New US space policy targets rivals' capabilities

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2006

WASHINGTO (AFP) — President George W. Bush has approved a new national space policy aimed at denying "adversaries'" the use of space capabilities deemed hostile to US interests. Bush authorized the new policy on August 31 and the document, which replaces a 1996 space policy, was published quietly by the White House on October 6.

"United States national security is critically dependent upon space capabilities, and this dependence will grow," the strategic document says. "The United States will preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in space; ... and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to US national interests," it says. "Freedom of action in space is as important to the United States as air power and sea power." The text...