N. Romashkina, romachkinan@yandex.ru
Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO), 23, Profsoyuznaya Str., Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation.
Received 23.06.2024. Revised 10.07.2024. Accepted 22.08.2024.
Acknowledgments. This article was prepared with the support of a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for major scientific projects in priority areas of scientific and technological development no. 075-15-2024-551 “Global and Regional Centers of Power in the Emerging World Order”.
Abstract. The article examines the issue of applying space technologies for both military and peaceful purposes. The subject of the study includes specialized technical means designed for the exploration and utilization of the universe: spacecraft, satellites, orbital stations, launch vehicles, deep space communication, space engines, extraterrestrial and terrestrial auxiliary infrastructure objects, as well as procedures and special events. It has been proven that space technologies, including the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of satellite constellations, are currently crucial indicators of a nation’s capabilities, status, and global influence. The study analyzes the conceptual framework, the process of spreading space technologies, and the current trends in their development at the present stage. Drawing on data from Russian and foreign scientists and specialists, the author conducted a systematic analysis of modern types of space weapons – those located in space or deployed into Earth orbit and designed for combat in or from space – as well as an analysis of weapons designed to destroy or damage infrastructure in space. The author demonstrates that the increasing threats associated with the development and deployment of new military space technologies pose risks to global peace. In the context of a crisis in the relations between nuclear powers, the likelihood of a rapid escalation of a nuclear conflict increases due to the disruption of the Early Warning System satellites, which consequently raises the risk of accidental ballistic missile launches. Following this logic, it can be argued that the level of strategic stability is already declining today, with extremely negative consequences for all countries worldwide. This underscores the relevance of the research. Proposals have been formulated to prevent an arms race in space by discussing and adopting special binding norms of international law, which Russia has been advocating for many years in cooperation with other interested countries.
Keywords: space, outer space, space industry, space environment, spacecraft, artificial Earth satellite, space weapons, anti-satellite weapons, strategic stability, international security
REFERENCES
1. Romashkina N.P. Global Military Political Problems in International Informational Security: Trends, Threats and Prospects. The International Affairs, 2024, no. 4, pp. 96-107. (In Russ.) Available at: https://interaffairs.ru/jauthor/material/2983 (accessed 05.06.2024).
2. Romashkina N.P. Global Military Political Problems in International Informational Security: Trends, Threats and Prospects. Cybersecurity Issues, 2019, no. 1 (29), pp. 2-9. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.21681/2311-3456-2019-1-2-9
3. Zinovieva E.S. Cyber-deterrence and Digital Security Dilemma in American Expert Discourse. International Trends, 2019, no. 3 (58), pp. 51-65. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.17994/IT.2019.17.3.58.4
4. Sebekin S. Constant Involvement in Cyberspace: New US Strategy and its Correlation with the Concept of Cyber Support. International Trends, 2020, vol. 18, no. 3 (62), pp. 96-125. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.17994/IT.2020.18.3.62.3
5. Romashkina N.P. Space as Part of the Global Information Space during Military Operations. Cybersecurity Issues, 2022, no. 6 (52), pp. 100-111. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.21681/2311-3456-2022-6-100-11
6. Kovalev A.P., Sotnik S.A., Sotnik D.S. Space as a new sphere of armed struggle. Voennaya misl, 2023, no. 3, pp. 35-52. (In Russ.) Available at: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kosmos-kak-novaya-sfera-vooruzhennoy-borby (accessed 05.06.2024).
7. Hitchens T. What Satellite Attack Weapon Might the US Reveal Soon? Breaking Defense, 24.08.2021. Available at: https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/what-satellite-attack-weapon-might-the-us-reveal-soon/ (accessed 23.05.2024).
8. Hitchens T. Exclusive: Pentagon Poised to Unveil, Demonstrate Classified Space Weapon. Breaking Defense, 20.08.2021. Available at: https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/pentagon-posed-to-unveil-classified-space-weapon/ (accessed 23.06.2024).
9. Arbatov A., Dvorkin V., eds. Outer Space: Weapons, Diplomacy and Security. Moscow, Russian Political Encyclopedia (ROSSPEN), 2009. 175 p. (In Russ.)
10. Hitchens T. Space Rapid Capabilities Office slates $1B for dynamic space ops C2. Breaking Defense, 07.06.2024. Available at: https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/space-rapid-capabilities-office-slates-1b-for-dynamic-space-ops-c2/ (accessed 15.06.2024).
11. Hitchens T. Exclusive: Freedom to maneuver key for future space ‘combat mindset,’ says ex-SPACECOM deputy. Breaking Defense, 12.12.2023. Available at: https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/exclusive-freedom-to-maneuver-key-for-future-space-combat-mindset-says-ex-spacecom-deputy/ (accessed 23.05.2024).
12. Hitchens T. Silentbarker ‘watchdog’ to be ‘exponential’ leap in DoD monitoring of Chinese, Russian sats. Breaking Defense, 31.08.2023. Available at: https://breakingdefense.com/2023/08/silentbarker-watchdog-to-be-exponential-leap-in-dod-monitoring-of-chinese-russian-sats/ (accessed 23.06.2024).
13. Wang J., Wang R., Zhang L., Chen X., Chen W., Guo J., Cai Sh. On-orbit application research and imaging simulation analysis of GSSAP satellite. Infrared and Laser Engineering, 2023, vol. 52, iss. 4. Available at: https://www.sciengine.com/IRLA/doi/10.3788/IRLA20220759 (accessed 05.06.2024).
