Assured Space Security Addressed In New Report

A new report has flagged a series of recommendations to help address the orbital debris concern and other issues that can assure enhanced security in space for all. The report — entitled “Towards Greater Security in Outer Space: Some Recommendations” — was made possible by information gathered during a recent workshop held in Paris, France, and co-sponsored by Secure World Foundation and the L’Institut français des relations internationales (Ifri).

The report puts in perspective the dynamics of current international deliberations and actions on space security and presents a set of key

• There should be a concerted effort to establish an international Space Situational Awareness (SSA) architecture in order to reduce the risk of accidental collisions in space
• Research should be increased on methods of deorbiting critical pieces of debris safely and effectively. In addition, research should start on the legal and political issues of removing debris from orbit in order to provide the legal and policy bases for such activities
• The space community should have a “phonebook” of the satellite maneuvering centers maintained by operators to contact them quickly in case of need. In addition, satellite operators could agree to conduct “collision avoidance” exercises
• The Working Group on Best Practices within the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva should pursue additional means to limit creation of space debris. Regular communication with delegates at the CD should ensure the latter understand the role of debris in contributing to an insecure space environment

In addition, the report underscored the fact that information exchanges between UN COPUOS and the CD would foster better communication and understanding of the work of each committee with respect to outer space and resolve possible divergences should they occur. The report also spotlights, as an independent entity active in the field, that the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has played an important role in reinforcing the communication channels between the two bodies and should continue to do so. Furthermore, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) community can also make an important contribution to better understanding and assist in raising the level of technical and diplomatic expertise on outer space matters in both international entities.

Overall, the study found it important to upgrade the level of technical knowledge of policy-makers sitting at negotiation tables. Doing so, for instance, could help distinguishing weapon versus non-weapon space applications.