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US Finally Backs International Space "Code of Conduct"

Posted by samzenpus on from the space-rules dept.

coondoggie writes "Perhaps it was the concern that the nearly 14 ton Russian Mars probe would land smack-dab on the White House or maybe they just came to their senses, but the U.S. State Department today said it would indeed work with the European Union and other countries to develop a formal space code of conduct. Of particular concern is the growing amount of space trash and how the world can go about eliminating or controlling the problem. There is also the desire to keep space free of military weaponry."

5 of 116 comments (clear)

  1. Why do I have a hard time believing this ? by vikingpower · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "There is also the desire to keep space free of military weaponry"

    BOUAHAHAHA

    Sorry, had to catch my breath from laughing

    --
    Religous speak to God. Insane are spoken to by God. When all shut up, one can finally hear Shostakovich in peace
    1. Re:Why do I have a hard time believing this ? by SuricouRaven · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If they did, do you think we'd know about it? They put up classified payloads all the time. Like all good conspiracy theories, it may or may not be true... but you can't prove it isn't.

      The DoD did express some interest years back in hypervelocity rods. Streamlined rods of titanium or such that could be dropped from orbit with precise aim, for when you want to blow up a target without the political problems of sending aricraft or missiles through neutral airspace.

    2. Re:Why do I have a hard time believing this ? by jamstar7 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      They could, but why would they? Most countries want access to space, after all it is the best way to deliver nukes to their enemies. In fact it's the only way, and nukes are the only things that can keep countries like the US in check because their conventional armies are so big.

      Smuggling works, too. If you have a channel in place to bring in 350 kilos of cocaine, bringing in a nuke is a piece of cake.

      Downside of course is the blackmail from the smuggler, but hey, all those drug cartels have gang wars all the time, right? Who'd notice one more body? Especially when DHS tells the cops to go grab a donut, this is NATIONAL SECURITY again.

      --
      Understanding the scope of the problem is the first step on the path to true panic.
  2. So now by delta98 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    is a good time to decide that shitting in the same bowl we eat out of is a bad idea?

  3. Re:Militarised space is a good thing.... by Djehuty3 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Kessler Syndrome. Go look it up.

    Militarisation of space is bad for everybody.