Militarization of space

This report surveys military uses of space and the possible future deployment of weapons in space. Short descriptions of possible space-weapon systems are included. Security-policy issues in the context of the growing military dependencies on space-based system are discussed with special attention to the relations between USA, Russia, China and Europe. A list of nations that own satellites placed in orbit during 2000-2002 is presented. The list gives an overview of the wide-spread interest and investments in space and also which nations that have military ambitions with their space systems. The nations assessed capabilities and ambitions are briefly discussed.