Anti-weaponization of Outer Space for Maintaining Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities

Space weaponization should be prevented because of its detrimental effects on the long-term sustain -ability of outer space activities (LTSOSA). International law that currently governs weaponization in outer space should be implemented, and international rules that pertain to the LTSOSA should impose direct and indirect soft-law constraints on space weaponization. Nevertheless, the direct and indirect roles of international law in inhibiting space weaponization are limited, and a legal lacuna still exists in the governance of conventional weapons in the Earth's orbit. Independent and more focused discussions on specific issues related to space security are recommended given that the disagreement on related issues has prevented real progress from being made during multilateral discussions addressing the space technologies that could be used in a hostile manner. The integration of some norms of responsible space activity into the new LTSOSA Guidelines discussed under the auspices of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is also recommended, along with an ongoing strong political constraint on the deployment and testing of dedicated space weapons in outer space through the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions and international condemnation. The latter is a good alternative under the current circumstances to preserve the LTSOSA by working against the weaponization of outer space. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.