Automated Space Defense System (ASDS) - An Abomination for Space Law Treaties?

Abstract

The use of Automated Space Defense Systems (ASDS) conflicts with the international space treaty (i.e., the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST) that prohibits the use of weapons of mass destruction and urges to use of space. The study will answer the question of whether Automated Space Defense Systems (ASDS) violate the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and contribute to space militarization through a literature review, historical context, or case studies (i.e., US missile defense, Chinese Anti-Satellite, also known as ASAT tests), comparative analysis of dual-use technologies, and expert interviews. The study will help to explain the treaty compliance, uncover the threat of an arms race, and suggest solutions, including the transparency measures or new legal frameworks, to make sure that ASDS are consistent with the international law of space and that outer space is used in peaceful activities.