Ralph “Dinz” Dinsley, Northern Space and Security, Reflecting Space; Christopher Newman, Northumbria University and Reflecting Space
Keywords: Space Situational Awareness, Governance, Outer Space Treaty, Space Traffic Management
Abstract:
The recent and rapid expansion of space activity, particularly for commercial and military purposes, has meant that the orbit of the Earth is becoming an increasingly congested, and as a result, a more contested domain. But the means to control and lead have not kept up with this expansion. With the rapid increase of commercial entities as well as state actors, it is suggested that there is a serious challenge posed to safe and sustainable space operations and that the current status quo in respect of Space Situational Awareness is not a sufficient nor sustainable solution[1]. As space becomes more congested, there is a need to manage the population growth, not only through tracking objects using basic positional data, but also through a proportionate regulation model. There is a need to have an awareness of the nature of these objects and their function and even though such a requirement needs often sensitive mission and status data there is no question that the appropriate framework cannot be developed to ensure space sustainability without stifling the innovation of space technology.
This paper will examine the construction of a new governance framework to take Space Situational Awareness forward and make it fit-for-purpose in this new era of intense space activity. Central to this discussion is the need to develop a means to provide active oversight of activities in space that will be as open as required without compromising the needs of commercial and military operations. It will evaluate different models of operation; from the purely industry-led, to groupings of autonomous civilian organisations, to an overarching international organisation. The strengths and weakness of each approach will be evaluated and, critically, engagement with military actors will be considered alongside each solution. It will be suggested that a radical realignment of attitudes to Space Situational Awareness across the entire space sector is needed. It is contended that only a fundamentally new approach will be sufficient in order to ensure a robust and efficient Space Situational Awareness system of monitoring space activity and will ensure protection of critical infrastructure systems which are dependent on space.
Furthermore, this paper will consider the relevance of current international space legislation, arguing the need to use the Outer Space Treaty as the main stay of future developments in space governance.
[1] Recent questions surrounding the launch of SpaceBees questions the effectiveness of current governance and regulation enforcement.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Space Situational Awareness