September 26
Yorkshire CND, A Walk Around the Fylingdales US Missile Defence Rada
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On September 26, The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, members of Yorkshire CND walked 10 miles or so around the US missile defence radar at Fylingdales in North Yorkshire England, to raise money (it was a sponsored walk) and awareness of the radar’s role in the militarisation of space.
October 3
Space Week Protest at Bath Iron Works, Maine
From Bruce Gagnon’s Blog
Keep Space for Peace Week protest at Bath Iron Works in Maine where Navy Aegis destroyers are built.
These destroyers are for offensive operations and are today deployed off the shores of China, Russia and Iran. They fire nuclear-capable Tomahawk cruise missiles and ‘missile defense’ interceptors – the sword and the shield.
In 2008 one of these warships fired an interceptor missile into space and destroyed an old US military satellite, in Operation Burnt Frost, proving these weapons could serve the role as an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT).
We arrived just before hundreds of workers poured out of the shipyard for their short lunch break. Two of our folks handed out flyers explaining our protest and calling for the conversion of the shipyard to building things like commuter rail, tidal power systems, and offshore wind turbines all of which would create more jobs than military production.
Currently BIW is undergoing a massive construction expansion to accommodate parking and additional workspace for over 5,000 workers. They are building 6-7 new destroyers. We are witnessing the preparation for endless war.
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Keep Space for Peace Week has never been more relevant. As I explained to passing curious motorists yesterday, Hegseth recently announced that the U.S. intends to “dominate” space. (The motorists said Thank you all and had some disparaging words for the minister of war.)
Earlier in the day an activist from Massachusetts, Christopher Spicer, had engaged in civil disobedience by trying to enter the shipyard and had been arrested by Bath, Maine police. I had no advance notice of the plans so I was unable to join in. Maybe next time…
When the Pentagon threatens to blow other countries’ satellites out of orbit, is that an empty threat? Probably not. They already blew up one of our own defunct satellites using an Aegis missile back in 2008. Darth Vader loves it!
We stood outside the shipyard gates during the workers’ lunch break and while some heckled us several engaged in productive discussions. For example, a military veteran who said she took the job for the money but doesn’t believe in the GD/BIW mission which she described as “working for Israel.”
I wonder if she knows the uber evil General Dynamics also has major contracts with ICE?
Here’s Julia standing amid the shiny Harley Davidson motorcycles that blood money can buy. (Another friend on another occasion at this location heard a worker tell her: When you can offer me $65 an hour, let’s talk.)
October 5
Peace Rally moves to Oxford city centre amid US tensions
By Freddie Amy, Published in This is Oxfordshire
An annual peace rally has moved to Oxford city centre at short notice following heightened security at US military bases.
 |  Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space |
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The Keep Space for Peace demonstration took place on Broad Street on Saturday, October 3, having been originally due to take place at RAF Croughton.
The event was moved following an increased security at US bases after five men were arrested close to RAF Fairfield on the edge of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds..
The rally featured speeches from peace campaigners as well as performances from the Oxford Sea Green Singers and Didcot Red Kites.
Dave Webb, convener of the global network against weapons and nuclear power in space, spoke about concerns around use of weapons in space.
He raised concern over the United States’ use of space technology and what campaigners see as the increasing militarisation of space continues.
Peter Burt, from Drone Wars UK, also spoke at the rally about the UK’s resilience on US technology including the GPS.
Shel Mcdonagh, from Fairford Action, raised concern about the presence of US military bases in the UK and potential risks they could pose during international conflicts.
Veteran peace campaigner Paul Mobbs also addressed the rally warning about society’s increasing reliance on smartphones, satnavs and AI.
Peace performer, Jackie Bardwell also performed several anti nuclear poems during the event.
RAF Croughton, around 20 miles north of Oxford, is a communications base which supports American military operations in Europe.
Nigel Day, convener of Oxford Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said: “In this Keep Space for Peace Week, it’s more important
than ever that we draw attention to the presence of US spy base USAF Croughton so close to Oxford.
“We will be back outside the base as soon as circumstances allow.”
October 5
Washington D.C.
Here’s a photo from this morning’s weekly Dorothy Day CW Pentagon Peace Vigil with several of us holding signs in solidarity with Keep Space for Peace Week. The location of the vigil is on S. Fern and Army Dr. where you joined us for the March 27th action. Though we are banned from the Pentagon property, we keep vigil at this location, on the perimeter of Pentagon, where we can still encounter civilians and soldiers en route to work at the center of warmaking on the planet.
Bruce – keep up the great work! Like you and Mary Beth, we continue to keep our eyes on the prize and do what we can to resist the present reign of terror and as we strive with so many others to help create the Beloved Community.
A bow of gratitude, Art
October 6
Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire, England
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The usual Tuesday night demonstration by Members of the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign (MHAC) was dedicated to Keep Space for Peace Week. Cars leaving the base were stopped and shown peace banners and slogans.
7 October
Space week events at Reva University, Bengaluru, India
From Bruce’s Blog
I was invited to be a keynote speaker on space issues at a conference by the School of Legal Studies at Reva University in Bengaluru, India by Global Network board member Dr. Aruna Kammila. She directs the Legal Department and is hosting this Space Law conference.
As a preliminary activity her department had first year students make posters about the need for vigorous space law in small groups of 2-4 each. They presented the posters with clear explanations to MB and I. We were asked to pick one as the best of them all. We couldn’t do it. So I took them one at a time and said this one is the best – one after the other. The students faces lit up as they saw each of their creations rewarded.
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Yesterday I spoke to about 60 third year law students and answered questions. And tomorrow the formal conference begins where I will give my talk to a larger group.
We heard that 150 papers were submitted, many from students wishing to address the conference from India and other nations including from the African continent. I’m not certain how many were accepted but it will be a moving day to hear from these very bright young people.
It is an honor to be with them all.
Bruce
October 12
Japan: ‘Don’t use Space for military purposes’
From Bruce’s Blog
The paper says ‘ Don’t use Space for military purposes’.
On October 9 a big general meeting was held in Tokyo with 400 people participating from all over Japan against the current military constructions of missile and ammunition stockpile depos and radar facilities all over Japan from small islands in Okinawa to Hokkaido.
So, Ikeda sent me those photos this morning. Though belatedly, please upload, for I believe this is the first time such photos are sent to Global Network from Japan since Satomi Oba is gone.
This nationwide network was formed thanks to Ikeda and Tokyo activists including Koji Sugihara.
In October 10th photo, there are two people, one from Shizuoka and one from Nagoya, who attended in 2009 Seoul, South Korea Global Network general meeting.
I’m glad finally such voice resonating to GN message has been sent from Japan after many years’ interval.
By Makiko Sato, Japan
Keep Space for Peace Week action in New Zealand
In photos: Peace Action Ōtautahi, for the third year in a row, protesting the Christchurch Aerospace Summit at Te Pae convention centre. The group opposes war profiteering and the city hosting companies complicit in Israel’s genocide and on-going war crimes in Gaza.
Activists include many students from the University of Canterbury calling on their institution to cut ties with the companies, including Rocketlab.
As well as rallying outside the building, PAŌ used stationary vehicles to blockade loading bays to the convention centre on Colombo and Armagh Streets — with activists affixing themselves to the vehicles.
The group alleges police denied one of these activists access to basic necessities including water, food, and medication.
After hours of police struggling to remove the individual, they were taken into custody by a swarm of approximately 25 police officers just before 1pm.
