Can the U.S. Air Force Weaponize Space?

<p>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.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>