Weaponization of Space
2004 – Alliant Techsystems
Inc.
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.
Sponsors:
Lead: School Srs of Notre Dame Cooperative
Investment Fund, Sr. Susan Jordan; Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes; Dominican Srs. of Springfield
Illinois; Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota; Maryknoll Fathers and
Brothers; Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order (Midwest Capuchins); School
Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato Province; School Srs. of Notre Dame of St. Louis;
School Srs. of Notre Dame, Baltimore;