by Nikki Wood, August 15, 2021
‘STOP Militarisation of Space’ New Zealand ‘Rocket Lab’ protest 21 June 2021 in Auckland. It asks government and Space Industry CEO to refuse US military Space Missile payloads for warfare combat targeting. Speakers also expose dangers to health and environment from the proposed 100,000 satellites for civilian/military dual purpose.
This public event reinforces NZ Nuclear Free Peacemaker policies and the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act. However, (OSHAA) regulations must be improved to keep ‘Space for Peace Aotearoa’. This requires an amendment to prohibit rocket launches of military weapons and satellites contributing to warfare infrastructure. In addition, the NZ government should actively pursue the UN PAROS Treaty (Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space) for protection of Heaven and Earth for humanity.
