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FAQ: Space Preservation Act of 2001 * Satellites Reveal Drought Conditions
11 October 2001
There will be 111 local actions in 19 nations on October 13 for the International Day of Protest to Stop the Weaponization of Space. Item 1 is about Dennis Kucinich's proposed legislation to Congress called the Space Preservation Act of 2001. This is the last glimmering hope for preserving space for peace, and preventing a new arms race. Please support this effort to help in the battle against terrorism and the proliferation and development of weapons of mass destruction.
1) Space Preservation Act of 2001
2) Satellites Reveal Drought Conditions
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1) Space Preservation Act of 2001
Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced the ban space-based weapons legislation, called the Space Preservation Act of 2001, on October 2nd. The FAQ-Frequently Asked Question (below), about the Space Preservation Act of 2001, may be used in October 13th workshops, and for educational purposes.
You may want copy the Space Preservation Act of 2001 to distribute to our Global Network participants.
[Link to http://www.peaceinspace.com to download a copy.]
ICIS - INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION IN SPACE
PO Box 25040 Ventura, CA 93001
Tel: 805-641-1999 Fax: 805-641-9669
rosin@peaceinspace.com
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Space Preservation Act of 2001
A Permanent Ban on Space-based Weapons
Banning the Weaponization of Space
1. Why is it urgent to prevent the weaponization of space?
The United States has put vast resources into a space-based weapons research and development (R&D) program also known as National Missile Defense (NMD), Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), "Star Wars," Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), or Global Protection System (GPS). This system would be ineffective, immensely costly, politically destabilizing, offensive, dangerous, and will only perpetuate more violence, suffering and death without protecting anyone or anything from suitcase bombs, biological or chemical warfare, or any number of inexpensive, easy ways of further terrorizing and killing, made all too tragically apparent on 9/11/01. It is our RESPONSIBILITY, to make sure that space remains weapons-free for future generations, and that space technology and information services are applied directly to humanitarian and environmental needs.
There is only one chance in history when we CAN prevent the weaponization of space from occurring. At a certain point, it could become impossible to stop the funding and vested interests that can build a gigantic and complicated system like this. We can now, AIKIDO style, steer the direction. It is not a matter of whether or not we are evolving into space. We are there. It is a matter of "how" we are going into space…with weapons or without.
Space-based weapons won't stop terrorists. Yet, the momentum is accelerating rapidly to weaponize space. We can stop it now, if we act quickly and effectively. The Space Preservation Act of 2001 introduced on Oct. 2nd offers us the first tool and the opportunity to outlaw space-based weapons while we still have a chance to do it, in 2002. (A World Treaty incorporating the language in the Space Preservation Act of 2001 wording will soon be introduced.)
2. What is the Space Preservation Act of 2001?
On October 2, 2001, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OHIO) introduced the Space Preservation Act of 2001 in the U.S. House of Representatives: "to preserve the cooperative uses of space for the benefit of all humankind by permanently prohibiting the basing of weapons in space by the United States, and to require the President to take actions to adopt and implement a world treaty banning space-based weapons."
About the Space Preservation Act of 2001 Kucinich says, "We signed the ABM treaty nearly 30 years ago which requires a reduction in strategic arms, nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. Weaponization of space clearly violates that treaty. My bill [calls] for an immediate and permanent termination of research, testing, manufacturing, production and deployment of all space-based weapons systems and components by any person, agency or contractor of the U.S. government."
The specially designed wording and the concepts in this Act present a new way of thinking and a politically, economically, technologically and socially feasible law and vision.
3. How does the Space Preservation Act of 2001 prevent the weaponization of space?
The Act places a permanent ban on the basing of weapons in space. It requires the President of the United States to: "(1) implement a permanent U.S. ban on space-based weapons and to remove from space any existing space-based weapons of the United States; and (2) immediately order the permanent termination of research and development, testing, manufacturing, production, and deployment of all space-based weapons of the United States and their components."
The Act defines "weapons" broadly, and prohibits only those that are based in space (60 km. or more above Earth) or on a celestial body, like the moon, the planets, or the asteroids or on man-made objects such as space stations or satellites.
