Integration of Military and Civilians Space Assets : Legal and National Security Implications

The increasing intermingling of civilian and military space activities could lead to serious, and perhaps unintended, consequences. While international space law is very permissive with regard to military uses of space, there are considerable legal and security implications resulting from military and civilian dependence on the same space services. From a military perspective, intentional reliance on civilian systems must address, inter alia, national security concerns, contractual obligations, licensing restrictions, liability, and long-term political relationships, while respecting the interests of the commercial sector. Policy decisions leading to an increase in civilian- military space interdependence must also consider potential impacts of this symbiosis on trade, international relations, and the conduct of armed hostilities. The thesis addresses these and certain related issues in four chapters. The first chapter explores the depth of the interdependence of military and civilian users on the same space systems. The second chapter considers the implications of dual use space technologies, such as proliferation concerns. The third chapter discusses various legal mechanisms States employ to address security issues involving space activities. The final chapter outlines legal restrictions on the use of space assets by armed forces.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH is the author of 'Integration of Military and Civilians Space Assets : Legal and National Security Implications', published 2003 under ISBN 9781423501985 and ISBN 1423501985.