14. Zagorski A.V., Romashkina N.P., eds. Informational Security Problems in Modern International crises and conflicts of XXI century. Moscow, IMEMO, 2016. 183 p. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.20542/978-5-9535-0477-5
15. Romashkina N.P., Markov A.S., Stefanovich D.V. International Security, Strategic Stability and Information Technologies. Moscow, IMEMO, 2020. 98 p. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.20542/978-5-9535-0581-9
SOURCES
1. Artificial Earth satellites (ISS). The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. (In Russ.) Available at: https://encyclopedia.mil.ru/encyclopedia/dictionary/details.htm?id=13199@morfDictionary (accessed 05.06.2024).
2. Orbiting Now. Active satellite orbit data. 2024. Available at: https://orbit.ing-now.com/# (accessed 23.05.2024).
3. UCS Satellite Database. Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Available at: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database (accessed 23.05.2024).
4. Missile Defense Milestones 1944–1997. Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20121028071727/http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/program/milestone.htm (accessed 27.05.2024).
5. National Space Policy. Available at: https://aerospace.csis.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/NSC-49-Clinton-US-National-Space-Policy.pdf (accessed 23.05.2024).
6. The US Space Forces received the first weapon. Mediagruppa “Zvezda”, 20.03.2020. (In Russ.) Available at: https://tvzvezda.ru/news/2020320252-I38eU.html (accessed 23.05.2024).
7. Joint effort made satellite success possible. Globalsecurity, 2008. Available at: https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2008/space-080226-afpn01.htm (accessed 27.01.2022).
8. Space weapons and equipment. Handbook of terminology in the defense sector. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. (In Russ.) Available at: https://dictionary.mil.ru/folder/123087/item/130240/ (accessed 23.05.2024).
9. Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program. Available at: https://breakingdefense.com/tag/geosynchronous-space-situational-awareness-program/ (accessed 15.06.2024).
10. Russia is concerned about the number of US satellites in space. RT, 30.10.2019. (In Russ.) Available at: https://russian.rt.com/world/news/682054-rossiya-sputniki-ssha (accessed 27.05.2024).
11. Russia has accused the United States of hiding the true functions of the satellites. TASS, 03.06.2021. (In Russ.) Available at: https://tass.ru/politika/11558523 (accessed 23.05.2024).
12. In Russia they talked about the US development of means capable of disabling Russian satellites. Speech by Major General A. Nestechuk at the round table of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation “40 years of the US program “Strategic Defense Initiative” (SDI) and the problem of militarization of space.” TASS, 16.02.2023. (In Russ.) Available at: https://tass.ru/politika/17063933 (accessed 15.05.2024).
13. Shoigu: Almost the entire NATO satellite constellation is working against the Russian army. Rossiiskaya gazeta, 21.09.2022. (In Russ.) Available at: https://rg.ru/2022/09/21/shojgu-pochti-vsia-sputnikovaia-gruppirovka-nato-rabotaet-protiv-rossijskoj-armii.html (accessed 23.05.2024).
14. Nikolai Patrushev: NATO countries have turned Ukraine into one large military camp. Rossiiskaya gazeta, 27.03.2023. (In Russ.) Available at: https://rg.ru/2023/03/27/nikolaj-patrushev-strany-nato-sdelali-iz-ukrainy-odin-bolshoj-voennyj-lager.html (accessed 23.04.2024).
15. Speech by Deputy Head of the Russian Delegation K.V. Vorontsov during a thematic discussion on the section “Space (disarmament aspects)” in the First Committee of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. UN, 26.10.2022. (In Russ.) Available at: https://russiaun.ru/ru/news/261022_v (accessed 15.04.2024).
16. H.R. 7900–FY23 National Defense Authorization Bill Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. Available at: https://armedservices.house.gov/_cache/files/6/6/669844f3-0199-4016-a154-16301f07b96e/45DB9E09D47A3B155E8441C76D8630D3.fy23-ndaa-strategic-forces-subcommittee-mark.pdf (accessed 15.05.2024).
17. Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. UN, New York, 19.12.1966. Available at: https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/tos/tos.html (accessed 15.05.2024).
18. Meeting on the Development of the Space Industry. President of Russia, 26.10.2023. (In Russ.) Available at: http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/72606 (accessed 23.05.2024).
19. List of Documents Signed During the State Visit to the Russian Federation by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. President of Russia, 21.03.2023. (In Russ.) Available at: http://www.kremlin.ru/supplement/5918 (accessed 15.03.2024).
20. Russia and China Have Begun Exchanging Data from Earth Observation Satellites. Regnum, 25.06.2022. (In Russ.) Available at: https://regnum.ru/news/it/3628875.html (accessed 23.03.2024).
21. The First Joint Goals of China and Russia in Space Have Been Identified. Moskovsky Komsomolets, 22.03.2023. (In Russ.) Available at: https://www.mk.ru/science/2023/03/22/opredeleny-pervye-sovmestnye-celi-kitaya-i-rossii-v-kosmose.html (accessed 23.03.2024).
22. Documents Signed Following the Talks Between President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. President of Russia, 16.05.2024. (In Russ.) Available at: http://www.kremlin.ru/supplement/6131 (accessed 23.05.2024).
23. Joint Statement by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Deepening Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation Entering a New Era, in the Context of the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Two Countries. President of Russia, 16.05.2024. (In Russ.) Available at: http://www.kremlin.ru/supplement/6132 (accessed 23.05.2024).
No comments