4. Does the Space Preservation Act of 2001 help establish a world treaty banning space-based weapons?
The Space Preservation Act of 2001 requires the President to "direct the United States representatives to the United Nations and other international organizations to immediately work toward negotiating, adopting, and implementing a world agreement banning space-based weapons." An enforceable and verifiable world treaty banning space-based weapons must include most world nations in order to become law that will prevent the weaponization of space.
The Space Preservation Act of 2001 is the foundation for the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons. The World Treaty draft is now being discussed on high levels among world government(s) leaders.
Canada has announced an initiative for a world treaty banning space-based weapons. On July 26, 2001, the same date that Congressperson Kucinich announced his ban on space-based weapons, the Foreign Minister of Canada, John Manley, announced in Hanoi that "Canada would be very happy…to launch an initiative to see an international convention preventing the weaponization of space." Congressman Kucinich replied to the Canadian initiative stating, "I am pleased with the recent news from our neighbor to the north that Canada is ready to join an international effort to prohibit weapons in space."
A growing list of space-faring nations including Russia and China have publicly announced their support of a treaty banning space-based weapons and their commitment to preserving the Anti-Ballistic (ABM) treaty.
5. Why does space have to be preserved weapons-free?
Keeping weapons out of inter-planetary space is one of the most important and potentially the most important contribution our generation can make to the future of this planet. The time to begin this task is now, before an unstoppable momentum can be generated that would build space-based weapons. That window of opportunity is quickly closing as this space-based weapons R&D program accelerates. We need to cap the arms race before it reaches space.
Weapons in space would not protect anyone or anything from terrorism. The weaponization of space would increase global instability, and the probability of global warfare with weapons of mass destruction.
We've learned that enumerating the dangers, costs, and fallacies of space-based weapon systems will not stop them from being researched and developed, whether called the SDI, NMD, BMD, GPS, or "Star Wars." We've heard the ever-changing rationales for why this system is supposedly needed. In fact, under disclaimer "it's merely RESEARCH(!)" this has become the largest R&D program in history.
While we want a strong "national security" and a "world security" system, we now know that space-based weapons won't protect anyone or anything, and won't protect us against missiles or suitcase bombs.
Besides that thought process is one based on "first order change" that doesn't change anything. By banning space-based weapons, we cause "second order change" to occur. That means we "cap" the weapons industry before it can become a space-based weapons industry and create a cooperative world space industry with out weapons in space that will bring the world together with an abundance of benefits.
We are simply calling for just the removal of the mandate to weaponize space yet, simultaneously, for the continuation of world cooperative civil, military and commercial space R&D, applications and exploration programs of a non-space-based weapons nature.
6. Without weapons in space, how will security be based?
National and world security can only be achieved through world cooperation, information sharing, technology development and through the applications of Space Age technology and information services that will solve urgent and potential human and environmental problems.
We oppose the" weaponization" of space, not the "militarization" of space. Three quarters of existing satellites are of a military nature and have valuable non-weapons oriented applications. Space business, civil and commercial ventures, and exploration are inexorably linked to the military. Militaries in space are not going to disappear. They are highly skilled and organized, and have non-space-based weapons roles to play now and after the law banning space-based weapons is passed.
7. How can the war space industry be transformed into a space exploration and development industry?
The Space Preservation Act and the forthcoming world treaty enact world law that will ban space-based weapons. The timing is right to transform the space-based weapons industry into a world cooperative space industry that will stimulate the economy, create new jobs and training programs, and expand a strong national and global security system based on a world cooperation.
Instead of building space-based weapons, we will build world cooperative space ventures including space habitats, stations, hospitals, schools, industries, laboratories, farms, hotels and resorts, and craft to travel the universes to learn more about ourselves and our neighbors. IMAGINE what we will learn about advanced Space Age medical and healing techniques from developing a space hospital. IMAGINE what incredible advancements in education we will be able to make available to local areas worldwide in terms of global education for our children as we learn about Space Age technologies including enhanced communication satellite applications, for example. IMAGINE the impact on labor as we expand job market thus requiring enhanced training programs. IMAGINE how we will apply space technology and information services to viewing the earth from space so we can see where the sick waters are and clean them up. IMAGINE how satellites can be used not as "force multipliers" in war situations but to verify the reduction and eventual elimination of dangerous technologies, and for seeing to what remote locations suffering people have fled or migrated so that food, water and medicine can be distributed to them.
