In an effort to diffuse the perceived threat space weapons pose to the international community, the U.S. could make several new points in statements issued to the CD. First, practically any active satellite has the potential to be used as a weapon to destroy or disrupt other satellites. Satellites are typically built with a limited capacity to maneuver in order to maintain attitude and position throughout their useful life. It would be a relatively simple proposition to maneuver a given satellite into striking or blocking another, especially one already in close proximity. The point is that a ban on space systems designed as weapons will not necessarily prevent the use of weapons in space.

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Billick, Thomas W. Arms Control Implications for Military Operations in Space. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, May 2001. [ 6 quotes ] [ page 52 ]