Article

The New START Treaty expired on February 5, 2026, eliminating nuclear transparency between the U.S. and Russia. In response, the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit revealed the GHOST-R program, seeking to leverage commercial space assets for tactical reconnaissance.

This initiative aims to address capability gaps by placing high-resolution sensors in geosynchronous orbit within 24 months. However, it raises concerns about governance and the potential for misinterpretation of commercial maneuvers near military assets, risking escalation. The need for a multilateral approach to space governance is critical to prevent conflicts stemming from rapid commercialization and ambiguous intentions.