8. Will the Space Preservation Act of 2001 disrupt the economy?
The Space Preservation Act of 2001 halts research and development (R&D), testing, production, manufacturing and deployment of all space-based weapons. Far from disrupting the economy, it will stimulate it as new products and services are emerge, creating a multitude of diverse ne jobs and training programs.
Now, the largest R&D program in history is now mandated to weaponize space. Removing that mandate will not stop R&D, but it will stop the R&D intended for space-based weaponry. This will free the industry to create technologies and services that will provide an abundance of vital benefits and unlimited opportunities to all world citizens.
The space-based weapons industry will be transformed into a world cooperative civil, military and commercial space industry without weapons in space. The War and Weapons Economy will be transformed into a Space Age Economy.
9. What must happen for the Space Preservation Act of 2001 to become law?
Now that the Space Preservation Act of 2001 has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, it must be introduced into the U.S. Senate, passed by both chambers, sent to the President of the United States and signed into law.
The countries of the world will simultaneously be signing on to the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons that incorporates the same language.
U.S. national and world law will finally stop the escalation of the arms race into space during the year of 2002. Thus, the arms race will be over in 2002. The world's leaders, including adversaries, will join together in new kinds of commitments to work together in a new way…to reap the benefits and to participate in support of this new law.
10. What can I do to get the Space Preservation Act of 2001 passed and signed into law?
Make the prevention of the weaponization of space a priority in your life. Develop relationships with your legislative representatives, leaders of your community and country, political parties, and non-governmental organizations. Mobilize your groups and communities. Work every day in every way to keep space weapons-free.
Educate and encourage your congressional representatives to co-sponsor this legislation.
Contact nation-state and world leaders to educate and encourage them to introduce and to sign the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons. Also, ask them to contact the U.S. President to encourage him to sign the Space Preservation Act of 2001.
11. What will the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons and the Space Preservation Act of 2001 do?
1) Implement a permanent ban on space-based weapons and remove from space any existing space-based weapons.
2) Order the permanent termination of all research, testing, development, manufacturing, production, or deployment of all systems and components intended for space-based weapons by any person, agency, or contractor of any nation or party including any unacknowledged space-based weapons programs.
3) Verifiably disable and remove any deployed space-based weapons, acknowledged or unacknowledged.
4) Prohibit the basing in space of any tactical or strategic weapon or object carrying such weapons, including nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, or the installation of such space-based objects or weapons on celestial bodies, or the positioning of such weapons in outer space in any other manner. The moon, the planets, and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for non-weapons, peaceful purposes. The establishment of weapons-related military bases, installations and fortifications, the research, testing or development of any type of weapons and the conduct of military maneuvers on celestial bodies or on space-based objects, stations or platforms, shall be forbidden.
5) Declare that the use of military personnel for scientific research or for any other non-spaced-based weapons civil, military or commercial purposes shall not be prohibited. The use of any equipment or facility necessary for peaceful research, development, applications or exploration or for habitation on the moon, the planets or other celestial bodies, or on objects, stations or platforms in space shall also not be prohibited.
6) Establishment, funding, equipping and deployment of neutral world outer space peacekeeping organization, whose mission will be to monitor outer space and to verify the permanent ban of space-based weapons.
7) Space exploration, research, development, testing, manufacturing or deployment that is not related to space-based weapons or systems; including civil, commercial, or military and efense activities (ie. communications, navigation, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning, or remote sensing that are not related to space-based weapons or systems will continue.
8) The establishment of weapons-related military bases, installations and fortifications, the testing of any type of weapons and the conduct of military maneuvers on celestial bodies or space-based objects shall be forbidden. Nations will not base in space any object carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, install such space-based objects or weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner. The moon, the planets, and other celestial bodies shall be used by all States Parties to this Treaty exclusively for non-weapons, peaceful purposes.
