Erlangen 2026 – scientific programme

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AGA: Arbeitsgruppe Physik und Abrüstung

AGA 1: Missile Defense and Outer Space

AGA 1.3: Talk

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 16:00–16:30, KH 00.016

The Emerging Weaponization of Outer Space and Possible Restraint Measures — •Götz Neuneck — Federation of German Scientists

The challenges of a more congested and weaponized space environment are rising due to geopolitical rivalries of space-faring nations. The leading space powers accuse each other of weaponizing space while testing stealthy satellites and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPOs), direct-ascent ground-based interceptors and preparing space-based interceptors. Armed conflict in space and the deliberate destruction of satellietes can cause much short-term havoc in the space environment causing long-term consequences for different space constellations. Also nuclear weapons in space can not be ruled-out any longer. The arms control history is full confidence building measures and regulations but lack on implementation. The talk summarizes the threat and discusses possible measures of restraint.

Keywords: space threats