Union of Concerned Scientists

Tell Your Senators: No Space Weapons

For nearly a half-century, the peaceful use of space has yielded immense benefits to humans worldwide. Now, the Bush administration is requesting funding for a program that would, for the first time, set the United States on a path of placing weapons in space. This program is dangerous since it would encourage other countries to develop similar space weapons, which could be used to attack satellites. As soon as next week, the U.S. Senate could begin considering the annual defense bills that will determine whether to fund this program. Write to your senators immediately, urging them to oppose putting weapons in space and oppose funding for this program.

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Subject:

Dear Senator,

(Edit Letter Below)

I strongly oppose putting weapons in space. During consideration of the annual defense authorization and defense appropriations bills, I urge you to oppose any funding for the missile defense Space Test Bed. Please also take the opportunity to speak out forcefully against the weaponization of space.

The Space Test Bed would put dedicated space-based weapons in orbit for the first time. These weapons, however, would not provide an effective defense against missiles since they could be attacked from the ground or the system could be easily overwhelmed.

These space-based weapons would be more useful for attacking satellites than for missile defense. The program could therefore encourage other countries to develop similar anti-satellite weapons capabilities. Instead of defending our safety, this system could put at risk critical satellites used for communications, weather forecasting, and other global needs--both civil and military.

Recently, both the United States and China have used missiles to destroy their own satellites. Now is the critical time for the United States, which owns more than half the satellites in space, to take the lead in international efforts to keep satellites safe. The best course of action is for the United States to work with other nations to prohibit the deployment of space weapons and destructive attacks on satellites, not to lead the way to weaponizing space.

Please oppose attempts to include or add funding for the Space Test Bed in either of the defense bills.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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