9) Nation-state leaders will agree to establish, fund, equip and deploy a United Nations outer space peacekeeping agency, whose mission is to monitor outer space and enforce the permanent ban of space-based weapons.
10) Transform the space-based weapons industry into a world cooperative civil, military, and commercial space research, development, application and exploration industry.
Provide a "second order change" in which a new paradigm will be created. Put a literal "cap" on the arms race BEFORE it escalates into space. Change the war game into a space game, without space-based weapons…providing a new security system based on technology sharing and applications to solving urgent problems that even adversaries need to have solved, including information sharing and enhanced communication worldwide. Provide a stimulated economy with new jobs and training programs based on a new marketplace of products and services that will be applied directly to solving urgent problems of humans, animals and the environment.
CONCLUSION
Remember: We will have peace and justice on earth…through peace in space.
NOW is the time to transform the weapons industry into a space industry. The industry and that old mindset are mobilizing to move into space. It is our responsibility to make sure we ban all space-based weapons. We have a very short amount of time in which to accomplish this.
Together we can and will do it.
Four IMPORTANT position points:
1) We do not protest the "militarization of space." The militarization of space has happened. The military is not going to disappear from the space frontier. Over three-quarters of satellites are of a military nature. We do oppose the "weaponization of space." We identify what the military is doing that is good and in service to the people … and what the militaries can do of a non-weapons nature in space (and on earth).
2) Simultaneous to the ban on space-based weapons, we call for enhancing world cooperative agreements on civil, military and commercial space ventures. The world's people, including identified and potential adversaries, will come together on this issue because there are vital benefits and opportunities that will be made available to all (no matter what their belief system) as we apply Space Age technology and information services directly to solving urgent and potential human and environmental problems.
3) We do not call for stopping "research," but we do call for stopping research that is mandated to weaponize space. We must leave the word "research" in the World Treaty as it appears in the legislation, and because this World Treaty as it appears in the Congressional Record. (Congressman Kucinich is introducing the World Treaty into the Congressional Record.) The space-based weapons program of today was built under the guise of "it's merely RESEARCH"! The space-based weapons system can be deployed just by calling it "merely RESEARCH." The Space Preservation Act of 2001 calls for the removal of the mandate to weaponize space yet allow for basic R&D programs to expand.
4) We will transform the entire war industry (and mindset) into a space industry...by removing the mandate to weaponize space. Products and services, technology and information services will be created as minds are unleashed and budgets are applied with the intention to be applied directly to solving urgent humanitarian and environmental problems including those of health and education, civil liberties…peace and justice, poverty, pollution, and the energy crisis will be incalculable.
The only way to build real security is to enhance communication and cooperation. We have the technology…and space gives us the time and the place. We can and will make this unique agreement to ban space-based weapons, and to create this new paradigm. Even adversaries will want to work together to reap the vital benefits that will be made available to all. Adversaries will come together no matter what their belief systems and experiences…no matter what the current situation or past experiences…because this is so beneficial to everyone. The game changes here!
Most important of all, this law will cause true "second order change" to occur. First order change is when we respond to bombings with bombings (i.e. more of the same). Second order change is when we respond to bombings with "bombs" of food, medicine and clothing…with no bombs and weapons. First order change is when space-based weapons are deployed. Second order change is when we provide a win-win by preserving space for peaceful purposes and benefits for all that will bring everyone together in a new way, including adversaries.
Everything and everyone is in place to change the entire old, dangerous paradigm into a new space paradigm based on the Space Preservation Act of 2001 and the forthcoming World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons. The timing is right. This is the time. We have only one chance … within the next few short months. 2002 - it will be done! This is the biggest WIN-WIN of all time.
Take Action!
Make the prevention of the weaponization of space a priority in your life. Contact and develop personal relationships with U.S. and world leaders and work with them until they have signed on to the ban on spacee-based weapons bill and/or treaty. Mobilize members of your groups and communities. Work every day in every way to keep space weapons-free.
You can see a copy of the Space Preservation Act or 2001 and a copy of the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons draft on the website: http://www.peaceinspace.com
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Nation-state Leader Letter in support for a worldwide ban on space-based weapons.
