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Militarisation, Weaponisation and the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space

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Militarisation, Weaponisation and the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
Presently, more than 130 countries possess or developing sophisticated space programs, Australia being among them. Hence, being an active UN member and signatory to numerous treaties and agreements regulating outer space activities, Australia realizes the importance of the presented issue. In the age of globalization and significant technological advancements, the outer space derived resources are vital components of daily life for societies around the globe. In order to ensure the exploration of the outer space is for the benefit and in the interest of the whole mankind, adequate measures should be taken to eliminate harmful practices and activities of the states in the outer space. For that purpose, considering, General Assembly Resolution 2222 (XXI) commonly referred to as 1967 Outer Space Treaty , Resolution 1962 (XVIII) on “Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space”, other treaties and agreements regulating space exploration, Australia offers a pragmatic approach for a development of norms of states’ behavior in space. Such instruments aim to achieve and strengthen mutual cooperation, transparency and confidence – building in all activities related to space exploration and space research programs. Australia holds the perspective that outer space is to remain free from weaponization and militarization, and States should avoid taking actions that could endanger peaceful exploration of space.
These days, the benefits of space exploration are accompanied by numerous risks that call for serious involvement of the international community to ensure long – term sustainability and safety of the outer space. Among these risks are: potential destructive collisions, primarily caused by dangerous orbital debris, the developments of space based capabilities and resources by the increasing number of states, developments in anti – missile defense mechanisms and ICBM’s that use outer space as a medium, testing of kinetic

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