[Theophilous Meatyard III]

“Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies” ratified in Washington, London and Moscow in 1967. That leaves out China and India. Anyway, I guess the idea of the Space Force would be to have personnel trained and equipment on the ground ready to be launched and ready for use quickly, if needed.

[Svartalfiar]

“Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies” ratified in Washington, London and Moscow in 1967. That leaves out China and India.

Which is a major reason that treaty (waaaay outdated) need to be revisited. Britain has dropped so far, they wouldn't be a threat to anyone. Moscow, like us, is certainly worried about China (historically they hate each other quite a bit), and I'm sure has clandestine research going on anyway. It's not like they follow the spirit of the nuke treaty. (They probably did actually follow it, as 50%+ of their stuff probably couldn't even get off the ground!)

I doubt China would add their signature to it, and even if they did, they'd ignore it even moreso than Russia. India, isn't really a threat to us (we're friendly), but there's still a chance something could go wrong. And it would be dumb for them to limit themselves by choice when the other major players already locked themselves in to the treaty.

The treaty just needs to be scrapped, period. Or, at a minimum, re-negotiated to include all spacefaring nations / those close to it.