The author evaluates a recent Australian Senate Committee report on space policy and laments the lack of attention to military space policy, which he argues is unfortunate because "the further militarisation of space will be an important strategic development in the first half of the 21st century."

European Union ministers are meeting next week to implement a new European space policy which identifies military 'security' as a priority but a new report argues that this could lead to a costly 'Star Wars' arms drive.

Preventing an arms race in outer space was the hot-button issue on the floor of the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) today, as Egypt, in one of two draft resolutions introduced in the Committee, sought to highlight the danger of an arms race in outer space, while representatives of countries with major space capabilities debated how best to address the issue.

The American military is planning a “spaceplane” designed to fly a crack squad of heavily armed marines to trouble spots anywhere in the world within four hours.

Congress voted recently to approve $5 million for a study of space-based missile defenses, the first time the development of space weapons will be considered since similar work was canceled in the 1990s.

A panel of experts at the conservative Heritage Foundation expressed alarm that China is building space capabilities that could surpass U.S. technological advances and boost China's diplomatic and economic ties with its allies.

The Pentagon wants to rocket troops through space to hot spots anywhere on the globe within two hours, and planners spent two days last month discussing the project currently named "Small Unit Space Transport and Insertion (SUSTAIN)."

Hans M. Kristensen criticizes the recent State Department Advisory Board study that advocates increased spending on nuclear, conventional, and space weapons as recommending "policies that would increase and deepen military competition and in essence constitute a small Cold War with China."

The United States needs new weapon systems, including missile defenses and other advanced military capabilities, to deter and counter China's steady buildup of nuclear and conventional arms, according to a draft internal report by a State Department advisory board.

The Pentagon has approved plans to buy and launch two commercial-class imagery satellites for intelligence gathering. However, the decision still awaits approval as it conflicts with national security space policy that directs the government to buy as much commercial imagery as possible to help U.S. companies withstand competition from subsidized foreign satellite companies.