IntroductionPerhaps space activities have never been wholly peaceful, but recent years have seen the heightened militarisation and weaponisation of outer space. This proliferation of military space capabilities across the globe has heightened the risk of geopolitical conflicts involving space. There are four key sources of international law applicable to military uses of space: two treaties and two bodies of international law and principles. The Outer Space TreatyThe relevant provisions of the Treaty in considering war in space are the recitals and articles III, IV, VI and IX. AttributionArticle VI of the Outer Space Treaty establishes a special regime for attribution of responsibility in space.

Source: New York Times March 31, 2026 08:54 UTC