US Deploys Space Weapons, Sparking Fears of Arms Race with China and Russia
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Policies of other countries affecting India· Prelims + Mains·
Space weaponization and orbital security: a key GS2 International Relations and Sci-Tech topic.
Why in news
US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink revealed the deployment of space weapons for defense, confirming a growing space arms race involving China and Russia.
Background
The US has deployed counterspace weapons including jammers and kinetic systems. China and Russia are reported to have substantial counterspace programs, while India demonstrated ASAT capability in 2019.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TKinetic systems and jammers are identified as specific types of US counterspace weapons.
- FactIndia demonstrated its Anti-Satellite (ASAT) capability in 2019.
- S&TSpace situational awareness is the current primary focus of India's space strategy.
Prelims practice question
With reference to India's space capabilities and strategy, consider the following statements:
- The US has deployed only jammers as counterspace weapons.
- Space situational awareness is the secondary focus of India's space strategy.
- India demonstrated its Anti-Satellite (ASAT) capability in 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (c) 3 only — Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The US has deployed both jammers and kinetic systems. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is the current primary focus of India's space strategy.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of the escalating space arms race on global security and the importance of international norms for space debris management.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Orbital debris risk: Kinetic weapons increase the probability of uncontrollable space debris affecting shared satellite infrastructure.
- Strategic instability: Lack of transparency in counterspace capabilities may lead to rapid escalation in orbital conflict.
- Regulatory vacuum: Absence of a binding global treaty on space weaponization complicates international space law enforcement.
Keywords: Space Weaponization · Orbital Debris · Strategic Stability · Space Situational Awareness · Kinetic Systems
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.