U.S. Criticizes Russia for Blocking UN Security Council Resolution on Outer Space Treaty

Context

The United States criticized Russia for vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution regarding the Outer Space Treaty. 

UN Security Council Resolution on Outer Space Treaty

• Fundamental Obligation of State Parties: The  U.N. Security Council resolution, proposed jointly by the United States and Japan aimed to establish a legally binding obligation prohibiting the placement of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear weapons, in orbit.
• Consequences of Orbital Nuclear Weapon Placement:  The act of a State Party placing a nuclear weapon in orbit would not only breach the Outer Space Treaty but also endanger the essential services provided by satellites.
• Strengthening Arms Control in Outer Space: If passed, the resolution would have underscored the importance of additional measures, such as political agreements and enforceable treaties, incorporating robust verification mechanisms. 
  • These measures are essential to prevent any form of arms race in outer space comprehensively.

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What is Outer Space?

• About: Outer space is the region beyond the atmosphere of Earth. It begins about 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. The line separating the atmosphere and outer space is called the Kármán line. 
  • The terms outer space and the universe are roughly equivalent, except that outer space refers only to the area between planets, while the universe encompasses planets as well.

Outer Space Treaty, 1967 

The United Nations Outer Space Treaty is an international agreement binding member states to only use outer space for peaceful purposes.

• It provides principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.
• India ratified the treaty in 1982.
• Objective: It primarily addresses the peaceful use of outer space and prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
  • It also contains provisions related to space debris and the return of space objects to Earth.
• Mandate: It mainly deals with damage caused by space objects to other space assets.
  • It also applies to damage caused by falling objects on Earth.
• Governing Principles: It lays down the following governing principles:
  • The exploration and use of outer space will be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and will be the province of all mankind.
  • Outer space will be free for exploration and use by all states.
  • Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty.
  • Astronauts will be regarded as the envoys of mankind.
  • States will be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities.
  • States will be liable for damage caused by their space objects.
  • States shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.

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