F. Demilitarization and Exploration of Space

The Green Party recognizes the need for the inspiration and education that the peaceful exploration of Space provides; the need for space-based systems to monitor environmental conditions on Earth; the many advances in space technology that benefit all people on Earth; and the inspiration provided to children by Space exploration can prompt them to pursue math, science, and other important courses of study. [See also section L.Advanced Technology and Defense Conversion on page 68 in chapter IV]

The peaceful exploration of Space has been usurped by the militarization of Space. The last four U.S. - backed military conflicts have used space-based technology to disrupt the computer and communication systems of sovereign states. The funds required for continuing peaceful Space exploration have been used, instead, for the design, implementation and deployment of wasteful and dangerous Space hardware, such as the Strategic Defense Initiative.

1. The Green Party calls for the end of Space militarization and opposes any form of spacebased military aggression. We embrace peaceful Space exploration as a means for all people on this planet to work together. The benefits of inspired education are well worth the investment in peaceful Space exploration.

2. The Green Party supports only the peaceful and sustainable exploration of Space, on a case by case, mission-specific basis, including the signing of the International Treaty for the Demilitarization of Space. The Green Party advocates a reduction of human-staffed space flight due to the high cost and risk for human life and the availability of automated technology that can perform necessary functions in space-based research.

F. Demilitarization and Exploration of Space

Outer Space - Commercial, Exploratory, Military

1. Our technological entrance into outer space happened after WWII, and Satellites became fundamental to the functioning of our society. Broadcast television, the internet, ATM machines, banking transfers, telephone service, credit card validation, weather prediction, terrestrial and oceanic mapping, atmospheric and natural disaster monitoring, urban planning and navigation - all rely on the use of satellites.

2. There are some 600 to 800 operational satellites currently in orbit; of which the majority were launched by the United States. Also, there are around 40,000 bits of debris circulating the Earth. The space environment is over-taxed by space pollution from orbital debris and saturation of radio-frequency. An international treaty for scheduling a launch, for tracking and for surveillance of space objects is imperative.

3. For years, space was a zone of cooperation as civil society and commercial industry increased their use and dependence on space systems. Despite tacit and expressed agreement among nations not to militarize space, the United States government, driven by its mistrust of international treaties, pursues the militarization path. In effect, it has become the threat it feared from others.

4. The line between land-based and space-based weapons has faded from sight as the US Air Force and the Missile Defense Agency researched and developed space-weapon technologies. These weapons, launched from land or space, target orbiting assets or other space weapons enable the US to cope with any threat to our nation or to our foreign bases and allies.

5. While multiple efforts have been made to hold conventions, and forums to ban space weapons, and to build trust among nations, they are futile without US agreement. The US is expanding its space power.

6. The Green Party opposes all forms of militarization of space. We oppose researching, testing and deploying anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) from the land or the air. We oppose the development and basing of interceptor missiles in the US or other countries; we oppose debris-creating weapons. In effect, we demand that the US return to the conference table and create an international treaty that totally reverses the militarization of space.