LETTER TO NATION STATE LEADERS
=============================
Date:
Dear ____________________Nation-state Leader of______________(country)
Address:______________________________________________________________
I am writing to obtain your written statement of support for a ban on space-based weapons. I ask you to please reply to my letter with a simple written response: "I am willing to sign an agreement to ban all space-based weapons."
On October 2, 2001, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Democrat-Ohio) introduced the Space Preservation Act of 2001 "to preserve the cooperative uses of space for the benefit of all humankind by permanently prohibiting the basing of weapons in space by the United States, and to require the President to take actions to adopt and implement a world treaty banning space-based weapons.".
In addition, a World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons has been developed which places a permanent ban on space-based weapons. A copy of the treaty was faxed to you for your review and signature. If you did not receive it, please notify us and another will be sent to you immediately.
Canada, China, Russia, and a growing list of national leaders have announced their commitment not to break the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM), and to sign a verifiable treaty to ban space-based weapons. Everything and everyone is in place at this unique moment in history to enact this ban.
Instead of building space-based weapons, we will build world cooperative space ventures including space habitats, stations, hospitals, schools, industries, laboratories, farms, hotels and resorts, and craft to travel the universes to learn more about ourselves and our neighbors.
We call for a halt to research and development (R&D), testing, production, manufacturing and deployment of all space-based weapons. This will not disrupt the economy. It will stimulate it and provide countless new jobs and training programs. The largest R&D program in history is now mandated to weaponize space. Removing that mandate will not stop the R&D, but will stop R&D intended for space-based weaponry.
This will free the industry to create technologies and services that will provide the greatest benefits and opportunities to all world citizens. The space-based weapons industry will be transformed into a world cooperative civil, military and commercial space industry without weapons in space.
We oppose the weaponization of space, not the militarization of space. Militaries are already in space and are not going to disappear. They are highly skilled and well organized, and have non-space-based weapons roles to play after the law is passed banning space-based weapons.
At this time in history, all world leaders, including former adversaries, should sign this statement and form national and world security systems that are based on cooperation, on information sharing, on technology development and on applications of technology and information services that will solve urgent and potential human and environmental problems.
Please respond if you have concerns or questions. We will be glad to address your concerns and will provide you with information to answer questions.
Your letter of support for a ban on space-based weapons will be sent to all other national leaders to show support for a world treaty banning space-based weapons.
Please reply and also send a copy of your response and statement of support for a ban on space-based weapons to:
Dr. Carol Rosin, Institute for Cooperation in Space (ICIS),
PO Box 25040, Ventura, CA 93001
Tel: 805-641-1999 Fax: 805-641-9669
rosin@spaceinspace.com
You can also use ICIS Online Fax to contact world leaders and US Representatives:
http://www.peaceinspace.com
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2) Satellites Reveal Drought Conditions In 20 Percent Of The World
From Space Daily
Washington - Oct 4, 2001
A new satellite-based method for early detection, monitoring and analysis of drought shows that nearly 20 percent of the world's landmass has been stricken by drought over the past two years, according to scientists at the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Scientists at NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service in Camp Springs, Md., used solar radiation detected from an instrument onboard NOAA's polar orbiting satellites, called the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer. The solar radiation was observed in three wavelengths of the solar spectrum -- visible, near infrared and thermal -- to study vegetation health, moisture, and thermal conditions.
"Satellite data are important to our understanding of the world's climate, particularly in regions of the world where routine surface measurements are sometimes difficult to obtain," said Felix Kogan, the NOAA scientist who developed the new drought detection methodology. "This method has been tested worldwide for eight years and has proven to be an excellent vehicle for early drought detection and monitoring, as well as for assessing the impacts of droughts."
NOAA is providing information on drought to customers around the world. Many countries in Africa, Asia and North America experienced the effects of two-year droughts.
Long, intensive spring and summer dryness developed in the southern and western United States (and neighboring regions of Canada) during 2000 and 2001 with Texas experiencing severe droughts. Satellite data identified large areas in the Northwest that were vulnerable to intensive fire activity. During the two-year period, active fires consumed large areas of forested land.
For the full story and related links, see
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/earth-01k.html
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