The exploration and utilisation of outer space have transitioned from being the prerogative of a few developed nations to a global concern. Space is now a congested, contested, and competitive domain. Space technologies and programs have become vital for major spacefaring nations’ national power. Moreover, space is recognised as the common heritage of humankind, a domain with boundless potential to benefit all nations. In the past three decades, space has gained importance for spacefaring nations’ security and socio-economic development. However, most of the activities in this domain are unchecked due to the lack of an internationally agreed-upon treaty to prohibit the ongoing weaponisation of space. The challenges to international space governance in ensuring space is a safer and more secure environment are enormous. These include the increasing pool of actors, growing commercialistion, expanding military space programs, the proliferation of anti-satellite weapons, and a lack of consensus among states on a conclusive and universally negotiated treaty prohibiting an arms race in space. Another major obstacle in reaching a consensus on a universally agreed treaty to prevent the weaponisation of space is the aggressive military space doctrines, policies, and strategies of major space powers.
The above factors are pitfalls of space weaponisation, and scholars across the globe are exploring solutions. The latest joint academic effort is being done by Dr Ahmad Khan, PhD scholar of National Defence University Islamabad, and NASA’s former Scientist, Dr Eligar Sadeh, by writing a book titled Sabre–Rattling in Space, published by Springer, Singapore in December 2024. This book, with its focus on space-related issues in South Asia, offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this evolving landscape in space. It presents a nuanced perspective on advocating for policies that align technological advancements with the peaceful, equitable use of space.
The book highlights that as space technology advances, so do the risks to space operations, including security and sustainability. The growing weaponisation of space is evident. Over the years, States have followed a path from space militarisation to weaponisation. At present, no state is ready to accept that it has employed space weapons. This means they have stationed weapons in space. Such employment will incentivise other states to follow suit. It is a fact that the orbital mechanics of space do not allow space weapons to be stationed for a prolonged period with destructive technology. Therefore, most counterspace capabilities are developed on Earth, and major spacefaring nations are waiting to see who will blink the eye first. In addition, the use of non-kinetic methods, such as cyber-attacks, to degrade, disrupt, or temporarily destroy space assets complicates the space security paradigm. These technological developments have increased the likelihood of conflict in outer space and exacerbate the problem of space debris, which threatens the safety of satellites and human missions.
Pakistan does not show any intention to develop space weapons. Pakistan is against the weaponisation of space and all its manifestations
The book gives a detailed comparative analysis of India and Pakistan’s space policies. Indian space policy makers pay significant attention to developing space-based command, control, communication assists with advanced C4I2SR capability. India has been developing Ballistic Missile Defense System and paid considerable attention in developing ASAT capabilities. The book suggests that India’s space policy, strategy and doctrine give impetus to expand the space program to make India a global space power. However, it is still a regional space power with global ambitions.
As far as Pakistan is concerned, its resources are limited compared to global spacefaring nations. However, SUPARCO has achieved significant milestones, including satellite launches and the development of space-based applications for national needs. Pakistan’s space policy is based on technological determinism to utilize space for socio-economic development. The book highlights that Pakistan has no space weapons. Furthermore, Pakistan does not show any intention to develop space weapons. Pakistan is against the weaponisation of space and all its manifestations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is also an active participant in international space governance. It has played an active role in supporting the negotiated legally binding instrument on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) in the Conference on Disarmament and the UN First Committee. More recently, Pakistan became Co-chair of a new platform established at the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) that will address coordination and cooperation on the lunar resources; the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultations (ATLAC). The effort reflects Pakistan’s recognition of the need for collaborative approaches to address the challenges of space security and sustainability.
The book is a timely contribution covering the Pakistani perspective. The publication is the first ever internationally published academic account from Pakistan on an issue of high importance. It also focuses on the policies of China and the United States and highlights the implications of an arms race in outer space for regional and global strategic stability. Highlighting Pakistan’s space programme fills a critical gap in the existing body of literature. The book's emphasis on creating public awareness on space security and governance is commendable, and encourages students and scholars to conduct future research on space security.