Research Guides: Outer Space Law: Space Force

Informational Videos

U.S. Agencies

This is the official website of the United States Space Force. It contains a fact sheet which provides an overview of the Space Force's mission, organization, and history.

Air Force Space Command

This is the website for the Air Force Space Command. The Air Force Space Command was re-designated as the Space Force, but this website can provide a bit of historical background and context.

United States Creates the U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force to Strengthen Military Capabilities in Space
This article provides a brief overview of the United States Space Force and its relationship with the Outer Space Treaty.

Armed Conflict on the Final Frontier: The Law of War in Space
This article examines both the law of war and the law of outer space. It covers the history and development of war in space and related international law. It analyzes whether the law of war applies to outer space and explores the nuances of the various treaties, particularly the Outer Space Treaty.

Event Horizon: Examining Military and Weaponization Issues in Space by Utilizing the Outer Space Treaty and the Law of Armed Conflict
This article analyzes both the Outer Space Treaty and the Law of Armed Conflict in three separate areas: military personnel in space, anti-satellite weaponry, and national defense in space. This article provides a very brief overview of the Outer Space Treaty and the Law of Armed Conflict and analyzes whether the Law of Armed Conflict applies to outer space. It then analyzes the military’s current use of outer space.

A Military Look into Space: The Ultimate High Ground
This article provides a snapshot of how technology has been used in space including the use of GPS, and communication satellites. It also addresses whether “peaceful purposes” in Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty applies to all of outer space or just the moon and other celestial bodies.

“Space Force Alpha” Military Use of the International Space Station and the Concept of “Peaceful Purposes”
This article analyzes the meaning of “peaceful purposes” in Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty. This article is a good resource for anyone unfamiliar with the Outer Space Treaty as it provides an analysis of each substantive article within the that treaty. It also provides an overview of other international agreements including the Rescue Agreement, Liability Convention, Registration Convention, and Moon Treaty.

U.S. Military Undergoes Restructuring to Emphasize Cyber and Space Capabilities
This brief article focuses on President Trump’s calls for a space force and the Department of Defense’s objection, stating that a new military branch must be approved by Congress. While brief, it provides insight into the creation of the United States Space Force.

Rules for the Heavens: The Coming Revolution in Space and the Laws of War
This article takes an in depth look into the current militaristic uses of outer space, the current laws of outer space, and the future of conflict in space.

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space force
space operations
space warfare

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