Darth Bush Claims Space for Freedom

We should all give a sigh of relief that the adversaries of freedom will be dissuaded from using space in the future, the BBC reports. While the United States seeks freedom for all in the celestial sphere, the National Space Policy states in no uncertain terms American galactic preminence:

The United States is committed to the exploration and use of outer space by all nations for peaceful purposes, and for the benefit of all humanity. Consistent with this principle, “peaceful purposes” allow U.S. defense and intelligence-related activities in pursuit ofnational interests . . .

In this new century, those who effectively utilize space will enjoy added prosperity and security and will hold a substantial advantage over those who do not. Freedom of action in space is as important to the United States as air power and sea power. In order to increase knowledge, discovery, economic prosperity, and to enhance the national security, the United States must have robust, effective, and efficient space capabilities . . .

The United States considers space capabilities -- including the ground and space segments and supporting links -- vital to its national interests. Consistent with this policy, the United States will: preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in space; dissuade or deter others from either impeding those rights or developing capabilities intended to do so; take those actions necessary to protect its space capabilities; respond to interference; and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to U.S. national interests. . ..

The United States will oppose the development of new legal regimes or other restrictions that seek to prohibit or limit U.S. access to or use of space. Proposed arms control agreements or restrictions must not impair the rights of the United States to conduct research, development, testing, and operations or other activities in space for U.S. national interests . . .

How bad can this be? On the surface, all this looks like the United States is seeking the free use of space for all (commercial, for example, is cited in the document no less that 29 times) as well as looking for its demilitarization. Yet, the National Space Policy's underlying essence stresses the need to maintain, if not increase, American defences beyond the stratosphere. One then has to wonder how this statement is being taken in Moscow, Brussels and Beijing. Is this the sign of future arms races in space? Is it then time for an international summit of space use?


BBC NEWS Americas US adopts tough new space policy

Other blogs posting on this subject:

No BMD, eh?

Daily Revolution