Moving Ahead on Space Security
A UCS panel discussion
The United States has a vital interest in taking steps to ensure the sustainability and security of the space environment. A number of recent events—including demonstrations of anti-satellite capability, a collision between satellites, and a dramatic increase in dangerous space debris—make clear that threats to satellites are increasing and that space activities are a potential source of distrust and tension.
Addressing these issues is urgent, and the U.S. cannot do this on its own. Existing international legal structures and norms are not adequate to ensure the sustainability and security of space, and currently no international discussions are underway to change that. While the Obama administration has been working on space security issues, issuing its National Space Policy in June 2010 and seeking discussions on space security with Beijing, progress has not been commensurate with the magnitude of the problem.
On December 15, 2010, the Union of Concerned Scientists hosted the event “Moving Ahead on Space Security,” at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The event sought to provide perspectives on what steps the United States should take to move space security ahead; on the possibilities for international diplomatic engagement on space security; and on the historical context for trying to cooperate with China on space, and why that matters now.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. David Wright, senior scientist and co-director of the UCS Global Security Program, included presentations by:
Dr. Laura Grego, senior scientist, UCS Global Security Program, Next Steps for the United States
Ambassador Paul Meyer (retired), Former Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Conference on Disarmament, PAROS in Peril: Prospects for Renewed Outer Space Security Diplomacy
Dr. Gregory Kulacki, Senior Analyst & China Program Manager, UCS Global Security Program, Prospects for Cooperation with China on Space
