Assessment and Prioritization of Strategies for the Long Term Sustainability of Outer Space
- Paper number
IAC-20,E6,4,6,x59750
- Author
Mrs. Fatima AlShamsi, United Arab Emirates, UAE Space Agency
- Coauthor
Mr. Naser AlRashedi, United Arab Emirates, UAE Space Agency
- Coauthor
Dr. Fatheya Al Shareji, United Arab Emirates, UAE Space Agency
- Year
2020
- Abstract
The international challenge of the different risks against space objects, applications, and infrastructure calls for radical yet innovative approach to mitigate them and bridge the gap with existing strategic opportunities. Despite the existence of certain rules governing space activities, the current framework requires a major overhaul in many areas, most importantly including prevention of geopolitical competition in outer space and clarification of the key terms regarding deployment and use of weapons in outer space. The lack of rules and the ever-increasing significance of national space security systems and advancements in counter-space capabilities could lead to the potential future conflict. Such risks could have devastating consequences on third-parties and civilians, and the continuity of vital space operations. In order to prevent this, new codes of conduct should be established and already existing rules related to outer space should be revisited and redefined. This paper provides an overview of existing gaps and existing and recommended strategies to overcome these challenges, and the priority of implementation for best impact. Also, each recommendation is mapped with relevant sustainable development goal, in addition to long term sustainability guidelines. Such alignment proves the logical next step to gradually approach the current problems and to let the member states understand the extent to which gravity of the current situation could further affect degradation of the space environment.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-20,E6,4,6,x59750.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.