Suggested
Activities:
1. Refer back
to Benchmark I and create a database of the scientific and technical
requirements to develop a space program. Give some estimates of a)
necessary raw materials, b) necessary personnel, and c) possible costs.
2. Write a persuasive
essay examining the benefits of a space program to society.
3. Make
a list of nations that have space programs, and a further list
of nations that have the potential of developing space programs.
Indicate the purpose/use of each program. Indicate if these programs
are civilian, military or dual use.
4. Compare and
contrast space exploration with terrestrial exploration.
5. Create
a timeline or an outline that shows US-Soviet competition in
space. Use government pronouncements of policy; indicate
the uses, success/failure of the programs. Be prepared to give
a
carefully prepared comparison of the two nations.
6. Choose
two other nations and create case studies of the space programs
of those nations.
7.
Make a list of movies or TV shows (series, mini-series)
that have as their
theme “Conflict in space.” View
one and write a review of it.
8.
From the books you researched in Benchmark I
make a list of books that discuss “Conflict
in space.” Write a book report
on one of these books.
9. Explain if
there are different kinds of space weapons, how they would be used
in conflict. Prepare
graphical
examples.
Suggested Activities:
1. Research and prepare
a listing of space-based defenses; indicate existing and future
defenses. What are the qualities of a space-based
defense?
2. Create a time line
of the development space-based defenses.
3. Compare and contrast “space
weapons” and “space-based
defense.”
4. Prepare a debate
on whether some, any, or all “missile defense
systems” are related to space security.
5. Prepare
a position paper on whether space-based defenses violate
existing treaties and agreements.
6. Prepare a position
paper on how confidence-building efforts such as the International
Space Station (ISS)
promote cooperation
in space
and lessen competition among nations.
Suggested
Activities:
1. Prepare a chart to show what scientific and technical
measures are needed to assure adherence to treaties regarding space.
Explain
how these work.
2. Prepare a database of national and international
organizations that monitor possible military activities in space.
Give examples
of their work.
3. Prepare a debate on the topic: “Resolved,
because space is not owned by anybody or any nation it does
not require security.”
4. Write an Op-Ed piece on the
need for more open communications about the use of space.
5.
Prepare a debate on the role of public opinion regarding space
issues.
6. Prepare a list of topics about space security
that interest you, but about which you are unable to find more
information.
7. Prepare a paper on some of the acknowledged problems
in space development (e.g., space debris). Explain
your approach
to solving
these problems.
