As there are currently no weapons in space, the United States cannot credibly claim it is deploying them as a necessary measure for defensive purposes; rather, it will appear entirely offensive. Further, the omnipresence of orbital weapon systems and their dual use potential renders any weapon deployed into orbit as inherently offensive. Terrestrial-based weapon systems that target orbital systems also present an offensive, destabilizing threat in peacetime as they are continually postured and primed to inflict damage meant to deny and destroy enemy capability vice protect one’s own. Due to the orbital deployment of their intended target, these weapons exhibit some of the offensive, omnipresent characteristics seen in orbital weapon systems. Unable to secure the perception that these weapons are intended for defensive purposes, the United States must deal with the distinct disadvantage that offensive weapons bring, namely: security dilemmas.

---

Coffelt, Christopher A. The Best Defense: Charting the Future of US Space Strategy and Policy. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, June 2005. [ 11 quotes ] [ page 79 ]