Missile and Nuclear Conundrums

Rocket technology is likewise for both civilian and military applications. There are certain fundamental differences in regard to technology appreciation between space launch rockets and ballistic missiles. However, the similarity in basic science and technology makes it impossible to separate them completely or permanently. Scientists in various parts of the world (mainly Germany, erstwhile USSR, the USA and few European Nations) during the early 1920s and 1930s were attracted to the rocket development because of their interests in idea of space travel. In order to continue to develop these ideas, the scientific community engaged military sponsors in those periods.

Scientists and military leaders realised that rocket is a dual purpose system. It can launch a scientific payload (satellite) into outer space or can launch a warhead (conventional or nuclear) towards a target at distance of thousands of kilometres. The technology needs minor modifications for such purposes. In short, various civilian rocket programmes raise possibilities for missile development. Almost, every country capable of building large rockets has used their early models interchangeably for civilian and military role. The rocket used for the launch of first satellite Sputnik (1957) was derived from the first ICBM made by the erstwhile USSR (SS-6/R-7). Similar trend was observed with various states like Briton, France, China, India and Israel with the exception of Japan.1 Over a period of time, all these states have started developing specific task-based vehicles, be it space or missiles.

It has been always difficult to judge the exact intentions of a country—whether their objective is to launch a satellite or a missile, based on the knowledge of their expertise in rocketry field. It has been always possible for proliferators to conceal their military intentions. Formulations of some of the international arms control and non-proliferation systems did incur debate on such issues. In the event of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTRC) negotiations, the issue was raised ‘whether [163] space launch vehicles should be treated differently from offensive missiles in light of their legitimate civilian applications’. The USA was of the view that ‘civilian space launch vehicles had to be viewed as strictly equivalent to military missiles because they were technologically indistinguishable’ [1]. However, subsequently during negotiation phase, the USA was not able to maintain this position due to international pressures.

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the politics behind undertaking space launches to actually demonstrate the missile development capabilities. This chapter also examines the interdependence of space regime on nuclear matters. The issues related to missile defence, a system ‘advertised’ as an alternative to nuclear deterrence mechanism or a system to negate the incoming nuclear missile threat, also have certain connotations in regard to space affairs. Various concerns in this regard are also discussed over here.