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There is an ongoing debate on an India-China space race. Both states have made investments in the space domain for the last few decades for social, scientific, commercial, and military reasons. The January 2007 anti-satellite test conducted by China significantly raised international concerns on issues concerning space security. China's strategic space program is witnessing major advances, and China's attainments in the space arena in terms of its financial investments, expanse of programs, technology proficiency, and future plans are ahead of those of India. At the same time, both states are pursuing programs such as the development of navigational networks and missions to the Moon and Mars. In this context, it is of interest to analyze China's increasing focus on satellite technologies and India's response. This article analyzes the possible manifestation of a "security dilemma" in the context of outer space among these states and concludes that the dilemma is suggestive, but not definitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the Asian continent is gaining significant importance in global affairs. The twenty-first century is sometimes described as the “Asian century.” As the largest and most populous continent in the world with progressive economics, the Asian continent is emerging as a business center of the world. This offers commercial opportunities in various sectors, including outer space. Further, Asia is emerging as a key hub for science and innovation. In this context, the present state and future prospects of space tourism in Asia are assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space power is a relatively nascent discourse that is gaining importance globally. This article examines India’s space program within the global context in order to understand the shifting power balance in the space arena. The article first clarifies contextual variants of the definition of power, recalibrating those formulations to the space context. This is followed by an examination of the Indian space program—its evolution historically, current limitations, and increasing relevance today. Space is a versatile domain and, due to its interconnected nature, it impacts the world. Hence, this article also examines global engagements and collaborative efforts being made across borders, and the strategic modalities involved in traversing such sensitive diplomatic terrain. Finally, the article concludes by reiterating the soft power and hard power potentials of the space arena, whose versatility contributes towards intrinsic national growth and extrinsic power projections. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article links the prospects of growth in space tourism to the defense preparedness of the state. It is argued that any significant developments in space tourism attract the attention of strategic planners to check the feasibility of using the transportation platforms that support tourism for strategic purposes. It is likely that the way developments in rail, air, and maritime transportation revolutionized the method of warfighting, developments in the space travel sector will make their impact on warfare in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the utility and limitations of existing space surveillance networks to address the issue of spaceflight safety and proposes a way forward. Specifically, it begins with a brief explanation of why space situational awareness (SSA) is important and draws attention to the existing major SSA networks followed by a brief summary of the major limitations of the US, Russian and Chinese networks. These limitations highlight why we collectively need to craft a better and more efficient mechanism. Finally, it concludes with a techno-political elucidation for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author has presented his views on the conduct of space agencies of several countries while operating in outer space and informs that European Union has launched a diplomatic process for the generation of International Code of Conduct (CoC). He also discusses the prospects of creating sustainable mechanism for the use of outer space for peaceful and economically beneficial purposes. He has also referred a report from United Nations on the placement of satellites in outer space.

The Indian space program, which was started with a modest mandate in the early 1960s, has today become a leader in the developing world. India's space program is civilian in orientation and has a major socioeconomic developmental focus. India also has an interest in lunar and planetary exploration missions: it has already successfully undertaken its first Moon mission. Nuclear India's growing international stature gives it strategic relevance, both regionally and globally. Satellite technology, being inherently dual-use, has applicability for strategic purposes too. Modern-day military preparation demands dependence on space assets for communication, navigation and reconnaissance. This article attempts to understand how India is trying to factor space into its overall security calculus. With changing threat perceptions, it is becoming important for the Indian armed forces to increase its dependence on space assets. Currently, the mandate for the state's civilian space program, cost considerations, technology transfer and other geopolitical concerns are limiting India's foray into the military space arena. India's position as regards conducting an anti-satellite test has also not yet been clearly articulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the challenges and future constraints for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). United Nations provisions present that all state parties with chemical weapons have been provided on April 29, 2012 as a deadline for total destruction. India has destroyed all its chemical weapons stockpiles as of March 26, 2009. The author also elaborates on the abandoned chemical weapons in China, which is another major issue for CWC to be resolved.

This article evaluates the opportunities associated with The Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) for India. HCoC is a stand-alone agreement against ballistic missile proliferation. Since the 1974 Pokharan nuclear tests it has been tricky for India to get into the non-proliferation mainstream. The success of the 2005 Indo-US nuclear deal is a first step towards global acceptability of India's non-proliferation and disarmament policies. Now, it is important for India to start supporting the international norms which do not affect their strategic programmes. This article argues that by signing the HCoC India could demonstrate its commitment towards the global non-proliferation and disarmament regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author presents insights into the space policy of U.S. President Barack Obama, which he articulated in his speech delivered on April 15, 2010 at Kennedy Space Centre of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Florida. In his speech, Obama states emphasizes space navigation within the framework of scientific advancements. This is in contrast, according to the author, to the weaponization of space adhered to by his predecessor.

In recent years, Iran has come to acquire a significant place in the West Asian region with the ability to influence regional politics. For India, relations with Iran are vital. In the changed strategic environment, both India and Iran have been working towards improving their bilateral relations. However, there are several challenges, especially for India, in this regard. If the Iran-US confrontation intensifies, for example, India may find it difficult to pursue a smooth relationship with Iran. This article looks at various facets of India-Iran relations and examines the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NT) are emerging fields of science and technology that are witnessing the emergence of an increasing number of new ideas and applications. Many states are seriously looking at military applications of this technology. This paper analyses the impact of NT on defence and looks at its current and futuristic applicability for military purposes, as well as their likely impact on arms control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article states that China has made investments in science and technology as part of its peaceful rise strategy. In January 2007, China has conducted an anti-satellite test (ASAT) by destroying its own ageing weather satellite. The ASAT, the author says, contradicts China's goal of peaceful rise. In 1998, the Pentagon reports that China already may possess the capability to damage optical sensors on satellites. India needs to look into its own space plan options if indeed China is in competition with India and Japan, the author concludes.

Most of the time, crucial decisions and strategic predictions are not made in an environment of absolute certainty. The same is true regarding threats from bioterrorism. Preparing against bioterrorism necessitates investments in public health surveillance, timely contributions from the biomedical sciences and the pharmaceutical industry, transnational collaborations and training. All these efforts demand large investments (for a relatively low-priority threat). The current revolution in biotechnology, information technology, sensor technology, and nanotechnology could be effectively used to strengthen biological defence techniques. This paper elucidates cost-benefit trade-offs associated with new scientific approaches in biological defence and argues that it is inappropriate to judge the investments in such technologies purely from a financial perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few decades, space has gained considerable importance in many facets of military operations. China has always believed proficiency in space technologies to be an essential ingredient of its overall national strength. Since its beginning, the Chinese space programme has had a definite military orientation. This article examines the impact of Chinese manned space missions and their investment in Europe's proposed global navigation and positioning system (Galileo) on their military space capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]