There are currently no international norms and policies that restrict the use or potential misuse of space weapons. There is no international law governing the use of these weapons, and this can create confusion, which can lead to armed conflict. The United States has already rejected a treaty limiting the use and possession of these weapons. Russia is following suit.
Existing international legal instruments don't explicitly limit space weapons
As space systems continue playing an increasing role as a weapon of war and international security, military will develop the capability to strike or destroy them during conflicts. Indeed, many nations are investing in missile defense capabilities that could be used as anti-satellite weapons. Israel even suggests that its Arrow system could be used for this purpose in future. This entanglement between missile defense and space weapons remains a significant problem.
While the Outer Space Treaty does not allow WMD to be deployed and used in space orbits, it does not ban conventional space weapons or nuclear-powered missiles being launched into space. It does not ban the use of conventional space weapons that are powered by nuclear power sources. There are also no regulations regarding the space trajectory of intercontinental-ballistic missiles.
The U.S. refuses to sign a treaty that would limit them
Russia and China submitted a draft agreement to the United Nations that would limit space weapons. However, the United States is refusing to sign the treaty, citing concerns over the secretive nature space arms. Bush's administration dismissed this agreement as a diplomatic ploy. The Obama administration also has been reluctant signing the treaty.
The United Nations has committed itself to stopping an outer space arms-race, but it has yet to negotiate a comprehensive treaty to prohibit space weaponization. The United States argues that since there is no such race, there is no need to take action, but the international community agrees that now is the time to prevent space weaponization.
The treaty would require states to conduct a legal review of any space weapon before it is used. The review would check if the weapon breaches the laws or principles of weapons law. The treaty does however not require states to make their legal reviews public.
Russia
In the last few years, there has been much debate about Russia's space weapons. There are many theories, but some commentators believe that Russia is developing space weapons in response to the United States' aggressive space weapons program. One Russian commentator stated that the program would deter hostile actions with space-enabled weaponry.
Russians are testing their anti-satellite weapons capabilities. These weapons use radars and aircraft to strike satellites. Russia is also looking for a way to down another satellite by using its own satellite. This is no surprise given our dependence upon satellites. But many countries have called for a treaty to prevent the development of space weapons.
Russia's space program is a vital part of its national security. It is vital for Moscow's nuclear forces. Its early warning satellites provide information to command-and controller centers and allow them to monitor objects in low orbit.