Weaponization of Space

2010 – Lockheed Martin Corporation

 

 

WHEREAS: In 2008, Lockheed Martin ranked 1 on the Department of Defense Top 100 list with contracts valued in excess of $30.1 billion of which at least $1.8 billion were NASA contracts.  (GovernmentExecutive.com, 8/15/09; www.USAspending.gov, 11/4/09)

 

On October 6, 2006, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy rolled out the new National Space Policy, which is to “ensure that space capabilities are available in time to further U.S. national security, homeland security, and foreign policy objectives.”  A fundamental goal is to “enable unhindered U.S. operations in and through space to defend our interests there.” 

 

The Policy calls upon the Secretary of Defense to “develop capabilities, plans, and options to ensure freedom of action in space, and, if directed, deny such freedom of action to adversaries.”  The United States alone voted against the [United Nations] resolution on prevention of an arms race in outer space… The PAROS resolution was adopted in March 2007 by a vote of 166 in favor, one against.  (www.nti.org)  

 

As a civil space guideline, the Policy calls upon NASA to “execute a sustained and affordable human and robotic program of space exploration and develop, acquire, and use civil space systems to advance fundamental scientific knowledge of our Earth system, solar system, and universe.”

 

Space has served as a sanctuary where, over the years, nations cooperate rather than confront one another. Satellites save lives and support our economy by predicting the weather, helping first responders provide emergency assistance, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and making cell phones, pagers and modern financial transactions possible. Satellites provide a platform for scientific research and expand our understanding of the universe.

 

RESOLVED:  Shareholders request that, within six months of the annual meeting, the Board of Directors provide a comprehensive report on Lockheed Martin’s involvement in the space-based weapons program, at reasonable cost and omitting proprietary and classified information.  

 

Supporting Statement: Resolution proponents believe outer space is the common heritage of all, to be used for peaceful purposes and the common good of all peoples. We believe space-based weapons research and development adds to the insecurity of governments worldwide and has lead to a new arms race.  We suggest transparency in reporting our Company’s participation in research, development and promotion of weapons for space:

 

·         Current value of outstanding contracts to develop components for Space programs;

·         Amount of our company’s own money (versus government funding) spent on in-house research and development, in comparison to non-military contracts in this business segment;

·         Sustainable environment consequences, which might include long-term environmental impact studies, water use, waste management or toxic  releases and transfers;

·         Strategies for employment stability, including alternate production plans and funding sources;

·         Ethical and financial reasons for involvement in the Space program.

 

We urge support for this reasonable request.