The United States and other countries in the European Union are joining together to develop a "code of conduct" that would establish rules for orbiting spacecraft and for mitigating the growing problem of debris, or "space junk".

 

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With more countries launching their own space programs, it's getting crowded up there in Earth orbit, and the already serious problem of orbiting space junk is getting worse all the time.

"The long-term sustainability of our space environment is at serious risk from space debris and irresponsible actors," said a statement from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

So, in response to those challenges, the United States will join the European Union and other nations to develop an International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities.

Countries signing the code would pledge to maintain freedom of access and use of outer space "for peaceful purposes without interference, fully respecting the security, safety and integrity of space objects in orbit," according to the text released in Geneva in 2009.

Moreover, adherents would also pledge to keep their international conflicts on Earth, and to not fight their wars in outer space.

Does anyone really believe that a treaty will stop any country with the technological capability from waging war in Earth orbit?  If human history and human nature tell us anything, if it CAN be done, it WILL be done.

There will be extra-terrestrial wars, and those who're not prepared to fight "up there" will be the losers.

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