[...]
In reality, maintaining the position of leader in the field while peacefully utilizing space renders theUnited States
a strong military power as well. It is important to keep in mind the exercise
of power exhibited by the U.S.
as opposed to the former Soviet Union during
the cold war. At that time, one of the most valuable assets a state could have
was to become a pioneer of space exploration. The first state to explore and
use the space for national security would have been the most powerful in the
world. In the words of James Lipp of RAND Corporation,
In reality, maintaining the position of leader in the field while peacefully utilizing space renders the
… since mastery of the elements is a reliable
index of material progress, the nation which first makes significant
achievements in space travel will be acknowledged as the world leader in both
military and scientific techniques. [4]
Therefore, spaceflight was and
still is a form of soft power, a method to influence other nations by an
impressive display of space capabilities. What other means to keep the world
leader positions but to continue the peaceful space exploration for the benefit
of all humanity!
Notes:
[1] The White
House. National Space Policy
of the United States of
America
[2] United
Nations. United Nations Treaties and Principles on Outer Space. New York
http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/publications/STSPACE11E.pdf
(accessed January 21, 2013), vi.
[3] ACQ Web. ABM Treaty: Remarks by the
President on NMD. December 13, 2001.
www.acq.osd.mil/tc/treaties/abm/remarks.htm (accessed January 21, 2013), para.
6.
[4] Gillespie,
Paul and Grant Weller, Eds. 2008. Harnessing
the Heavens: National Defense Through Space. U.S.
Air Force
Academy : Launnius, Roger D. National
Security, Space, and the Course of Recent U.S.
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