Which statement is not recommended for a space code of conduct proposed by Krepon, Hitchens, and Katz?

• A. Admonition against the deliberate creation of persistent space debris.
• B. Establishing "special caution areas" and "zoning restrictions" around each state's spacecraft.
• C. Notifications and consultations regarding satellite maneuvers.
• D. Requirements to clear all launch manifests through the United Nations to ensure they do not include space weapons.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is reducing risk in space operations through practical, cooperative norms that nations can actually adopt. The recommended statements focus on minimizing hazards and improving transparency in a way that respects national interests: avoiding debris creation to keep space usable for everyone, designating cautious areas or zones around spacecraft to reduce the chance of accidents, and sharing notices about planned satellite maneuvers to prevent surprises and misinterpretations.

The option that would require clearing all launch manifests through the United Nations to ensure they do not include space weapons is not aligned with how a space code of conduct is typically envisioned. Mandating UN clearance for every launch would be a heavy, centralized verification regime that raises sovereignty concerns, is difficult to verify given dual-use technologies, and is likely impractical to implement universally. It could also hinder legitimate civilian, commercial, and defense activities without guaranteeing an absolute ban on weapons in space. In contrast, the other measures promote safety and coordination in a feasible, voluntary framework, which is why they are favored.