Pentagon Seeks to ‘Reduce Uncertainty’ in Norms for Space Amid Increased Aggression by China, Russia

The Long March-2F rocket carrying China's manned Shenzhou-10 spacecraft blasts off from its launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on June 11, 2013 in Jiuquan, Gansu Province of China. Manned space flights have been the public face of China's push into space, which has also included secret efforts to build anti-satellite weapons. ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images

The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking to establish more secure norms and behaviors in outer space amid increased aggression by China and Russia, according to one Pentagon official.

“Developing a shared understanding among states of what constitutes safe and responsible space activities benefits all space operators, including DoD,” said John Hill, deputy assistant secretary of defense for space and missile defense policy.