Space-based weapons--are they worth it?
The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments has released a new report Arming the Heavens: A Preliminary Assessment of the Potential Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of Space-Based Weapons" authored by Steven Kosiak, CSBA's Vice President for Budget Studies. The report is especially timely, given the testing of a...

The weaponisation of space: justification and consequences: Bryan Dorn examines the United States' current approach to space-based weapons systems and warns of the likely adverse consequences.
During the Cold War the United States and Soviet Union both pursued an anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) capability. However the reliance upon satellites for command and control of nuclear forces meant the destruction of these satellites would render one's nuclear forces vulnerable to a first strike. This would increase crisis...

A space weapons ban: laying the foundation.
In the spring election campaign, and more recently in debates about potential participation in the US ballistic missile defence system, Paul Martin stated repeatedly that Canada is opposed to the weaponization of space. But how does this seemingly entrenched policy play out in practical terms? What is Canada doing...

Opposing weapons in space: coordinating the various voices of opposition will be the only wag to block US plans to weaponize space.
Throughout the winter of 1958, American President Dwight Eisenhower engaged in an exchange with Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin, debating the future of outer space. Their discussion followed the October 1957 launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik and the ensuing public uproar over outer space. Both the...

Keep Space for Peace!
Excerpts from WILPF's Keep Space for Peace statement Fifty years ago, on 4 October 1957, the launch of the Sputnik satellite changed the world forever. A new era of political, military, technological, and scientific developments began as the world entered the space age. Sputnik roused fears of...

Aerospace & Defense News - Space.
Oct 1, 2007 Forecasters who monitor weather on the Sun say a new season of intense sunspot activity could begin by March and peak in 2012. The storms will have a huge impact on modern technology. Consequences range from dropped cell phone calls to the loss of...

No net benefit: a tactical response to the MDA sale raises a strategic question.
On May 9, 2008, Federal Industry Minister Jim Prentice delivered his final decision on the immediate future of the space and information systems division of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA): it is not for sale. Stating that a proposed sale "would not likely be of net benefit to Canada,"...

Analysis; US plan to shoot down disabled spy satellite stirs concern.
Byline: KRISTIN ROBERTS Reuters WASHINGTON - The US decision to shoot down an ailing spy satellite raises new concerns about an arms race in space and could drive Russia and China to respond, analysts said on Thursday, voicing skepticism about the explanation for the move. ...

Aerospace & Defense News - Defense.
Oct 1, 2007 US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has asked Congress for nearly $190 billion for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of the money -- $11 billion -- would be used to pay for additional armored vehicles needed to protect troops from roadside bombs....

A common priority: a space security policy for Canada.
On October 14 a new minority. Conservative government was elected. To achieve a constructive agenda for Parliament it becomes important to identify policy priorities that could gain the support of all political parties. One area of concern, which is of interest to all government departments and touches all Canadians,...