As the January Chinese A-Sat test demonstrates, the vulnerability problem in space is a global concern: All spacefaring nations stand to lose if a few operate irresponsibly. The most effective rejoinder to irresponsible behavior is not to mimic it, but to take the lead in laying out rules of the road that responsible spacefaring nations follow.

Irresponsible spacefaring nations interfere with another nation's space objects, use lasers in a harmful manner against space objects, and conduct activities, experiments or tests that result in the deliberate generation of persistent space debris.

Responsible spacefaring nations provide advance notice if there is reason to believe that their activities, experiments or tests may cause harmful interference with the operation of another nation's space objects. They share space surveillance data to the maximum extent possible to increase safety. They adopt and abide by the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee guidelines on space debris. They seek to develop and implement a space traffic management system, and they provide accurate and timely launch notification and registration. They also consult with others before taking actions that could cause harmful interference with space operations.

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Katz-Hyman, Michael and Michael Krepon. "An Arms Race in Space Isn't the Problem." Space News. February 12, 2007.