David W McFaddin

Can the U.S. Air Force Weaponize Space? David W McFaddin

Publisher Marketing: The Air Force recently said one of its core competencies is Air and Space Superiority--control over what moves through air and space. Given the inclusion of space in this core competency, can the Air Force realistically achieve a level of Space Superiority via weaponization without violating international law? Additionally, the question exists of whether or not DoD, and the current Administration, will support the weaponization of space currently envisioned by the Air Force. Recent efforts in Congress to push for a National Missile Defense and a Space Based Laser demonstration, in direct opposition to the Administration, further highlight the politics the Air Force finds itself in the midst of as it pushes ahead with space control concepts. I propose to research all applicable international laws, in light of the Air Force's current proposal, for the answer to the first question. I will also compare the Air Force's proposed space weaponization concepts to current and proposed Space Policy to include an examination of the current political battles over the issue. The resulting answer will hopefully be of use to the Air Force as it deals with OSD, the Administration, and Congress on this issue.