Weaponization of Space

WHEREAS:
The United States military's plans to develop technologies for waging war from space are intended to enhance our collective security. In light of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, we believe that these plans will not achieve that end.

The US Space Command's "Vision for 2020" explicitly articulates these plans. Research for and deployment of a multi-tiered missile defense system is but a first step in this plan.

This Report, "serves as a vector for the evolution of military space strategy into the 21st century," when "space power will… evolve into a separate and equal medium of warfare." The Report also speaks of "dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment [estimated at $500 billion by 2010].... integrating space forces into warfighting capabilities across the full spectrum of conflict."

The 2001 Rumsfeld "Space Commission Report" urges the President to "have the option to deploy weapons in space," and recommends that the US work to shape the international political and legal environment to keep open the option of deploying weapons in space. Corporation representatives participated in this commission, and 75 commercial entities assisted with the development of the US Space Command's Long-Range Plan.

A Senate Armed Forces Committee member has stated that space weaponization is "a mistake of historic proportions" that would trigger an arms race in space.

In 2000, 163 nations supported the UN resolution, "Prevention of An Arms Race in Outer Space", which reaffirmed The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, specifically its provision reserving space "for peaceful purposes."

RESOLVED: Shareholders request the Board of Directors to provide a comprehensive report describing the various aspects of our Company's involvement in space-based weaponization. The report would be made available to shareholders on request by October 2003 (withholding proprietary information and prepared at reasonable cost).

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

The proponents of this resolution believe that outer space is the common heritage of all and should be used for peaceful purposes and the well being of all peoples and the cosmos. We believe that present space-based research and project development will lead to the weaponization of space and further contribute to the insecurity of governments worldwide. We believe that shareholders deserve company transparency about and accountability for involvement in research, development and promotion of weapons for space. The report could include the following:

· Current value of outstanding contracts to develop components of the Space Command's programs;
· Amount of the company's own money (versus government funding) spent on in-house research and development for the Space Command program;
· The ethical and financial reasons for being involved in the Space Command program.

We urge shareholder support of this resolution.

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