Space race intensifies as Artemis II highlights growing orbital conflict

The Artemis II mission represents a collaborative effort in lunar exploration, yet space is increasingly viewed as a battleground. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in orbit while permitting military operations. In 2025, a working group will be formed by the UN General Assembly to address the prevention of an arms race in outer space. The US Space Command is gearing up for possible confrontations, as China, Russia, the US, and India conduct tests of anti-satellite weaponry. Threats such as jamming, lasers, and cyberattacks are rising. European initiatives include France's satellite patrols, the UK's laser detection systems, and Germany's secure military satellite network. Additionally, Iran has reportedly obtained a Chinese spy satellite, boosting its offensive capabilities. With over 14,000 satellites and 120 million pieces of debris in Earth's orbit, Starlink plans to reconfigure its systems by 2026 to mitigate collision hazards.