Space Security
In 2013, the Stimson Center's Space Security Project is focusing on two initiatives, both led by Stimson co-founder, Michael Krepon: to build support for a Code of Conduct for responsible space-faring nations, and to compare and contrast "space deterrence" and nuclear deterrence.
Stimson has been focusing on ways to enhance U.S. security and to avoid dangerous confrontations in space since 2002. The objective of Stimson programming is to help assure that satellites critical for US national and economic security will be available for use when needed. The use of satellites won't be assured through warfare in space because satellites are very vulnerable, and because all major space-faring nations have multiple means to interfere, disable or destroy them. A Code of Conduct can strengthen norms for the responsible use of space, while facilitating actions against those who act irresponsibly in this domain. Read more
Current Research
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Key Elements of Space Assurance
The first use of space weapons during war would be an historic act, and could have catalytic effects in space, as well as on the ground. All states that derive benefits from satellites could be punished by space warfare. However, none more so than the United States, which employs satellites for commercial, military, communications, early warning, scientific and
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Code of Conduct
Since 2002, the Space Security Project has worked to increase public awareness of the dangerous consequences of flight testing and deploying space weapons, while offering alternative approaches to enhance US and international security. The centerpiece of Stimson's concept of Space Assurance is a Code of Coneduct for responsible space-faring nations. Currently the United
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Space Diplomacy
Five decades of space diplomacy have yielded agreements that form the foundation for the international legal regime promoting the peaceful uses of outer space. The landmark agreement of this regime is the Outer Space Treaty, finalized in 1967. This treaty states, among other things, that space is to be used for peaceful purposes, that space and celestial bodies are not
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Experts
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Michael Krepon Co-Founder/Senior Associate
Staff
- Julia Thompson Research Associate