Golden Dome: Space Defense & Implications

1. Golden Dome (2025): $175-billion U.S. space-based missile shield using satellite interceptors (kinetic/directed-energy weapons).
2. Legal Challenge:
   • Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967 (Article IV):
     • Bans WMDs in space.
     • Allows conventional weapons (loophole exploited by Golden Dome).
     • Mandates "exclusively peaceful purposes" on celestial bodies.
   • PAROS Treaty: UN resolutions oppose space arms race (non-binding).
3. Risks:
   • Dual-use ambiguity: Interceptors can target missiles or enemy satellites (ASAT capability).
   • Erodes mutual deterrence → Space arms race → Debris/instability.
   • Weakens OST → Space becomes "legal grey zone."
4. India's Dilemma:
   • Strategic partner in space situational awareness with U.S.
   • Conflicts with India’s advocacy for demilitarized space (PAROS supporter, Global South leader).
   • Impacts pending Space Activities Bill (dual-use tech, treaty compliance).

• Current Affairs:
  • U.S.-China/Russia tensions over space weapons (2023-25).
  • PAROS Resolution 76/231 (2021): Demands binding space arms control.

PYQs & Linkage

• Mains 2019 (GS-III): "Discuss strategic implications of space militarization."
• Mains 2013 (GS-II): "Critically examine outdated space laws."