Home > Bibliography > View CitationView Citation
Worley II, Robert M. "The New National Space Policy and Air Force Space Command's Role in International Cooperation." High Frontier Journal. Vol. 3, No. 2 (March 2007): 7-9. [ 3 quotes ]
Evidence Related to this Citation
U.S. space policy has remained consistent with international law for last 50 years
Interestingly, US space policy has been relatively consistent since the days of the Eisenhower administration during which time the decision was made to pursue the peaceful uses of outer space. This thinking greatly shapes how people use space today and how people view space use for tomorrow. The current outer space legal regime recognizes that “the exploration and use of outer space … shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries, irrespective of the degree of their economic or scientific development, and shall be the province of all mankind.” Moreover, it declares that “outer space … is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty.” It also abides by the rules and decision-making procedures calling for registration of space objects and restrictions on weapons of mass destruction in space. Although the release of the new space policy resulted in some criticism of the US, there is no question in my mind that this country is committed to the existing space legal regime. All actions taken in space by this nation are consistent with US law, regulations, treaties and other agreements to which it is party, as well as applicable international law and US foreign policy.
Worley II, Robert M. "The New National Space Policy and Air Force Space Command's Role in International Cooperation." High Frontier Journal. Vol. 3, No. 2 (March 2007): 7-9. [ 3 quotes ]
[ page 7 ]
New National Space Policy emphasizes international space cooperation
International space cooperation plays a prominent role in the latest National Space Policy. As one of the top three guiding principles, the policy states, “The United States will seek to cooperate with other nations in the peaceful use of outer space to extend the benefits of space, enhance space exploration, and to protect and promote freedom around the world.” Additionally, one of the policy’s seven stated fundamental goals is to, “Encourage international cooperation with foreign nations and/ or consortia on space activities that are of mutual benefit and that further the peaceful exploration and use of space, as well as to advance national security, homeland security, and foreign policy objectives.” Finally, there is a separate section dealing exclusively with international space cooperation which encourages cooperation with foreign nations on mutually beneficial activities. Areas in which the policy specifically addresses cooperation include space exploration, providing space surveillance information, as well as developing and operating Earthobservation systems.
Worley II, Robert M. "The New National Space Policy and Air Force Space Command's Role in International Cooperation." High Frontier Journal. Vol. 3, No. 2 (March 2007): 7-9. [ 3 quotes ]
[ page 8 ]
U.S. Air Force Space Command already shares weather, intelligence, and missile warning data
When it comes to providing space data and capabilities to our allies and the broader international community, I believe AFSPC and the Air Force are delivering in a significant way. We provide space surveillance information (specifically called out in the space policy) as the maintainers of the catalog of space objects. Customers around the world, with a validated need to know, have Web access to information from our space surveillance network under the Commercial and Foreign Entities (CFE) program which assists all concerned with exact satellite location information. This information is critical for situational awareness in space and preventing objects from colliding. We also share missile warning data, weather information and intelligence, not to mention the most pervasive US contribution to the international community, free of charge, the positioning, navigation, and timing information provided by the global positioning system. Rounding out this list are AFSPC international cooperative efforts in fielding future military satellite communications systems.
Worley II, Robert M. "The New National Space Policy and Air Force Space Command's Role in International Cooperation." High Frontier Journal. Vol. 3, No. 2 (March 2007): 7-9. [ 3 quotes ]
[ page 8 ]