Space weapons are not subject to any international policies or norms. These weapons are not covered by any international law. This can lead to confusion that can lead into armed conflict. The United States has already rejected a treaty limiting the use and possession of these weapons. Russia is following suit.
Space weapons are not explicitly limited by international legal instruments.
As space systems continue to play a growing role in wars and international security, militaries may develop the capability of attacking or destroying them during a conflict. Many countries are investing in missile defense capabilities that could potentially be used as antisatellite weaponry. Israel even suggested that it might use its Arrow system to this end in the future. This problem of missile defense and satellite weapons getting in the way is a serious one.
The Outer Space Treaty bans WMD from being deployed or used in space orbit. However, it doesn't prohibit conventional space weapons and nuclear missiles from space. It does not ban the use of conventional space weapons that are powered by nuclear power sources. There are no rules about the path of intercontinental missiles into space.
U.S. rejects treaty to limit them
Russia and China sent a draft to the United Nations to limit space weapons. However, the United States won't sign it due to its secretive nature. The Bush administration dismissed the treaty as a diplomatic ploy. The Obama administration has also been reluctant to sign the treaty.
While the United Nations has agreed not to allow an outer space arm race, it hasn't negotiated any effective treaty to limit space weaponry. While the United States insists there isn’t such a race, it says there is no reason to act. The international community however agrees that the time is right to prevent space weaponization.
The treaty would require that all countries conduct a legal analysis of any space weapon, before it is used. The review would check if the weapon breaches the laws or principles of weapons law. The treaty does NOT require that the states make their legal review public.
Russia
There has been much controversy in the past couple of years about whether Russia has space weapons. Although there are many theories, some commentators believe Russia is creating space weapons to counter the aggressive US space weapons program. Russian commentators argued that this program would prevent hostile actions by space-enabled weapons.
Russians are testing anti-satellite weaponry. These weapons can be used to strike satellites with aircraft and lasers. Russia is also working on a way to shoot down another satellite with one of its own. These weapons are becoming more popular because of our dependence. But, many countries are calling for a treaty against the development and use of space weapons.
Russia's national security is dependent on the Russian space program. It is critical to Moscow’s nuclear forces. Its early warning satellites can monitor objects in low-Earth orbit and provide launch data to command-and-control centers.