What are your thoughts on the US militarisation of space?

Question

Given the statement made by 'President' Bush that not only are the US going to renague on the treaty which prevents the militarisation of space, but also PREVENT anyone else from seriously expanding into space because it would be 'against national interest', what are your thoughts?

Since when has the US owned space, and what will it mean for the rest of the world if sattelite surveillance becomes the sole tenet of the US? Do you think that getting into another cold war with china is a good idea?

Thoughts please!

EDIT: Thanks Jasie. I like the way that in that article the quoted US official is so egocentric that he calls any attempt to expand into what should be a free forum, or actually prevent ESPIONAGE as an asymmetric attack on the US rather than defending itself or free enterprise.

Yes johnnie, im sure you would, but then you would also call everyone else who wants to defend their own way of life without you blundering in with your size twelves and telling THEM how to live a terrorist wouldn't you?

Answer 1

This doesn't surprise me, they already have the option to turn off the internet and GPS in Europe if it suits them. They want to commercialise the internet.
Imagine if any other country announced this!

Answer 2

I not heard of this statement but what you telling it sound to me like it is dawning on him that no one rules forever. If they get there first and concentrate all their weapon and technology power there it would probably be the only way to keep in control of situation on planet earth. Bush has got power issues. he needs some serious friggin councelling.
As for another cold war ... not necessarily with China but i think it will be inevitable in my lifetime. Only this time it will be maliciously started off as opposed to the original Cold War where no one had any true idea what the consequences of their actions would be, cause no one had ever been in that position. There will be someone big and powerfull enough that ain't gonna stand for the delusions of power that go through the average American president's head. There already are countries that are the first, the second is only a matter of time.

As to who owns the deed polls to space ... did you know you can 'buy' asteroids online?

Answer 3

Good but scary question, as someone has already pointed out the US have the ability to turn off the GPS system with the flick of a switch which a hell of lot of things depend on, to command Space is just another step in the direction of controlling everything that goes on in the World, why do they see themselves as every bodies saviour, and the "policeman of the planet", they see fit to try and say who has what weapons, perhaps its about time the world decided how far they should be allowed to go

Answer 4

It's very arrogant to stipulate to the world what countries can and can't do. I believe some kind of agreement will be made when a large country like China insist that they too are allowed armed satellites. It's already started (read source link)

I think it's just a matter of time before China has the technology and the inclination to push forward with their 'right'.

Answer 5

what's to say they havn't done it already? do you remember reagan and 'project starwars' of the 80's? i just being paranoid now. it's not like there delivery system into space is the most safest thing in the world, i wouldn't fancy living in florida if one of them rockets carrying them weapons decided to malfuntion. what kept the cold war from getting hot was the balance of power. this will surely shift power to the usa however this is a bad move not only for the rest of the world but for usa as well because this will leads us into a second arms race. where billions of the world currency will be wasted and can only hasting the economic slow down bringing hunger and starvation to millions of people worldwide. i always try to stay neutral but i have to say it gwb is a madman, i'm seriously more scare of him than i ever was of saddam or bin laden

Answer 6

I don't see any words about pulling out of the outer space treaty or violating any of it's requirements. In fact it seems to me merely a statement that the U.S. will continue what it has been doing in space since the first days of space flight.

Answer 7

people should leave their stupid petty f*cking squabbles back on earth, guns in space?? idiots. The only reason we have for doing most things now days it seems is to gain a tactical war advantage, the governments of the world (especially America) should grow up and form a large joint space programme to assure it is the best and no one get to 'lay claim' to our langrene points! GODDAMN IDIOTS!!

Answer 8

Every bit of land has been fought for and next it'll be space. As people get into space travel they'll want governing bodies, space cadets and space tax.

Answer 9

If u want to surrender that is OK but I will fight with my last breath to preserve this way of life. The way some of u think maby should be someones slave. These people will take pride in cutting your head off.

Answer 10

It's stupid and not going to work, but when has that ever stopped Bush?
This is going to cost so much money to patrol the US will go bankrupt if it's not careful.