Rocket may spearhead weaponisation of space I: North Korea’s
satellite launch highlights risk of using space for warfare The
launch of a satellite by North Korea on Wednesday prompted a
louder than usual international outcry over the isolated
communist state’s provocative behaviour, with condemnation at
the UN security council and calls by the US for more sanctions.
The reasons cited for putting a 200lb Earth surveillance
satellite, the Kwangmyongsong-3, into orbit – for peaceful
research according to North Korea’s young leader, Kim Jong-un –
are being seen as somewhat specious. Initially, US officials
reported the satellite was tumbling out of control, but South
Korean officials soon reported it was orbiting normally. The
prospect of an out-of-control satellite is a troubling one. A
2011 US national security space strategy document outlined the
problem – there are approximately 22,000 man-made objects in
orbit, of which 1,100 are active satellites, and the number is
rising rapidly. That is leading to increas