'Low Earth orbit' (LEO) is the region of space within 2,000 km of the Earth's surface. It is the most concentrated area for orbital debris. Credit: NASA/JSCSecurity in outer space has become an increasingly important issue over the years. The global community of spacefaring nations is witnessing a sizeable increase in orbital debris from both deliberate and accidental satellite destructions.
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", has been released, 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).
Collision avoidance exercises
The report puts in perspective the dynamics of current international deliberations and actions on space security and presents a set of key recommendations, among them:
+ 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 centres 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. Information exchanges
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 entitled, "Towards Greater Security in Outer Space: Some Recommendations", has been released, 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).
Collision avoidance exercises
The report puts in perspective the dynamics of current international deliberations and actions on space security and presents a set of key recommendations, among them:
+ 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 centres 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. Information exchanges
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.
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