • Tradeoffs • Trailblazing costs

  8. Other Benefits to Weaponization • China deterrence • Economy (protection, tech) • Proliferation • Terrorism

  9. Other Dangers to Weaponization • Arms control • China—relations, war • Economy—cost, commercial sapce • International cooperation • International law • Nuclear power in sapce • Space—debris, cooperatin • War—accidents, arms racing, escalation

  10. Types of Weapons • Weapons types • Directed energy • Explosive • Kinetic • Weapons targets • Space to Space • Earth to Space Weapons (ESW) • Space to Earth Weapons (STEW)

  11. Specific Technologies • ASAT systems • Directed energy (lasers) • Missiles (ground and space-based) • Missile Defense • Space-based laser • Space-based interceptor (Brilliant Pebbles) • Rods from God/Kinetic Weapons • Space lasers

  12. Control Strategies • Dominance • Restraint • Sanctuary • Treaty • Ban/formal agreement • Code of Conduct

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