The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Secure World Foundation have produced “A Lexicon for Space Security,” edited by Almudena Azcárate Ortega and Victoria Samson. The Lexicon is now available for download at this direct link…
One challenge to advancing space security is the absence of common understandings of frequently used terminology. To facilitate shared understandings of key topics and terms, the Lexicon aims to serve as an accessible global reference point for terminological issues related to space security. The Lexicon seeks to facilitate international discussions on space security-related matters by identifying different definitions and interpretations (where relevant); it is hoped that this Lexicon will serve to enhance transparency and reduce potential misunderstandings.
The Lexicon is an evolving project: the list of terms to be included in this first edition was developed by drawing from salient terms used in space security discourse at the multilateral level, and through consultation with a geographically representative and linguistically diverse committee of 11 internationally recognized space and disarmament experts. However, the Lexicon does not intend to be exhaustive. New terminology will be added in the future as the space landscape evolves.
The terms featured in this first edition are divided into three main groups:
- Acronyms commonly used in space security. The full names and different interpretations of several of these terms is further expanded on in sections 2 and 3.
- Common definitions of frequently used concepts and acronyms in space security to facilitate a broad understanding of what can sometimes be a technical topic.
- A selection of terminology frequently used by States in space policy discussions that could benefit from further clarification to achieve a common understanding.
Groups 2 and 3 have been subdivided into subcategories for increased clarity. All terms are ordered alphabetically within their own groups and subcategories. When a definition includes a term that is defined elsewhere in the Lexicon, a cross-reference is included.
This first edition of the Lexicon for Space Security is generously funded by the Republic of Korea.
The Lexicon for Space Security is currently only available in English. Versions in all United Nations languages will be created, using the English version as a basis, and checked for consistency. Versions in other languages will not necessarily be exact translations of the present English version, as they will highlight important linguistic differences relevant to each individual language.
