The Militarization of Outer Space

As governments grow increasingly dependent on commercial space systems for military advantage, private companies are thrust into an impossible bind. They can enable one side and risk being seen as a belligerent, or deny access and potentially alter the course of a war.

That dilemma raises a difficult question. When commercial assets become legitimate military targets, does attacking them constitute an act of war?

Despite these pressing issues, the rules governing commercial space assets are decades out of date. As private actors become operational gatekeepers in space warfare, a dangerous policy vacuum has emerged. No clear legal or institutional framework exists to guide their actions or assign responsibility. The line between commercial and military space has blurred.