Space weapons: the legal context

Journal Article · · Daedalus (Boston); (United States)

OSTI ID:5286158

Chayes, A; Chayes, A H; Spitzer, E

A body of law has evolved that bears on the use of outer space for ballistic missile defense and anti-satellite weapons. This discussion examines the general orientation of the Outer Space Treaty toward military activities in space. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems (ABM) Treaty of 1972 is the only permanent and legally operative bilateral arms-control agreement in full effect between the two superpowers today. New technological and political developments have raised questions about the strength of the commitment of the two parties. The authors conclude that the strategic defense initiative (SDI) as a whole, its objectives and philosophy, are at odds with the purposes and objectives of the treaty because it is inevitable that SDI will breach the mandates against testing and deployment.

• Research Organization: Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA
• OSTI ID: 5286158
• Journal Information: Daedalus (Boston); (United States), Journal Name: Daedalus (Boston); (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN DAEDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
AGREEMENTS
ARMS CONTROL
ASIA
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
POLITICAL ASPECTS
SPACE WEAPONS
TREATIES
USSR