Abstract
Far from the reach of conventional and unconventional realms, arms race between nations has entered into outer space. Today space is becoming a new battleground. Modern weapon systems and other advanced outer-space capabilities are increasingly making it possible for nations to use these space based systems. Space is a global common. It is a shared treasure of mankind. It can be used for strategic competition, as well as expanding economic growth of a country. During second half of 20th century Soviet Union was the first nation to launch surveillance satellites but soon United States also followed this path. Today, eleven countries including Ukraine and Russia have space launch capabilities and around 60 nations are maintaining nearly 1100 active satellites.
Significance of an advanced space program can be gauged from the statement of US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, who termed it “the ultimate high ground”. A military oriented space program provides strategic support to national security and military related activities. It also offers an edge in terms of providing real time information support during conventional combats.