7 With the establishment of a lunar base, a nation with advanced laser technology, advanced cyber weaponry, maneuverable space planes, satellite targeting capabilities, nano-science stealth technology, artificial intelligence, and self-guiding nanotechnology bullets would undoubtedly have the capacity to rule the Earth as it sees fit. Space weapons in development may use robotics, nanotechnology, and directed energy such as microwaves and lasers. 6 Despite the array of international treaties and agreements promoting peaceful global development of space resources in the name of science and humanity, it is unlikely that space will remain weapon free and likely that it will become the next frontier of global combat. 5 All of these nations (as well as several others, including India and Japan) intend to establish lunar bases within the next 20 years. The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) developed the X-37 and X-37B space planes, and the Russian Federation is developing a maneuverable space plane using nuclear technology for power. The development of maneuverable space planes and lunar bases is not unique to the PRC. It continues to be locked in an intense space race with the rest of the space-savvy international community-particularly Russia, the United States, and India-with a short-term goal of controlling the Moon with a lunar base and a longer-term goal of populating Mars under the rule of the PRC. 3 The PRC even "reportedly launched a hypersonic 'prototype space fighter' " in 2010. Some analysts believe that the deliberate collision of PRC satellites with older satellites shows that the PRC has experimented with "parasitic satellites" designed to lie dormant in the vicinity of a target until activated, potentially for hacking purposes. 2 These technologies could easily be used offensively to create a decision advantage in combat. 1 These capabilities fall under the guise of the Outer Space Treaty’s permission to destroy militarized satellites. The PRC has added the capability to "physically attack satellites using antisatellite interceptors, miniature space mines, and ground-based lasers" into its military space program. Finally, Part 5 concludes with an analysis of the potential implications of recent developments and control over space and celestial bodies with regard to global economic stability and space superiority, emphasizing the absolute need of American leadership as humans expand into the space domain.Īdvancements in space technology are quickly leading to an inevitable conflict over control in space, which includes control over the Moon through lunar bases and potentially control over the colonization of Mars. ![]() Part 4 underscores the severity of the potential and actuality of space weaponization, including an overview of existing and theoretical weaponry and legal implications. Part 3 explores the potential benefits of exploring, exploiting, and colonizing Mars. Part 2 examines lunar exploitation and resources, particularly Helium-3, and the potential for future fusion energy developments. Part 1 outlines recent space-relevant technological developments. The author explores the technologies available in today's space race environment, including potential future energy resources available in space, weapon systems designed for space warfare, the legal implications of each, and some potential consequences of different nations gaining the upper hand in the heavens. This article assumes the inevitability of space exploration-including celestial body resource exploitation, weapon research and developments, and the human colonization of Mars-in an attempt to answer the question of how important the role is for American leadership of human expansion into space. ![]() There are few international recourses available to prevent a nation from developing a variety of space weaponry or exploiting space resources. Existing international laws and treaties, notably the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty), lack sufficient legally binding language when applied to today’s space-based technologies and concepts for developments. ![]() Each is also developing a variety of space-based weapon systems and spacecraft capable of maneuvering in zero gravity, the combination of which can and will be used to control space and potentially the future of mankind. Each of these nations has plans for lunar bases and the colonization of Mars. The Russian Federation (RF), People’s Republic of China (PRC), and United States are the three most powerful nations on Earth, and each is deeply invested in a new kind of space race to gain and maintain control over space. Space is becoming the next frontier for human conflict.
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