The technology is a double edge sword. It can be used for both constructive and destructive purposes. The choice of its use is primarily governed by the ideologies and wishes of the person or institution holding it. The same should, in no case, be used for the destruction of earth or human beings. The growing concerns over the use of technology for claiming monopoly over space have been shown in the past. This is based on the premise that the space is a common territory meant for the common betterment of all and no country should claim monopoly over it. This debate over sovereign control of space territory by any single nation started when the first “Sputnik” was launched in the space by the U.S.S.R on October 4, 1975. Since then numerous space ventures have been undertaken by various countries, including India. These activities led to the enactment and adoption of the Outer Space Treaty in 1996. It contains the following important principles:

(1) Freedom of exploration of outer space,
(2) Non-appropriation of outer space,
(3) Peaceful use of outer space,
(4) Jurisdiction of States over objects launched,
(5) International responsibilities for national activities,
(6) Assistance to personnel of space craft,
(7) Promotion of International Co-operation in the use of outer space, etc.

Besides this treaty many other agreements have been entered into on the International level from time to time.

It must be appreciated that “military use” of outer space is prohibited almost in all these agreements but military oriented activities in the outer space have been intensified in the recent past despite their prohibition. The systems and techniques capable of destroying an adversary’s satellites have been a major focus of arm race in outer space.

The recent news of the US Air Force seeking President Bush’s approval for a national-security directive that could move the US closer to fielding offensive and defensive space weapons(1)is an example of growing efforts of nations to claim “space monopoly” for military purposes. This activity is a serious threat to the peaceful utilisation of the space for the betterment off human race. There need to be an “International Consensus” before any such activity is undertaken by any nation.

(1)Tim Weiner, “US wants to deploy weapons in space”, Times International, TOI, dated 19-05-05, page 14.