• The President is considering a new directive that would endorse proposed US Air Force doctrine that would for the first time call for the U.S. to achieve “space dominance,” including the capacity to strike targets in space and on Earth. Launch of a potential technology demonstrator , the Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) satellite, is scheduled for 2006. The U.S Air Force has launched into orbit two XSS experimental satellites capable of intercepting and taking action against a target satellite.

• With space policy at a critical juncture, we need to work together in new ways. Using some common language and referring to some of the same big ideas will enable peace and security advocates who work on different aspects of this and other issues to advance specific objectives while also reinforcing one another’s efforts and advancing the larger, longer-term goals we all share.

• Members of Congress and their staff lack the language needed to speak persuasively on this issue to their constituents, colleagues and critics.

• When the peaceful uses of space, including further shuttle flights, rise to the top of the news agenda, being ready with effective messaging will enable us to take advantage of this opportunity and to raise the profile of the fight against space weapons.

• The right messaging can help the peace and security community attract allies from other communities who share a similar vision of responsible U.S. global engagement.

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